About the department of protection and regeneration of the inner ear
The “Protection and Regeneration of the Inner Ear” group at Hannover Medical School (NIFE) combines clinical and basic science expertise to develop cell-based therapies aimed at improving outcomes for cochlear implant users. Their research focuses on delivering therapeutic proteins and drugs directly into the inner ear during cochlear implantation, using innovative approaches such as biohybrid electrodes and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
The group investigates autologous cell therapies and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for their potential to modulate inflammation, protect cochlear cells, and enhance neural survival. Perilymph analysis is used to identify novel therapeutic targets, while in vitro and in vivo models explore regeneration strategies, noise trauma recovery, and implant-tissue integration. Through interdisciplinary methods—including cell biology, electrophysiology, molecular techniques, and imaging—they aim to translate regenerative therapies rapidly into clinical application.
Link to research group: Protection and regeneration of the inner ear