Otolaryngology Research

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The Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine continues to be a national leader in exploration of otolaryngology and human communication disorders. The department has made significant recent contributions to:

  • Defining the pathogenesis of otitis media
  • Examining language development in children with hearing loss
  • Understanding the underlying factors contributing to head and neck cancer
  • Understanding areas of postural control and vestibular-ocular mechanisms
  • Studying the genetics of neurofibromatosis and vestibular schwannoma
  • Identifying the underlying mechanisms of Meniere's disease

Active research in the department includes basic and clinically-related studies surrounding the molecular genetics of vestibular schwannomas; delivery systems for drugs to the cochlea and vestibular system; and implantable hearing aids and middle ear mechanics. Several faculty members serve on NIH study sections or national-level grant review panels. The department also actively participates in clinical trials in treatment of head and neck cancers and other disorders. 

In addition, groundbreaking work is being conducted to develop a virtual temporal bone dissection simulator in collaboration with the Ohio Supercomputer Center on The Ohio State University campus.

Research Teams

Aerodigestive Research Core Dedicated to improving dysphagia care and outcomes.
Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory Studies the neural mechanisms of hearing loss due to aging and noise trauma.
Head and Neck Cancer Research The nationally renowned experts of the OSUCCC – James head and neck oncology program are dedicated to developing and conducting meaningful research that advances innovative breakthroughs and treatments for patients with head and neck malignancies.
Host Defense Laboratory Uses basic, translational and clinical research to understand immune responses that combat pathogens and tumors and develop immunotherapeutics and vaccines.
Human Auditory Evoked Potential Laboratory Studies the neural encoding of auditory information and its relationship with auditory perception in hearing-impaired patients.
Inner Ear Electrophysiology Laboratory Measures the electric activity in different parts of the auditory system to examine how the inner ear and the brain process sound.
Nasal Physiology and Therapeutic Center Studies the interplay between nasal airflow, nasal obstruction, loss of smell and nasal sinus disease.
Rocco Laboratory Studies the biological basis of two molecular markers shown to be associated with head and neck cancer outcome: intra-tumor heterogeneity and estrogen-receptor signaling.
Skull Base Research Center Develops and conducts cutting-edge research that advances innovative breakthroughs and treatments for patients with skull base tumors.
Tumor Immunology Laboratory Studies the immunological landscape of cancer with a specific emphasis on tumor-specific T and B cell responses in human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cancer.

Otolaryngology Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital

As an international leader in pediatric research, science is thriving at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The behavioral, basic and clinician scientists are redefining pediatric health care with best outcomes for every child in mind.
Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Center for Microbial Pathogenesis
Center for Regenerative Medicine

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