Otorhinolaryngology

The department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Cliniques universitaires Saint- Luc is involved in several research topics in the field of neuroscience. As being a reference centre for cochlear implant surgery and the management of deaf patients, the otology unit is particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms of hearing rehabilitation and in improving functional outcomes after cochlear implantation. Therefore, our different research projects focus on understanding neural changes associated to deafness and hearing rehabilitation after cochlear implantation. Notably, we study the brain plasticity in severe to profound deaf patients that are candidates for a cochlear implant, using several MRI techniques. Also, we aim to evaluate mechanisms of rhythmic perception in deaf patients, before and after cochlear implantation. Nowadays, cochlear implant requires complex manual programming. In an attempt to improve and facilitate programming procedure, we are evaluating the usefulness and efficacy of artificial intelligence algorithm in programming cochlear implants. Finally, we also study cognitive impacts of cochlear vestibular disorders, particularly in deaf patients. From a clinical point of view, we expect that these researches will improve the cares of patients following cochlear implantation, notably those encompassing more difficult adaptation.

The Rhinology unit research activity mainly focuses on human chemosensation (smell, taste, and trigeminal chemosensory functions). Our ENT department is acknowledged as a reference centre for the management of chemosensory disorders. Beside clinical research on olfactory disorders, we are also developing new tools to assess olfaction (i.e. time-frequency analysis of chemosensory event-related potentials), not only for clinical purpose, but also to better understand the neural processes underlying the perception of odors. Moreover, we are particularly interested in studying the relationship between olfaction and neurodegenerative diseases (particularly Alzheimer’s disease); but also, between olfaction and mortality risk. Notably, we are evaluating whether assessment of olfactory function could be useful for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or as an indicator of perioperative mortality risk. In the same vein, we are also evaluating whether olfactory neuroepithelial cells, collected though non-invasive brushing of the olfactory cleft, exhibit Alzheimer’s disease pathology or markers of senescence. In collaboration with the anesthesia department, we are also investigating the link between olfactory dysfunction, frailty and the risk of poor post-operative outcome. Finally, we are also investigating the mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction in chronic sinusitis.