The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dr Okikioluwa Aladeyelu did something big in the world of research, thanks to his helpful work on hearing loss. His research has been shared all over and is positioned to be a help to surgeons!
Global (03 October 2023) — Dr Okikioluwa Aladeyelu from the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently earned the global nod of recognition thanks to his helpful research on hearing loss.
Beyond having his work published in several international journals (including PLOS One, Scientific Reports and Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy) Dr Aladeyelu also earned his PhD in Clinical Anatomy as a result of the research, bringing him a step closer to his dream of becoming a Professor in Clinical Anatomy.
At a broader glance of impact, his research is well-positioned to help otologic surgeons understand what could cause hearing loss when faced with circumstances like middle-ear surgeries.
According to UKZN, Dr Aladeyelu’s focus was on how the development of temporal bone pneumatisation (air-filled cavities in the bone) is related to middle-ear disease and can be implicated in ear-related surgeries as well as other surgeries, like skull fractures.
This was an important path of research, especially given that pneumatisation around the temporal bone is suspected to be the cause of hearing loss in certain instances.
“Using radio-imaging techniques, he established the normal expected growth of air cells in pneumatisation at every stage of post-natal development, the degree of pneumatisation, and its influence on related vasculature in the South African population. The study developed a concise classification of the degree of pneumatisation for diagnostic and surgical purposes,” explained UKZN.
In Dr Aladeyelu’s words:
“The study provides new information on pediatric normal temporal bone pneumatisation which could serve as a key indicator in probing the onset of middle-ear infection among South African children.
“It also offers insights on the prevalence of aberrant vasculatures that are responsible for hearing dysfunction, which could result in an increased incidence of hearing problems and raise awareness of potential surgical pitfalls which otologic surgeons should avoid when planning ear-related and lateral skull-based surgeries.”
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