Grant awarded to Washington University researchers to study cochlear implant use

ACIA Grant

The American Cochlear Implant Alliance has awarded a $30,000 grant to Department of Otolaryngology researchers to study under-utilization of cochlear implants in the U.S. The objectives of the study, Adult Cochlear Implant Utilization in the United States: A Nationwide Analysis, are to: Better describe the under-utilization of cochlear implants across the U.S. to significant geographic […]

Medicare expands coverage for cochlear implants

Older man with cochlear implant

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded coverage for cochlear implantation, making the procedure available to millions of additional individuals with hearing loss. Washington University faculty, including Lindburg Professor and Chair Craig A. Buchman, MD, have spent years working in support of the expanded coverage. In 2014, Buchman and colleagues – Teresa […]

WashU ENT has strong presence at annual AAO-HNSF meeting

photo of ENT group at AAO meeting

Faculty, fellows and residents from the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University shared their latest research and surgical expertise at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNSF) in Philadelphia, Sept. 10-14. WashU ENT contributions by specialty included the following: Otology/Neurotology Slim Modiolar vs. Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays in the […]

Cochlear implants in mice allow study of cellular responses

photo of Keiko Hirose in the lab

Understanding the cellular and molecular responses that underlie cochlear implant-induced fibrosis (scar tissue) and neo-ossification (new bone formation) has been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model for research. Cochlear implantation provides enhanced hearing for thousands of hearing-impaired Americans each year. And, with expanded criteria allowing health insurance to cover severe hearing loss […]

Otolaryngology shares impactful research

The Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University School of Medicine stays at the cutting edge of medical practice by conducting research related to all its clinical specialties. A small sample of that research, published since the beginning of 2022, is shared below, along with a brief description of why the contribution is important to the […]

Join team Heads Up to raise money for cancer research

photo of Pedal the Cause kids challenge

Have fun, get your complimentary cool team jersey, and help raise money for world-class cancer research by joining our team Heads Up at this year’s Pedal the Cause Sept. 23 to 25. Children can help too! Register your kids ages 3-13 for the Kids Challenge, which takes place Sept. 17. Riders can choose to bike […]

Ogura Lectureship celebrates research achievements

photo of residents with Amber Luong

The 40th annual Ogura Lectureship and 35th annual Resident Research Day were held June 24 to a near-capacity crowd. Held virtually since 2019, the all-day event returned to the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) on the medical school campus of Washington University this year. The invited guest speaker was Amber Luong, MD, PhD, professor […]

New research scholars join department

photo of new scholars

Four aspiring clinician scientists have joined the ranks of predoctoral research scholars in the Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. T32 Predoctoral Training Program The T32 Predoctoral Training Program for medical students provides a mentored research experience (9 to 12 months) with opportunities to participate in research on many levels and learn from successful program […]

Washington University researchers one step closer to preventing noise-induced hearing loss

photo of Mark Rutherford at the microscope

More than 48 million Americans suffer some degree of hearing loss. As the average age of our population increases, so will that statistic. Excessive noise exposure is considered a leading cause of hearing loss, and no FDA-approved treatment is available to prevent noise-induced damage. Scientists working at Washington University School of Medicine may soon change […]

Spector Lectureship adds research symposium

photo of Hayes presenting at Spector Lectureship

The Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University celebrated the 5th annual Spector Lectureship in the Biology of Cancer on April 20. Invited guest speaker Neil Hayes, MD, presented a summary and new thoughts on the roles of cisplatin and HPV in head and neck cancer. The Spector Lectureship celebrates the career of Gershon Spector, MD, […]