Associate Professor Philip Bird, Our people, University of Otago, Christchurch

Clinical Associate Professor
Otolaryngologist

MB ChB(Otago) FRACS (Otolaryngology)

Phil Bird is an Otolaryngologist with a special interest in otology and neurotology.

Phil is the Otolaryngology convenor for the 5th Year undergraduate programme: Orthopaedics and Advanced Medicine.

Research Interests

The delivery of corticosteroids to the inner ear
Outcomes research in cochlear implantation
Inner ear effects of middle ear procedures

Publications

Pears, C., Willink, R., Stringer, A., Bird, P., & Mustard, J. (2025). Referral patterns to the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme for adult cochlear implant candidates: A retrospective review. New Zealand Medical Journal/Te ara tika o te hauora hapori, 138(1612), 13-20. Retrieved from https://www.nzmj.org.nz/ Journal - Research Article

Park, M., O'Beirne, G. A., Bird, P. A., & Maslin, M. R. D. (2025). Plasticity of the auditory cortex and brainstem in surgically induced unilaterally deaf adult humans with and without tinnitus. Clinical Neurophysiology, 172, 70-80. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2025.02.259 Journal - Research Article

Park, M., O'Beirne, G. A., Bird, P. A., & Maslin, M. R. D. (2025). Auditory cortical and brainstem response dynamics in quiet and noise amongst unilaterally deaf adults with and without tinnitus. Clinical Neurophysiology, 172, 81-90. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2025.02.260 Journal - Research Article

McCall, M., Jayawardana, J., Mustard, J., Lake, J., Pearson, J., & Bird, P. (2024). The correlation between age at implant, consistent device use, and language outcomes for children implanted under 18 months. Audiology & Neurotology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1159/000542361 Journal - Research Article

Quick, M. E., & Bird, P. A. (2024). A review of Meniere’s disease: Reflection of published MRI, ECochG and newer otoconial theory from Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2024.2381731 Journal - Research Article

2025

Journal - Research Article

2024

Journal - Research Article

Fisher, C., Bird, P., McCombie, A., Huria, T., & Love, R. (2024). Review of Māori equity in surgical trainee selection. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 94(6), 1039-1044. doi: 10.1111/ans.18909

2023

Journal - Research Article

Amir, I., Thomson, B. J., Herrod, J., Souter, M. A., Mustard, J., Pearson, J. F., & Bird, P. (2023). The effect of universal newborn hearing screening on spoken language after cochlear implantation. Otology & Neurotology, 44(3), e133-e139. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003793

2022

Journal - Research Article

Benoiton, L. A., MacLachlan, A. L., Mustard, J., Jayawardana, J., & Bird, P. (2022). Classification of cochlear implant complications using a modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Cochlear Implants International, 23(6), 317-325. doi: 10.1080/14670100.2022.2096193

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Bird, P. (2022, February). Cochlear implantation, an update from down south. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (NZSOHNS) 74th Annual General & Scientific Meeting (ORL 21), Taupō, New Zealand.

Vijayasekaran, S., Bird, P., Brown, C., Garland, R., & Ten Cate, W. (2022, February). Paediatric otology management controversies. Panel discussion at the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (NZSOHNS) 74th Annual General & Scientific Meeting (ORL 21), Taupō, New Zealand.

2021

Journal - Research Article

Han, S., Suzuki-Kerr, H., Suwantika, M., Telang, R. S., Gerneke, D. A., Anekal, P. V., Bird, P., … Thorne, P. R. (2021). Characterization of the sheep round window membrane. Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, 22, 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s10162-020-00778-9

Chen, T.-Y., Hale, J. D. F., Tagg, J. R., Jain, R., Voss, A. L., Mills, N., … Stevenson, D. S., Bird, P. A., & Walls, T. (2021). In vitro inhibition of clinical isolates of otitis media pathogens by the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12. Probiotics & Antimicrobial Proteins, 13, 734-738. doi: 10.1007/s12602-020-09719-7

Journal - Research Other

Napier, T., & Bird, P. (2021). Extensive upper neck vascular lesion presenting as middle ear mass. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 91, E612-E613. doi: 10.1111/ans.16598

2020

Journal - Research Other

Chen, T. Y., Hendrickx, A., Stevenson, D. S., Bird, P., & Walls, T. (2020). No evidence from a systematic review for the use of probiotics to prevent otitis media [Mini review]. Acta Paediatrica, 109, 2515-2524. doi: 10.1111/apa.15368

2019

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Bird, P. (2019, October). Vestibular schwannoma: Surveillance and timing of treatment. Invited presentation at the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery 72nd Annual General & Scientific Meeting (ORL19): Choosing Wisely, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Bird, P. (2019, August). Cochlear implant protocol for NZ. Verbal presentation at the George Abbott Symposium, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Bird, P. (2019, October). Perspectives on ear disease and hearing loss in Māori. Invited presentation at the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery 72nd Annual General & Scientific Meeting (ORL19): Choosing Wisely, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2018

Chapter in Book - Research

Bird, P. A., & Bergin, M. J. (2018). Pharmacological issues in hearing rehabilitation. In S. K. W. Lloyd & N. P. Donnelly (Eds.), Advances in hearing rehabilitation (Advances in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: Vol. 81). (pp. 114-122). Basel, Switzerland: Karger. doi: 10.1159/000485541

Journal - Research Other

Babbage, M. J., O'Beirne, G. A., Bergin, M. J., & Bird, P. A. (2018). Patterns of extended high-frequency hearing loss following stapes surgery [Response]. Otology & Neurotology, 39(10), 1337. doi: 10.1097/mao.0000000000001982

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Bird, P. (2018, October). Southern cochlear implantation programme, current indications and funding. Invited presentation at the 71st Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (NZSOHNS ORL), Queenstown, New Zealand.

2017

Journal - Research Article

Babbage, M. J., O'Beirne, G. A., Bergin, M. J., & Bird, P. A. (2017). Patterns of extended high-frequency hearing loss following stapes surgery. Otology & Neurotology, 38(10), 1405-1410. doi: 10.1097/mao.0000000000001577

Hornibrook, J., & Bird, P. (2017). A new theory for Ménière's disease: Detached saccular otoconia. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, 156(2), 350-352. doi: 10.1177/0194599816675843

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Thorne, P. R., Telang, R., Vlajkovic, S., Fields, M. D., Jin, C., Yu, A., Bird, P., & Wise, A. (2017). Inflammation and fibrosis following cochlear implantation in a guinea pig model. In B. Leitch (Ed.), Proceedings of the 35th International Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research. (pp. 23). AWCBR. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/awcbr/index.html

2016

Journal - Research Article

Goh, T., Bird, P., Pearson, J., & Mustard, J. (2016). Educational, employment, and social participation of young adult graduates from the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme, New Zealand. Cochlear Implants International, 17(1), 31-51. doi: 10.1179/1754762815Y.0000000018

Journal - Research Other

Coombs, A. C., & Bird, P. A. (2016). Stapedectomy in Teunissen-Cremers Syndrome: Intraoperative findings and hearing outcomes. Otology & Neurotology, 37(9), 1332-1334. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000001161

Hornibrook, J., Bird, P., Flook, E., & O'Beirne, G. A. (2016). Electrocochleography for the diagnosis of Ménière's disease: The wrong stimulus. Otology & Neurotology, 37(10), 1677-1678. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000001206

2015

Journal - Research Article

Bergin, M. J., Bird, P. A., Vlajkovic, S. M., & Thorne, P. R. (2015). High frequency bone conduction auditory evoked potentials in the guinea pig: Assessing cochlear injury after ossicular chain manipulation. Hearing Research, 330(Part A), 147-154. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.10.009

Mustard, J., Chinnery, M., Guidera, A. K., Heslop, N., & Bird, P. A. (2015). An audit of paediatric referrals to the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (2009-2014). New Zealand Medical Journal, 128(1423). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

Hornibrook, J., Flook, E., Greig, S., Babbage, M., Goh, T., Coates, M., Care, R., & Bird, P. (2015). MRI inner ear imaging and tone burst electrocochleography in the diagnosis of Ménière's disease. Otology & Neurotology, 36(6), 1109-1114. doi: 10.1097/mao.0000000000000782

Journal - Research Other

Wise, K. J., Bird, P. A., & O'Beirne, G. A. (2015). Tinnitus healthcare in New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal, 128(1423). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

Bird, P. A., & O'Beirne, G. A. (2015). Hearing loss in New Zealand: Planning for the future. New Zealand Medical Journal, 128(1419). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

Bird, P., & Souter, M. (2015). Giant cell reparative granuloma of the temporal bone treated with calcitonin: 10 years on. Otology & Neurotology, 36(7), 1296. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000773

2014

Journal - Research Article

Steffens, L., Venter, K., O'Beirne, G. A., Kelly-Campbell, R., Gibbs, D., & Bird, P. (2014). The current state of ototoxicity monitoring in New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal, 127(1398). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

Bergin, M., Sheedy, M., Ross, P., Wylie, G., & Bird, P. (2014). Measuring the forces of middle ear surgery: Evaluating a novel force-detection instrument. Otology & Neurotology, 35(2), e77-e83. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000173

2013

Journal - Research Article

Patel, M., Loan, F. L., Bird, P. A., & Lyon, J. R. (2013). Blind sac closure of the external auditory canal for chronic middle ear disease. Otology & Neurotology, 35(1), e36-e39. doi: 10.1097/mao.0000000000000201

Babbage, M. J., Feldman, M. B., O'Beirne, G. A., MacFarlane, M. R., & Bird, P. A. (2013). Patterns of hearing loss following retrosigmoid excision of unilateral vestibular schwannoma. Journal of Neurological Surgery: Part B, 74(3), 166-175. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1342921

Love, R. L., & Bird, P. (2013). Cochlear implantation in mitochondrial deafness due to A7445G mutation. Cochlear Implants International, 14(1), 28-31. doi: 10.1179/1754762811y.0000000030

Journal - Research Other

Bergin, M., Vlajkovic, S., Bird, P., & Thorne, P. (2013). Systematic review of animal models of middle ear surgery. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 3(3), 71-88. doi: 10.5319/wjo.v3.i3.71

Cowan, I. A., Greig, S. R., & Bird, P. A. (2013). Mastoid pneumocoele with skill base and cervical spine pneumatisation. Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Oncology, 57(5), 589-591. [Case Study].

Bird, P. (2013). Cochlear implants: There's still a queue. New Zealand Medical Journal, 126(1375). Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal

2012

Journal - Research Article

Hornibrook, J., Coates, M., Goh, A., Gourley, J., & Bird, P. (2012). Magnetic resonance imaging for Ménière’s disease: Correlation with tone burst electrocochleography. Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 126, 136-141. doi: 10.1017/S0022215111003112

2011

Journal - Research Article

Looi, V., Mackenzie, M., & Bird, P. (2011). Quality-of-life outcomes for adult cochlear implant recipients in New Zealand. New Zealand Medical Journal, 124(1340). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/124-1340/4808/content.pdf

Bird, P. A., Murray, D. P., Zhang, M., & Begg, E. J. (2011). Intratympanic versus intravenous delivery of dexamethasone and dexamethasone sodium phosphate to cochlear perilymph. Otology & Neurotology, 32(6), 933-936. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e3182255933

Zhang, M., Moore, G. A., Jensen, B. P., Begg, E. J., & Bird, P. A. (2011). Determination of dexamethasone and dexamethasone sodium phosphate in human plasma and cochlear perilymph by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography B, 879(1), 17-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2010.11.003

2010

Journal - Research Article

Bergin, M., Bird, P., Cowan, I., & Pearson, J. F. (2010). Exploring the critical distance and position relationships between the eustachian tube and the internal carotid artery. Otology & Neurotology, 31(9), 1511-1515. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e3181f6c880

Southwell, K. E., Bird, P. A., & Murray, D. P. (2010). Cochlear implantation in children with CHARGE syndrome. Cochlear Implants International, 11(3), 170-183. doi: 10.1002/cii.423

Hornibrook, J., Coates, M., Goh, T., & Bird, P. (2010). MRI imaging of the inner ear for Meniere's disease. New Zealand Medical Journal, 123(1321). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/123-1321/4310/content.pdf

Bradley, J., Bird, P., Monteath, P., & Wells, J. E. (2010). Improved speech discrimination after cochlear implantation in the Southern Cochlear Implant Adult Programme. New Zealand Medical Journal, 123(1321). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/123-1321/4303/content.pdf

Bergin, M., Murray, D., & Bird, P. (2010). An unusual case of cotton wool use to improve hearing. Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 124(8), 922-924. doi: 10.1017/s0022215109992453

Bird, P., Botting, A., Milburn, J., Murray, D., & Heslop, N. (2010). An audit of referrals to the Southern Cochlear Implant Paediatric Programme. New Zealand Medical Journal, 123(1313). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/123-1313/4077/content.pdf

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Bird, P. (2010). Practical management of dizziness and deafness [Workshop]. Proceedings of the South General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition. Retrieved from http://www.gpcme.co.nz/south/2010/speakers.php

Begg, E. J., Zhang, M., & Bird, P. A. (2010). Intratympanic versus intravenous delivery of dexamethasone into cochlear perilymph compared with plasma. Proceedings of the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting and the 6th Annual Carney Pharmacogenomics Symposium. ASCEPT. Retrieved from http://www.ascept.org.nz/

2009

Journal - Research Article

Yang, A. S., & Bird, P. (2009). Intracranial metastatic melanoma presenting with bilateral hearing loss. Otology & Neurotology, 30(2), 243-244. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e31816c7c88

Journal - Research Other

Muthu, A., Stevenson, S., & Bird, P. (2009). Benefits of magnetic resonance image scanning in progressive, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss: A case of leptomeningeal haemosiderosis. Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 123(11), 1266-1270. doi: 10.1017/S0022215109004551

2008

Journal - Research Article

Wood, V. H., Bird, P. A., Giles, E. C., & Baber, W. J. (2008). Unsuccessful cochlear implantation in two patients with superficial siderosis of the central nervous system. Otology & Neurotology, 29, 622-625.

Bird, P. A., & Murray, D. (2008). Cochlear implantation: A panacea for severe hearing loss? New Zealand Medical Journal, 121(1280). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/121-1280/3220/content.pdf

Journal - Research Other

Scarlett, A., Bird, P., & MacFarlane, M. (2008). Conductive hearing loss after removal of acoustic neuroma. Otology & Neurotology, 29(4), 553-556.

Bird, P. A., & Begg, E. J. (2008). Rapid clearance of methylprednisolone after intratympanic application in humans [Reply to letter to the editor]. Otology & Neurotology, 29(5), 733.

2007

Journal - Research Article

Bird, P. A., Begg, E. J., Zhang, M., Keast, A. T., Murray, D. P., & Balkany, T. J. (2007). Intratympanic versus intravenous delivery of methylprednisolone to cochlear perilymph. Otology & Neurotology, 28, 1124-1130.

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Bird, P. A., & MacFarlane, M. R. (2007). Management of unilateral vestibular schwannoma/acoustic neuroma [Editorial]. New Zealand Medical Journal, 120(1265). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/120-1265/2805/content.pdf

2006

Journal - Research Article

Souter, M. A., Bird, P. A., & Worthington, J. P. (2006). Giant cell reparative granuloma of the temporal bone treated with calictonin. Otology & Neurotology, 27(7), 999-1002. doi: 10.1097/01.mao.0000224076.54978.f0

2005

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Begg, E. J., Bird, P. A., Keast, A. T., Murray, D. P., & Zhang, M. (2005). Intratympanic delivery of methylprednisolone into the cochlear perilymph. Proceeding of the Joint Meeting of ASCEPT and APSA. ASCEPT: Melbourne, Australia. [Abstract]

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Begg, E. J., Bird, P. A., Keast, A. T., Murray, D. P., & Zhang, M. (2005, December). Intratympanic delivery of methylprednisolone into the cochlear perilymph. Poster session presented at the Joint Meeting of Ascept and APSA, Melbourne, Australia.