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Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
School of Medicine  :  Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Research Programs

Basic Science Research

Clinical Research

 

 

BASIC SCIENCE RESEARCH

Neural Correlates of Tinnitus

Dianne Durham, Ph.D. and Thomas J. Imig, Ph.D.

Purpose
This is a new research area that grew out of Dr. Imig’s interest in neural mechanisms of tinnitus and Dr. Durham’s expertise in anatomical methods to evaluate spontaneous activity in the CNS. These experiments, which utilize a rat model of tinnitus caused by noise exposure, have revealed frequency-specific changes in CNS spontaneous activity that provide clues to the neural basis of tinnitus. Funding for these experiments has recently been acquired from the Tinnitus Research Consortium, and an NIH R01 application is also in preparation.

Support
Tinnitus Research Consortium: A Neural Correlate of Tinnitus
Thomas J. Imig, PhD, Principal Investigator
Dianne Durham, PhD, Co-Investigator

Publications

  • Imig, T.J., Durham, D. Effect of unilateral noise exposure on the tonotopic distribution of spontaneous activity in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the rat. J Comp Neurol. 2005 Oct 3;490(4):391-413.

Abstracts

  • Imig, T.J., Durham, D Unilateral noise exposure causes low-frequency enhancement of spontaneous activity in the ipsilateral cochlear nucleus and the contralateral inferior colliculus of intact and decorticate rats. Assoc Research Otolaryngol, 28:959 2005.
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The effects of conductive hearing loss on the gerbil central auditory system

Dianne Durham, Ph.D. and Debara L. Tucci, M.D. (Duke University Medical Center)

Purpose:
These experiments are done by Dr. Durham and Dr. Debara Tucci at Duke University, a collaboration which began in 1995. The goal of this project is to examine the effects of various degrees of hearing loss on central auditory anatomy and physiology in the developing gerbil. In 2002 Dr. Tucci successfully received R01 funding for these studies, which have been expanded to explore the effects of reversible hearing loss in the gerbil. The experiments done in collaboration with Dr. Durham are funded by a subcontract to KUMC.

Support:
NIDCD R01 DC005416 Central Auditory System Effects of Auditory Deprivation
Debara Tucci, MD, Principal Investigator
Dianne Durham, PhD, Co-Investigator

Publications

  • Hutson KA, Durham D, Imig T, Tucci DL. Consequences of unilateral hearing loss: Cortical adjustment to unilateral deprivation. Hear Res. 2008 Mar;237(1-2):19-31. Epub 2007 Dec 28.

  • Hutson KA, Durham D, Tucci DL. Consequences of unilateral hearing loss: time dependent regulation of protein synthesis in auditory brainstem nuclei. Hear Res. 2007 Nov;233(1-2):124-34. Epub 2007 Aug 30.

Abstracts

  • Hutson, K., Durham, D., Tucci , D.L. Protein synthesis in central auditory system nuclei following conductive hearing loss. Assoc Research Otolaryngol 28: 1181, 2005.

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CNS plasticity during avian auditory hair cell loss and regeneration

Dianne Durham, Ph.D. and Doug Girod, M.D.

Purpose
These experiments explore changes in the central nervous system that occur following either irreversible removal of cochlear input (cochlear ablation) or during the ototoxic loss and regeneration of cochlear hair cells. These questions are addressed in hatchling animals as well as in adult birds that undergo progressive, age-related cochlear degeneration.

Support
NIH (NIDCD) R01 DC01589 Cellular Processes of Central Auditory Neuronal Death
Dianne Durham, Ph.D., P.I.; Douglas A Girod, M.D. Collaborator

Publications

  • Smittkamp, S.E., Durham, D. Effect of cochlear integrity on cochlear nucleus neuron glucose metabolism in aged adult broiler chickens. Hearing Research, 202:209-221, 2005.

  • Smittkamp, S.E., Girod, D.A., Durham, D. Role of cochlear integrity in cochlear nucleus neuron activity and number after cochlea removal in aging broiler chickens. Hearing Research, 204:48-59, 2005.

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The Effect of Cochlear Electrical Stimulation on a Rat Tinnitus Model

Hinrich Staecker, MD, PhD

2007 - 2009

Purpose
The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effect of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on a rat model of tinnitus. VNS stimulation may reduce the alteration of spontaneous activity caused by noise trauma and thus warrants further study as a potential tinnitus therapy. Additionally, studies will involve evaluation of the effect of VNS on a rat tinnitus model of the primary auditory cortex.

Support
Advanced Bionics

Publications

  • Ursick, J., Staecker, H. An Overview of Animal Models of Tinnitus. B-ENT. 2007;3 Suppl 7:23-5.

Abstracts

  • Ursick, J., Durham, D., Staecker, H., Lefebvre, P., Schoenen, J., Imig, T. Effect of vagal nerve stimulation on a rat tinnitus model. Presentation at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology midwinter meeting. February 2007.

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Development of Atonal Therapy for Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

Hinrich Staecker, MD, PhD
2007 – 2012

Purpose
This series of studies aims to develop a molecular solution for bilateral vestbibular hypofunction (BVH). The success of a molecular therapy program for inner ear disease depends on our ability to correctly target a patient population. This study aims to translate recent key findings from gene research into a therapy for patients with an unmet medical need. The gene controlling development of hearing and balance sensory cells will be tested for its ability to restore balance function in models that prepare moving this molecular therapeutic into clinical studies.

Support
NIH (NIDCD) R01 DC008424
Hinrich Staecker P.I.

 

 

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Innovative Device Trials for Neurotology Patients

Hinrich Staecker, MD, PhD

01/2007 - Present

Purpose
There are three prospective trials currently enrolling patients within the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the University of Kansas Medical Center. All three of these trials aim to provide patients with the most advanced technology available for hearing improvement. Patients with ski-slope hearing loss and poor speech discrimination are potentially eligible for the Duet device. Patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss are potentially eligible for the Vibrant Soundbridge. Finally, patients interested in a totally implantable hearing device are potentially eligible for the Otologics trial.

Support
MED-EL

  • The MED-EL EAS (Electric-Acoustic System) using the PULSARCI100 FLEXeas and the DUET Speech Processor
  • Clinical Trial of the Vibrant Soundbridge as a Treatment for Conductive and Mixed Hearing Losses, Using Direct Round Window Cochlear Stimulation

Otologics, LLC

  • Otologics MET™ Fully Implantable Ossicular Stimulator Clinical Trial

Posters

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Pediatric Otolaryngology Therapy Development and Outcomes Assessment

Daniel Bruegger, MD; Adriane DeWitt Latz, MD; Pamela Nicklaus, MD; Robert Weatherly, MD; and Julie Wei, MD

02/2006 – Present

Purpose
The Pediatric Division of the Department offers two prospective safety and efficacy trials for patients. Numerous patients enter our practice with a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. These patients often have been treated medically with multiple courses of antibiotics and yet they remain symptomatic. This double blind placebo controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of daily nasal irrigations with and without gentamycin. Additionally, another population of patients receives a referral to the clinic for hoarseness. This double blind placebo controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of dietary control alone and dietary control plus a proton pump inhibitor for the improvement of hoarseness symptoms. Finally, parents and patients are offered several surgical options within otolaryngology, outcomes and quality of life of significant factors in understanding the effectiveness of these treatments and evaluating these factors is key to providing the best care for our patients.

Support
TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

KUMC Otolaryngology Department Research Endowment

Publications/Presentations

  • Jorgensen J, Wei JL, Sykes KJ, Klem SA, Weatherly RA, Bruegger DE, Latz AD, Nicklaus PJ. Incidence of and risk factors for airway complications following endotracheal intubation for bronchiolitis. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2007 Sep; 137(3): 394-9.
  • Wei JL, Mayo MS, Smith HJ, Reese M, Weatherly RA. Improved Sleep and Behavior in Children After Adenotonsillectomy for Sleep Disordered Breathing. Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2007;133(10):974-979.
  • Bond J, Sykes KJ, Selvarangan R, Jackson MA, Wei JL. “Atypical Mycobacterial Head and Neck Infections in Children.” American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Washington, D.C. September, 2007.Wei JL, Bond J, Sykes KJ, Selvarangan R, Jackson MA. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis in Children: Algorithm for Optimal Treatment. Submitted to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2007.
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Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes

Doug Girod, MD; Yelizaveta Shnayder, MD; Terance Tsue, MD

04/2003 – Present

Purpose
The head and neck cancer patients in our practice are offered a number of surgical and non-surgical options for the treatment of their head and neck cancer. These therapies are constantly reviewed for the development of new options and the evaluation of the quality of every outcome. Prospective and retrospective clinical research projects are numerous and ongoing.

Support

American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Society
An Investigator-initiated, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Design Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Cevimeline to Improve Oral Health in Patients with Xerostomia Secondary to Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma -- study details at ClinicalTrials.gov

Viventia Biotech, Inc.
A Phase II, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Profile of ProxinumTM in Patients with Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Who Have Received at Least One Prior Anti-Cancer Treatment Regimen for Recurrent Disease

KUMC Otolaryngology Department Research Endowment

  • Comparison of Acellular Dermis vs. Split-thickness Skin Grafting for Oral Cavity Resurfacing
  • Compliance and Follow Up in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck
  • Ki-67 (MIB-1) and p53 as Biomarkers in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck
  • Isolated Temporal Frey’s Syndrome after AlloDerm Use
  • Comparison of Acellular Dermis vs. Split-thickness Skin Grafting for Oral Cavity Resurfacing
  • Suture Biomechanics and Static Facial Suspension
  • Endoscopic Techniques in Resection of Anterior Skull Base/Paranasal Sinus Malignancies

Publications/Presentations

  • Cabrera C, Shnayder Y, Tawfik O, Sykes K, Champion T, Kubicek G, Gochee P, Mayo M, Smith H, Tsue T, Girod D: “Use of p53 and Ki67 as biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas” American Academy of Otolaryngology 2007 Annual Meeting, September, 2007
  • Ursick J, Militsakh ON, Cowan D, Sykes K, Kriet JD, Girod DA, Tsue, TT. “Isolated Temporal Frey’s Syndrome after AlloDerm Use.” American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting. Toronto, Canada. September, 2006.
  • Ursick JA, Militsakh ON, Celmer AW, Kriet JD, Girod DA, Tsue TT: Isolated temporal Frey’s syndrome after Alloderm use. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 135(2S):p235-236, 2006.
  • Jorgensen JB, Sykes KJ, Tsue TT, Girod DA. “Comparison of acellular dermis vs. split-thickness skin grafting for oral cavity resurfacing.” American Head and Neck Society Meeting. San Marco Island, Florida. February, 2007.
  • Jorgensen J, Sykes K, Tsue T, Girod, DA. “Comparison of Acellular Dermis to Split Thickness Skin Grafting for Oral Cavity Resurfacing.” Triological Society Meeting, Marco Island, Florida. February, 2007
  • Humphrey CD, McIff TE, Sykes KJ, Tsue TT, Kriet JD. Suture Biomechanics and Static Facial Suspension. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2007 May-Jun; 9(3); 188-93.
  • Humphrey CD, Girod DA, Larsen CG, Morgan AS, Tsue TT, Wax MK, Kriet JD: Static facial suspension: Experience with three techniques. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 135(2S):p217, 2006.
  • Buchmann L, Larsen C, Pollack A, Tawfik O, Sykes K, Hoover LA. Endoscopic techniques in resection of anterior skull base/paranasal sinus malignancies. Laryngoscope. 2006 Oct; 116(10): 1749-54.
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Clinical Evaluation of Outcomes in Endoscopic Surgery, Laryngology, Allergy, and Audiology

Larry Hoover, MD; J. David Garnett, MD; Christopher Larsen, MD; Keith Sale, MD; Hinrich Staecker, MD, PhD

05/2006 - Present

Support

KUMC Otolaryngology Department Research Endowment

  • Endoscopic Orbital Decompression in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
  • Vocal Fold Injury after Endoscopic Management of Subglottic Stenosis in Adults
  • Questioning the Necessity of Wound Drain Placement for Thyroplasty: A Review of the University of Kansas Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital Experience
  • Outcomes in Inhalant Allergy Immunotherapy in an Otolaryngic Allergy Practice at a Major
  • Cochlear Implantation Effect on the Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)

Department of Otolaryngology; North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Long Island Jewish Medical Center Campus

  • Inflammatory Mediators in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss/Autoimmune Hearing Loss

Publications/Presenations

  • Wemer R, Whittaker T, Sykes K, Hoover L. “Endoscopic Orbital Decompression in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy.” Triological Society Meeting, Marco Island, Florida. February, 2007.