Hearing and Balance

The Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, in a very strong cooperation with the University of Geneva, aims at developing an artificial balance organ: the Vestibular Implant. In addition to clinical studies with the vestibular implant, it also involves extensive studies for optimizing the device (e.g. electrode design), development of relevant outcome measures and characterizing the target populations (for this device). These projects involve strong collaborations with multiple tertiary reference centers. A strong translational tinnitus research line aims to develop an effective neuromodulative treatment for persons suffering from tinnitus. To this aim, pre-clinical animal models, post-mortem brain tissue and persons suffering from tinnitus are investigated. We use high field resolution imaging, (invasive) electrophysiological recording techniques and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Recently the first in human study to alleviate tinnitus is launched, which investigates the safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the auditory thalamus (medial geniculate body, MGB) in persons suffering from tinnitus.

Image: Outside view of the vestibular implant. (CI-processor = Cochlear Implant processor)

This research line is a collaborative effort, which involves the departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Audiology, Neurosurgery and Clinical Neurophysiology of the MUMC+, as well as basic and cognitive neuroscientists from MHeNs and the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. Also a strong collaboration with the department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Zuyderland hospital is in place.