Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery

Inselspital Bern

The Department comprises several highly specialized units. It focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases in its field and is intensively involved in research projects that allow these diseases to be better understood and treated. Experts in audiology, medicine, physics, and engineering conduct practice-oriented research.

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Director 

Prof. Dr. med. Marco Caversaccio

Profile

  • Teaching students of medicine and dentistry in ENT
  • Teaching and supervising graduate students at the ARTORG Center (Hearing Research Lab) and sitem-insel AG
  • Training of young ENT surgeons on a daily basis and in internal courses
  • Courses in audiology, biomedical acoustics, digital signal processing and phoniatrics for speech therapists
  • Research collaboration with the Hearing Research Laboratory at the ARTORG Center to develop and integrate new technologies for the treatment of hearing loss
  • Research projects in ENT oncology and the treatment of vestibular loss

External Partners

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland; Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, Villigen, Switzerland; ORL University Hospital Modena, Italy; Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, USA; Harvard Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, USA; The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Australia; Technical University of Munich, Germany

Grants

  • SNSF Grant, DARE - Dizziness Assessment and Rapid Evaluation (320030-227886)
  • SNSF Grant, Physiological Role of Torsion in the Cochlea (205321_200850)
  • SNSF Spark Grant, Sonifying Tinnitus from EEG Signals (237856)
  • Stiftung für naturwissenschaftliche und technische Forschung

Highlights 2025

HNO-Klinik Inselspital, Gianni Pauciello

Electrocochleography for Monitoring Hearing Preservation During Cochlear Implantation

Many cochlear implant candidates have some residual hearing, which can improve speech perception and enhance overall outcomes. However, residual hearing is often lost during implantation. This multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study investigated whether a decrease in intraoperative cochlear microphonic amplitude, as measured by automated analysis, is associated with hearing preservation in adults receiving a cochlear implant. The study also evaluated additional electrocochleography features that could enhance predictive performance. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using automated intraoperative electrocochleography to predict hearing preservation during cochlear implantation, enabling real-time feedback systems to guide the procedure.

Andonie et al., JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026

HNO-Klinik Inselspital

An fNIRS dataset for Multimodal Speech Comprehension in Normal Hearing Individuals and Cochlear Implant Users

Understanding cortical processing in cochlear implant (CI) users is crucial for improving speech outcomes. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides a non-invasive, implant-compatible method of assessing cortical activity during speech comprehension. However, a lack of standardised datasets in existing studies limits cross-study comparisons and generalisability. To address this issue, we present a multimodal fNIRS dataset. Additionally, we provide detailed metadata, hearing tests, behavioral measures, and spatially registered probe positions. This data descriptor aims to provide a comprehensive resource for investigating multimodal speech understanding in CI users. It allows researchers to examine cortical adaptations in prosthetic hearing and helps to refine CI rehabilitation strategies.

Bàlint et al., Sci Data. 2025

HNO-Klinik Inselspital

Backscattered Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Tongue and Outcome in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is becoming an increasingly important treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy and are not eligible for other alternatives. Despite restrictive patient selection according to guidelines and optimal HNS titration, the responder rate remains at around 50–60%. This study investigates whether backscattered ultrasonographic imaging (BUI) can predict response to HNS therapy. BUI provides valuable information about the microstructure of the tongue, which would otherwise only be obtainable using an MRI scan. The results of this study show that combining tissue composition analysis using the backscattered signal with the preoperative apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) is highly predictive of the response to HNS treatment. Including BUI in preoperative patient selection could therefore improve the therapy's success rate.

Tschopp et al., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025

HNO-Klinik Inselspital

The Sheep Head Versus the Pig Head as a Training Model for Sialendoscopy

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to treat inflammatory salivary gland diseases. It requires hands-on training due to its steep learning curve. While pig heads have been the standard training model for over two decades, sheep heads have recently emerged as an alternative. This study evaluates the efficiency of using sheep heads for training newcomers in sialendoscopy. Among the 52 participants, a significant improvement in comfort with diagnostic sialendoscopy was reported for both models after training. Overall, 53% of participants preferred the pig model, while 47% preferred the sheep model. Both models are effective for training purposes, with sheep heads offering advantages for parotid duct procedures. Despite the pig model having broader applications, logistical, cultural and ethical constraints make sheep heads a viable alternative for sialendoscopy training.

Borner et al., Laryngoscope. 2025

HNO-Klinik Inselspital, Gianni Pauciello

Symptom and Handicap Severity in Subacute Dizzy Patients: The Role of Gaze Position Error in Video Head Impulses

Acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP) manifests as an acute vestibular syndrome due to a sudden unilateral loss of peripheral vestibular function without any concurrent central or audiological symptoms or signs. This study aims to investigate the significance of gaze position error (GPE) after rapid head movements in the recovery of symptoms among patients with AUVP. Our study revealed a correlation between GPE during rapid head movements and subacute symptoms after AUVP, explaining nearly 50% of the variance in Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. Additionally, emotional symptoms exhibited a gender bias, predominantly affecting females, whereas functional symptoms showed a slight dependence on age.

Korda et al., Otol Neurotol. 2025