PD Dr. med. Alexander Huber

Main Goals, Keywords

To understand the Biomechanics of hearing in the normal and diseased ear in order to improve rehabilitation methods for patients suffering with hearing loss.

Group Members

1 group leader, 2 postdoctoral fellows, 2 clinical physicians, 3 doctoral fellows

Previous and Current Research

The investigation of the mechanical properties and the three dimensional kinematics of the ossicles and the interface between the middle and inner ear aims to further reveal the basic understanding of these complex structures. The way the stapes transmits sound to the fluids of the inner ear needs further investigation and has a direct impact on the classical theory of hearing.

In order to provide the safest and most effective middle ear prosthesis to patients, we are involved in developing and testing passive (ossicular replacement) and active (implantable hearing aids) middle ear prosthesis. Thereby we conduct both theoretical and model-based studies to optimize shape, weight and coupling properties. Finally, new prostheses are implanted in patients and evaluated using standardized, controlled protocols.

Future Projects

With future projects, the quality of perceived sound shall be quantified in models and surgical preparations to allow for comparison and further improvement of prosthesis design, coupling properties, material selection and surgical techniques. With this, the fundamental technique for intra-operative quality assessment will be developed for future use.

Techniques and Equipment

• Scanning and single point Laser Doppler interferometers
• Micro dissection laboratory for animal experiments and human temporal bones
• Micro Computer Tomogram
• Acoustical measurement equipment
• Clinical studies are performed in the ENT clinic

Selected Publications

• Sim JH, Röösli C, Chatzimichalis M, Eiber A, Huber AM. Characterization of stapes anatomy: investigation of human and guinea pig. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol. 2013 Apr;14(2):159-73. doi: 10.1007/s10162-012-0369-5. Epub 2013 Jan 9.
• Chatzimichalis M, Sim JH, Huber AM. Assessment of a direct acoustic cochlear stimulator. Audiol Neurootol. 2012;17(5):299-308. Epub 2012 Jun 22.
  
• Sim JH, Chatzimichalis M, Röösli C, Laske RD, Huber AM. Objective assessment of stapedotomy surgery from round window motion measurement. Ear Hear. 2012 Sep;33(5):e24-31.
  
• Huber AM, Mlynski R, Müller J, Dillier N, Holzmann D, Wolframm MD, Hagen R. A new vibroplasty coupling technique as a treatment for conductive and mixed hearing losses: a report of 4 cases. Otol Neurotol. 2012 Jun;33(4):613-7.
  

Funding

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF), EMDO Foundation Zürich, USZ, industrial partners

URL

http://www.orl.usz.ch/UeberUns/Seiten/default.aspx