(The photo shows, from left, Betsy Maholchic, Leslie Liberman, Charlie Liberman PhD, Bryan Pollard and Michael Maholchic.)
We are devastated to report that Bryan Pollard, our founder and shining star, has died.
Bryan singlehandedly created an entire new diagnosis in the field of otology — pain hyperacusis — and worked tirelessly on behalf of those who suffered from it. Bryan himself had a noise injury, with symptoms appearing after exposure to a wood chipper. Like many, he received bad information and no help from doctors. Unlike most, he took action, starting our nonprofit and becoming the first non-researcher to present at ARO, the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, which sparked researchers to take the condition seriously.
We will carry out his important work and continue his legacy under the leadership of Michael Maholchic and the Hyperacusis Research board.
Bryan was an engineer and a scientist. To honor Bryan, we urge people to donate their ears to science by signing up for the Temporal Bone Registry at masseyeandear.org/tbregistry, so that scientists can further their knowledge for treating hearing disorders. And, of course, we always welcome donations to further our research and to spread the word about the reality of hyperacusis.
We are forever in Bryan’s debt. Bryan, we love you. Rest in peace and silence.
Bryan not only dedicated himself to running hyperacusis research, but he took the time to respond to emails from sufferers and gave advice and helped me on several occasions. He was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. His death is devastating news.
Rest in peace Bryan. To say you’re a hero would be an understatement. You’ve helped pave the way to end this horrible disorder in no way anyone else has. And we are forever grateful. May your legacy live on.
We are plan a memorial for Bryan June 25, here in Alabama, where Bryan grew up. We want to use the tribute you wrote, also anything, anyone else would like to say, that would be a comfort to our family.
No one here knew about Bryan s work as he been gone since graduating college
It’s a shame that the world had to lose a man like Bryan Pollard. Rest in Peace, Bryan.
Je suis très triste d’apprendre le décès de Bryan Pollard.
je suis de France, son prénom et son nom de famille a résonné l’autre coté de l’atlantique.
Bryan m’a donné des conseils par mail.
je savais que Bryan était hyperacousique et je savais qu’il cherchait des solutions pour nous les souffrants-
reposez en paix Bryan.
You are a hero Bryan. I have a family member who got an acoustic shock. Thank you for all you’ve done to help find a cure for pain hyperacusis.
Rest in Heavenly peace.