SUMMARY
Brian A. Neff, M.D, is an otologist, neurotologist and lateral skull base surgeon specializing in disorders of the ear, temporal bone and lateral skull base.
Focus areas
Vestibular schwannoma
With colleagues in neurotology and neurosurgery, Dr. Neff contributes to several multi-institutional trials exploring histone deacetylase uptake into vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, with funding from the Department of Defense (DOD).
He also is an investigator in a DOD study using MRI to evaluate the effects of aspirin on vestibular schwannoma growth. Along with others in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Neff collects quality-of-life data that may guide treatment decisions for patients with vestibular schwannomas or a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis.
Cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media
Dr. Neff's clinical research focuses on the surgical treatment of patients with ear damage caused by cholesteatoma. He studies patient outcomes, new surgical techniques and approaches for lowering risk of recurrence.
Cochlear implants
Having a cochlear implant himself due to deafness, Dr. Neff collaborates with cochlear implant companies to work toward improvements in technology and implant performance. He works closely with departmental colleagues to help determine areas of interest in cochlear implant research.
Significance to patient care
In all of his research, Dr. Neff's goal is simple: to make life better for patients with vestibular schwannoma tumors, cholesteatomas or deafness that requires cochlear implants. Part of this goal involves helping patients improve their hearing and avoid social isolation.