Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Research

Overview

Mass Eye and Ear is home to one of the largest and most productive communities of ear, nose, and throat (otolaryngology–head and neck surgery) researchers anywhere in the world. We probe basic biology to develop cutting-edge treatments for disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, neck, and brain.

Research focus areas

Contemporary otolaryngology research reflects the synthesis of three disciplines: biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and cellular biology.

• Our biomedical engineers are developing new neuroprosthetic stimulation strategies to replace missing sensory signals from the hearing and balance organs or recover facial mobility in individuals with motor nerve damage.
• Our neuroscientists are exploring the basis for debilitating auditory disorders such as presbycusis, noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
• Our cellular and molecular biologists are shedding light on the molecular signaling cascades that regulate the growth and differentiation of cell types ranging from cochlear hair cells to tumors of the head and neck.