Dr. Djalilian’s research is focused on 5 primary areas. The first is the development of devices for the treatment of diseases of the ear. The primary device is a novel hearing device that directly vibrates the tympanic membrane. This device (Direct Hearing Device) has a much higher sound quality that is similar to an implantable hearing aid without the need for surgery. The second device is a balance augmentation device which combines sensors and gaming technology to assess and rehabilitate imbalance. The third and fourth devices are focused on the development of devices for diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. Other devices of interest include a novel combined vestibular and cochlear implant and a free standing vestibular implant and a new device to non-invasively detect ear infections in children.
The second area of focus is on novel treatment of tinnitus. The lab has been working on a web-based customized sound and music therapy for the treatment of tinnitus. The work is based on the principle of harmonic therapy and its unique effect on the brain and the sources of tinnitus in the brain. This work has resulted in a technology transfer to Mind:Set Technologies which has commercialized this work in http://www.beyondtinnitus.com. Clinical trials of various tinnitus therapies are on-going. Dr. Djalilian’s team has also developed a novel web-based cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients with tinnitus now available at https://xtinnitus.com. He recently completed a clinical trial of two combination drugs and found improvement in tinnitus using this novel therapy. Finally, we are working on an electrical stimulation method to help relieve tinnitus and building an implantable device.
The third area of interest is in the analysis of large databases of health data. We are interested in examining trends, outcomes, and influencing factors in the treatment of diseases of the ear and skull base surgery by looking at databases of national and state samples.
The fourth area of research is clinical outcomes research related to novel treatments of conditions such as chronic ear infections, tympanic membrane perforations, skull base surgery, cochlear implantation, sudden hearing loss, perilymph fistula, and vertigo. An area of interest is the genetics and novel treatments of Meniere’s disease and migraine related ear disease. Surgical approaches and treatment of petrous apex lesions including cholesterol granuloma, cysts, cholesteatoma, among others is another area of current research.
A final area of research involves conditions known as Brain Sensitivity Disorders (BSDs). These include seemingly unconnected diseases such as migraine, dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, brain fog, and chronic fatigue. What they all have in common is a process called central sensitization, where brain wiring becomes maladaptive, resulting in chronic negative symptoms. Dr. Djalilian is a pioneer in the treatment brain sensitivity disorders and has developed the Integrative Neurosensory Rehabilitation (INR) protocol, a novel approach for these difficult–to–treat conditions. He has trained multiple advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) from around the country, who have allowed many more patients to receive the same treatment Dr. Djalilian provides. He is the chief medical advisor to NeuroMed Care which is a telemedicine company utilizing Dr. Djalilian’s latest clinical treatments for tinnitus and other migraine related disorders using medications, CBT, and sound therapy for tinnitus patients across the entire world.
Dr. Djalilian has published a book on ENT diseases, one on CSF leaks, and is preparing a book on tinnitus treatment. He has over 300 published scientific papers, 45 book chapters, and delivered over 200 presentations at conferences worldwide.