Otolaryngology News and Research

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The medical discipline and practice of otolaryngology is a specialty that addresses conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Another name for this practice is otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

Serotonin may worsen tinnitus symptoms, mice study finds

The same neurotransmitter commonly leveraged to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety also may exacerbate a vexing condition known as tinnitus, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

20 Apr 2026

Eardrum perforations and cholesteatoma linked to higher odds of dementia

A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that two common and treatable causes of conductive hearing loss-eardrum perforations and cholesteatoma, a type of abnormal skin growth in the middle ear-are associated with higher odds of dementia.

13 Apr 2026

New steerable optical fiber reaches previously inaccessible larynx tumors

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researchers have developed a flexible optical fiber that can be threaded through a medical endoscope and steered into the larynx to destroy hard-to-reach tumors on the vocal folds, an advance that could expand outpatient laser treatment options for patients whose only other choice might be surgery under general anesthesia.

8 Apr 2026

Blood-based test could personalize treatment for patients with HPV-associated throat cancer

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) are advancing the understanding of a promising blood test that could personalize treatment and surveillance for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated throat cancer.

2 Apr 2026

Swimming in treated pools safe for children with tympanostomy tubes

A new study published in Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that children with tympanostomy tubes who swim in treated pools are not at increased risk of ear drainage, while those exposed to untreated or natural bodies of water face significantly higher odds of developing recurrent otorrhea.

30 Mar 2026

Holding blood thinners for too long may jeopardize surgical recovery

Blood thinners are a common medication for much of the older adult population, prescribed to prevent blood clots that can cause adverse events like heart attack or stroke.

10 Mar 2026

Mandated cCMV screening improves early identification of infant hearing loss

A new retrospective cohort study examining the impact of Minnesota's first-in-the-nation mandated universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) shows that universal screening significantly decreased the age at first audiology visit and increased identification of mild hearing loss in infants.

2 Mar 2026

Rare airway condition: Sarah Carroll's journey to breathing freely

"It was just really hard to breathe," says Sarah Carroll, recalling the earliest symptoms of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). "It felt like there was something in my throat that was stopping me from breathing."

2 Mar 2026

CU Anschutz School of Medicine rises in national NIH funding rankings

The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine continues to boost its standing in the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) rankings, moving to No. 8 among public medical schools in the nation and to No. 21 among all medical schools, with half of its 18 clinical Departments landing in the top 15.

19 Feb 2026

Musicians experience higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis than non-musicians

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), reveals that musicians face substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians.

17 Feb 2026

Analysis reveals why head and neck cancer clinical trials end early

Head and neck cancer trials are frequently derailed before they can deliver answers. A new analysis suggests that the most common reasons are sponsor decisions related to safety or effectiveness and poor patient recruitment.

12 Jan 2026

Study shows AI can predict language success after cochlear implants

AI model using deep transfer learning – the most advanced form of machine learning – predicted with 92 % accuracy spoken language outcomes at one-to-three years after cochlear implants (implanted electronic hearing device), according to a large international study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

30 Dec 2025

University of Iowa research finds an effective therapy for rare kidney disease in children

A rare and life-threatening kidney disease in children finally has an effective therapy, thanks in large part to pioneering research and clinical leadership from University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.

4 Dec 2025

Worldwide smell screening could improve mental and physical health of millions

A programme of smell screening, awareness campaigns and health policies could improve the mental and physical health of millions - according to research led by the University of East Anglia.

1 Dec 2025

Analysis reveals overutilization of imaging in Bell's palsy

This study analyzes how imaging is used to diagnose and manage Bell's palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face, usually temporarily.

14 Nov 2025

Common antibiotic can improve survival and neurological outcomes in CNS-TB

Researchers at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have demonstrated that doxycycline, a commonly available and inexpensive antibiotic, can improve survival rates and neurological outcomes in Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS-TB) in a preclinical non-human study.

12 Nov 2025

Nanoparticle vaccine eliminates HPV-induced tumors in animal model

A nanoparticle vaccine designed to fight cancers induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) eradicated tumors in an animal model of late-stage metastatic disease, UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists report in a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

11 Nov 2025

Type 2 diabetes patients face an elevated risk of hearing loss

As the United States observes American Diabetes Month this November, a comprehensive study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, reveals that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a significantly elevated risk of hearing loss-a complication that often goes unrecognized and unscreened.

10 Nov 2025

New clinical practice guideline provides updated recommendations for treatment of central sleep apnea

A new clinical practice guideline developed by a task force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides updated recommendations for the treatment of central sleep apnea.

27 Oct 2025

New experimental methods show selective attention effect is exclusively cortical in humans

Research led by the University of Michigan's Kresge Hearing Research Institute and the University of Rochester illuminates the mechanisms through which humans can pick out and focus on single sounds in noisy environments.

6 Oct 2025