The department provides clinical care for patients with a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the head and neck region, including the ears, nose, and throat. A major departmental effort is directed toward basic research in the areas of sensorineural hearing disorders, physiology of the larynx, and cancer treatment and rehabilitation. The department supports a number of research fellows and advanced degree candidates, and is responsible for a four-year residency program and for the training of medical students in subjects relevant to the specialty.