Disorders of the head and neck

Through the research programme ‘Disorders of the head and neck’ the ENT-department envisages societal impact of research, through identification of gaps in knowledge regarding specific categories of patients, i.e., patients suffering from diseases resulting in hearing loss or damage to the vestibular organ. To link clinically relevant gaps in knowledge to wanted research, all modalities of research are used; biotechnological research, biomedical research, translational research, outcome research

Aim and focus of the research programme

The research programme focuses on (neuro-)otology (disorders of the inner ear, i.e., the cochlea and vestibular organ), specifically auditory implants (CIs and ABIs, electrical prostheses for the deaf) and vestibular disorders, with a focus on Meniere’s disease. The research on electrical stimulation of the auditory pathways has a long-standing history in the study of the electrode-to-neural interface, aiming at the development of new clinically applicable speech coding strategies and electrode designs focusing on societal impact. Thereby, it has a strong translational character, and combines computational modelling, imaging, electrophysiology (in animals and humans), psychophysics and clinical trials. The group has initiated stem cell research aimed at regenerative medicine of the auditory nerve and the vestibular organ.

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Aim and focus of the research programme

The research programme focuses on (neuro-)otology (disorders of the inner ear, i.e., the cochlea and vestibular organ), specifically auditory implants (CIs and ABIs, electrical prostheses for the deaf) and vestibular disorders, with a focus on Meniere’s disease. The research on electrical stimulation of the auditory pathways has a long-standing history in the study of the electrode-to-neural interface, aiming at the development of new clinically applicable speech coding strategies and electrode designs focusing on societal impact. Thereby, it has a strong translational character, and combines computational modelling, imaging, electrophysiology (in animals and humans), psychophysics and clinical trials. The group has initiated stem cell research aimed at regenerative medicine of the auditory nerve and the vestibular organ.

There are three main research tracks, the first being more technical, the second more biological, and the third one focusing on evaluation of care.

Collaborations

Cohesion within LUMC

The research program is embedded in the LUMC research themes Neuroscience and cells, tissues and organs.

Parts of the research are conducted in collaboration with other departments within the LUMC, such as Medical Decision Making, the department of Neuroradiology, Neurophysiology, Pediatrics, Molecular Imaging and Anatomy and embryology.

In addition, there are many collaborations both nationally and internationally as seen below.