GASP

Cochlear Implantation: As one of Belgium’s largest CI centers, the group focuses on optimizing surgical techniques and fitting strategies, with increasing attention to preserving residual hearing for better functional outcomes. Another key focus is linking hearing loss etiology—such as congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)—to post-implantation results. A major Flemish collaboration has led to the creation of cmvreg.be, likely the world’s largest cCMV-related inner ear dysfunction database.

Vestibular Diagnostics: The group has made major contributions to pediatric vestibular diagnostics. A Flemish partnership launched the first large-scale vestibular screening initiative for children with hearing loss (vis-flanders.be), uncovering new insights into prevalence in this at-risk population. The team also developed age-appropriate vestibular testing methods, which are now shared through training sessions with other clinical and research teams.

Inner Ear Therapy: To advance inner ear treatments, a dedicated murine lab was established. Current studies explore hearing restoration in a CMV mouse model, otoprotective agents for ototoxic hearing loss, and gene therapies in collaboration with the Center for Medical Genetics Ghent and other partners.

Link to GASP research group: GASP​