The Department of Otolaryngology conducts both basic research and clinical studies of hearing. Gabriel Corfas, Ph.D. is the director of basic science research in Otolaryngology. His laboratory investigates the mechanisms that contribute to loss of hearing and balance with the aim of developing tools to treat these disorders. Using genetically modified mice, the Corfas laboratory has identified new cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie degeneration of the inner ear.

Clinical research focuses on the genetics of hearing loss.

Featured researchers in the Department of Otolaryngology hold faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School.