Otology Laboratory
Dr. Gary Wright

Cochlear implant research underway at the Otology Laboratory is focused on development of improved electrode designs for use in patients who have significant levels of residual hearing. One objective of this work, which is being done in collaboration with the major implant manufacturers, is to develop new electrode arrays that provide effective electrical stimulation but do not traumatize those portions of the cochlea where viable sensory cells and neural elements may still be present. A second aspect of the research relates to new types of implant electrodes capable of delivering not only electrical stimulation but also pharmaceutical agents that may have beneficial effects on the inner ear, such as reduction of inflammation or preservation of spiral ganglion cells. These research efforts utilize both human temporal bone material and animal models. The human temporal bone studies are directed by Dr. Wright and the experimental animal work is under the direction of Dr. Karen Pawlowski, both of whom are faculty members in the Department of Otolaryngology of UT Southwestern.

In addition to studies relating to cochlear implants the Otology Laboratory is involved in research on hearing loss and balance disturbance in genetic disorders, human temporal bone histopathology, evaluation of new drugs for treatment of external and middle ear infections, and development of implantable devices for inner ear drug administration.