Inner Ear Treatments Cochlear Implants Hearing Loss and More: Advances in Otolaryngology

Summary

In this Brain Channel interview, Dr. Jeff Harris, a distinguished professor of Otolaryngology, discusses his extensive career and groundbreaking research. He shares insights into his work on autoimmune ear diseases, the development of innovative drug delivery systems, and the transformative impact of cochlear implants on hearing loss. Dr. Harris also highlights ongoing research in hair cell regeneration and the challenges posed by HPV-related cancers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of translational research and the future advancements in otolaryngology that aim to improve hearing and quality of life for aging populations.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Dr. Jeff Harris is a distinguished professor of Otolaryngology and has been at his current institution for 38 years.
• 📚 Dr. Harris originally trained in Boston at Harvard and holds a PhD in Immunology.
• 🦻 His research shifted from general head and neck surgery to ear diseases, specifically exploring the immune responses in the inner ear.
• 🧪 His lab discovered that the inner ear is not immune-privileged and has a robust immunological response, particularly in the endolymphatic sac.
• 💉 Dr. Harris developed a new treatment involving a sustained-release gel for drug delivery to the inner ear, leading to the creation of a company called Autonomy.
• 👂 Dr. Harris was involved in the development of cochlear implants, which have significantly improved the quality of life for deaf patients.
• 🧠 Functional MRI studies have shown brain plasticity in patients with cochlear implants, indicating that the brain can adapt to new auditory inputs.
• 🔬 The Otolaryngology division is also focused on HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers and developing rapid screening tests.
• 👴 Hearing loss is a major issue among the elderly, with ongoing research into regenerating hair cells and neurons to improve hearing.
• 🛡️ Prevention of hearing loss through protective measures is crucial, as noise exposure is a significant factor in developing deafness and tinnitus.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Jeff Harris and what is his current position?

Dr. Jeff Harris is a distinguished professor of Otolaryngology in the Department of Surgery and the head of the division of Otolaryngology.

What is Dr. Harris's background in terms of education and training?

Dr. Harris completed his training in Boston at Harvard, has been with his current institution since 1979, and holds a PhD in immunology.

What was Dr. Harris's initial area of specialization when he started his career?

Dr. Harris started his career as a head and neck surgeon, not as an ear doctor.

What discovery by Professor Bryan McCabe influenced Dr. Harris's research direction?

Professor Bryan McCabe discovered that some ear diseases and hearing loss might be autoimmune in origin, which influenced Dr. Harris to investigate this area.

What significant finding did Dr. Harris's laboratory discover about the inner ear?

Dr. Harris's laboratory discovered that the inner ear has a robust immunological response, particularly involving the endolymphatic sac, which acts as the lymph node of the inner ear.

What innovative treatment method did Dr. Harris help develop for ear conditions?

Dr. Harris helped develop a sustained release gel for drug delivery into the ear, which is thermo-reversible and can hold drugs like dexamethasone.

What is the name of the company that Dr. Harris helped found, and what is its purpose?

The company is called Autonomy, and it focuses on developing treatments and drug delivery methods for ear conditions.

What is a significant milestone achieved by Autonomy?

Autonomy developed an FDA-approved antibiotic suspended in a gel for children with middle ear infections, which allows for sustained drug release and eliminates the need for ear drops.

How does a cochlear implant work, according to Dr. Harris?

A cochlear implant consists of electrodes surgically placed in the inner ear that stimulate surviving neurons to transmit sound signals to the brain, allowing deaf patients to hear.

What advancements have been made in the indications for cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are now used not only for patients with bilateral profound deafness but also for those who can still hear with a hearing aid, providing a full range of auditory fidelity.

What current research is being conducted on the brain's response to cochlear implants?

Researchers are using functional MRIs to study how the brain's circuits adapt and change in response to cochlear implants, showing plasticity in tone-atopic organization.

What new area of concern in Otolaryngology is related to HPV?

There is a growing epidemic of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, affecting people who are not traditional smokers or drinkers, requiring new treatments and surveillance methods.

What innovative screening method is being developed for HPV-related cancer?

One of the faculty is working on a rapid spit test for screening individuals at risk for HPV-related cancers.

What is the future direction of research in hearing loss prevention and treatment?

Future research aims to regenerate hair cells and neurons using growth factors and drug delivery methods, potentially restoring hearing in aging populations.

What common causes of hearing loss are highlighted by Dr. Harris?

Noise exposure is a significant cause of hearing loss, and prevention includes using ear protection in noisy environments to prevent hearing damage and tinnitus.