Phase II is expected to conclude by the end of the year. In addition several European centers have been established. A total of 60-70 patients are expected to be implanted with the new device during these clinical trials. The department's bioengineering research and development programs include continued improvements in the UCSF cochlear implant, with expansion to central auditory prosthesis development, improved hearing aid designs, the development of tinnitus suppression devices, and implantable neuromuscular detectors and stimulators to restore motor function. Basic and clinical head and neck research has the close cooperation of the Department of Oral Medicine in the School of Dentistry.
Grants exist for the investigation of dysplasias and the role of integrins in head and neck cancer.
Our department also cooperates actively with several other West Coast programs in head and neck clinical studies.