| Research | Team | Publications |
Research
The department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc offers a wide range of services for all otorhinolaryngological diseases. Within the department, the units of Rhinology and Otology are affiliated to the Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS). Research activities are mainly conducted in collaboration with colleagues from other departments (Algology, Medical imaging, Neurology, Neural Rehabilitation, PSY-NAPS…). In Otology, researches activities focus on the development of implantable hearing devices, the rehabilitation of patients with cochlear implants and tinnitus, and the study of the vestibular functioning in children with developmental delays. In Rhinology, researches activities focus on chemosensory function (taste, smell and trigeminal functions). The IoNS offers the opportunity for our team of clinicians to develop their research projects in parallel to the clinical activity and in collaboration with other colleagues of the institute.
Otology
Research in Otology is mainly focused on the development of implantable hearing devices, the rehabilitation of patients with cochlear implants and tinnitus, and the study of the vestibular functioning in children with developmental delays or hearing loss. We have developed a high expertise in the field of hearing implants and vestibular assessment, particularly in young children. We dispose of a full equipment to assess hearing and vestibular functioning, based on psychophysical and electrophysiological testing.
A new experimental surgery laboratory was developed with the support of Cochlear Company. It allows multicentric studies on implantable subcomponents. It also allows surgical training of international otologists to new implantable devices.
A new tablet device is in development to allow the study of visuo-spatial processing in adults and children. It is supported by the foundation Saint-Luc. The research on the visuo-spatial processing development in early deaf children is performed in collaboration with the team of Prof Anne Devolder (IoNS) and Dr Edward Martins (IoNS, SSH/ PSP and IPSY).
- Longitudinal evaluation of temporal fine structure's coding by patients with unilateral cochlear implant: 2 subtests from a§e and temporal fine structure;
- VSAD: a new battery for the evaluation of visuo-spatial abilities in deafness;
- The subcutaneous carina microphone in cochlear imlants: clinical study – phase 1;
- Feedbacks in Active tBAHA and Codacs implants;
- Tubemicrophone R and D;
- New couplings with the codacs acoustic implant.
Rhinology
The main focus of our research group is human chemosensation (taste, olfaction and trigeminal chemosensory function).
Since 2004 we have developed a high expertise in the field of human chemosensation, particularly olfaction, and an increasing number of patients with olfactory dysfunction are referred to our department. Since 2004 we have evaluated almost 1000 patients complaining of olfactory dysfunction.
We dispose of a full equipment to assess human chemosensory function, based on psychophysical and electrophysiological testing. Of note, we are the only hospital in Belgium having an olfactometer. This device is mandatory to deliver chemosensory stimuli in a controlled manner, a prerequisite for the recording of chemosensory (olfactory and trigeminal) event-related potentials.
Our current researches involve: (1) the assessment of olfactory bulb volume as a prognosis factor, (2) the development of new psychophysical methods to assess olfactory and trigeminal function, (3) the development of new electrophysiological methods to assess olfactory and trigeminal function, and (4) the evaluation of the usefulness of olfactory testing for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researches are performed in collaboration with Prof André Mouraux (COSY pole) and Prof Adrian Ivanoiu (NEUR pole) of the IoNS, and with international collaborators (Prof Thomas Hummel, Dresden, Germany).
- Prognostic value of the olfactory bulb volume measurement for recovery in postinfectious and posttraumatic olfactory loss;
- Development of a new psychophysical method to assess the olfactory and trigeminal components of chemosensory perception;
- Time-frequency analysis to study olfactory function and dysfunction;
- Evaluation of normal olfactory function in a population of South-Kivu (Congo) and impact of endemic diseases on olfactory function;
- MRI and Smell.
Website: Service ORL Saint-Luc
Team
- Philippe ROMBAUX, MD, PhD
- Caroline de TOEUF, MD
- Monique DECAT, MD
- Naima DEGGOUJ, MD
- Gauthier DESUTER, MD
- Cloé HUPIN, MD
- Caroline HUART, MD
Consultants
- Sara CASTELEIN, MD
- Gersende DE BIE, MD
- Anne DOYEN, MD
- Philippe ELOY, MD
- Valérie WIENER, MD