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Research Highlights

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery has an active group of researchers who conduct basic, translational, and clinical investigations that encompass such diverse topics as head and neck cancer prevention and treatment, speech pathology, laryngology, otology, reconstructive surgery, rhinology, and surgical simulation in education. The ultimate goal of research in the department is to improve the understanding of and patient care for a variety of conditions in the field. The results of our research – basic and clinical - are reported in major scientific journals and at national and international meetings.

Basic Science Research

Cross-section of hydrops cochlea

The department has seven faculty members whose mission is to promote basic research focused on diseases of the ear and head and neck. Their efforts have led to the discovery of systemic effect of medications applied topically to a tympanic membrane and the development of pH transistor nanoparticles for image-guided cancer ablation surgery. Our researchers also closely collaborate with other departments and institutions to bridge the gap between basic and clinical science and bring cutting edge research to our patients.

In our department, researchers explore a wide range of topics, including:

  • Cochlear implants
  • Peripheral hearing loss and cholesterol dysregulation in the inner ear
  • Ototoxicity
  • Nanoparticles and nanodevices for surgical applications

Clinical Research

Our mission is to advance innovative diagnostic tools and therapies to improve the care and well-being of our community. Our patients are our priority. This means we bring the research to the patient's bedside. We strive to understand the basis of a disease, identify potential treatments or preventive therapies, and enroll patients in clinical research trials. Currently, we are engaged in almost 100 research projects.

The main areas of our clinical research are:

  • Pediatric sleep apnea
  • Skull base tumor bank
  • Acoustic Neuroma
  • NF2
  • Endoscopic ear surgery
  • Cochlear implants
  • Paraganglioma
  • Tumors of head and neck
  • Tonsillectomy
  • Voice Disorders