Event Details
Date: 6 December 2024 - 8 December 2024

Location name: Manila, Philippines

Location address: EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines



Jaclyn Patricia N Masmela, RSLP, MClAud
Instructor and Clinical Audiologist, Master of Clinical Audiology Program Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

The world of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and nowhere was this more evident than at the 68th Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS) at the gleaming halls of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Manila, Philippines. The event brought together over 2000 local and international specialists, marking a pivotal moment in the region's approach to hearing and balance disorders. The event, which coincided with the 25th Hearing International (HI) and 9th ASEAN Academy of Neurotology (AANOA) Congress, fostered professional development and explored the latest advancements in the field through the presentations of leading experts and practitioners in the field of audiology, otology and neurotology.

Themed ‘Expanding Horizons Together in Hearing and Balance Care’, the convention featured a comprehensive 3-day programme that included keynote lectures, symposia, panel discussions and hands-on workshops. The delegates were warmly welcomed by Dr Archie Brian Ramos and convention co-chair Dr Christopher Malorre Calaquian, citing that renowned local and international speakers were present to update and uplift the otorhinolaryngology practice in the Philippines, specifically hearing and balance care.

The keynote lecture by Dr Frank Lin (USA) focused on transforming hearing through evidence, regulatory policy and awareness. ‘Numbers change perceptions’ was the takeaway from his presentation, highlighting that the hearing number is universal, accessible, actionable and clinically meaningful. Dr Agarwal (CAN), Dr Caversaccio (SUI), Dr Müller (GER), Dr Moon (SKOR) and Dr Briggs (AUS) touched on the different technological innovations and artificial intelligence in hearing implantation.




Dr Frank Lin from the USA delivered the keynote lecture.

But amid the exciting technological advancements, local pioneers kept the focus firmly on Philippine healthcare realities. Dr Charlotte Chiong presented a stirring account of the nation's progress in combating deafness, while other Filipino experts shared insights on successful hearing screening programmes for newborns – a crucial initiative in a country where hearing disabilities often go undetected in early childhood.

The conference also marked a significant milestone: 25 years of clinical audiology education in the Philippines. Educators from the University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines reflected on their institutions' roles in developing world-class audiologists who have shaped national healthcare policies. “We have made a dent,” declared one speaker, though many agreed that broader public health approaches are needed to expand this impact.

Beyond formal sessions, the convention buzzed with energy as veteran specialists and young practitioners exchanged ideas over lunch meetings and alumni gatherings. These interactions sparked new research collaborations and clinical partnerships, promising to accelerate innovation in the field.

As the three-day congress concluded, it was clear that the Philippine otolaryngology community stands at the cusp of a new era. With artificial intelligence advancing surgical techniques and local programmes expanding access to care, the future of hearing healthcare in the Philippines looks increasingly promising.

The challenge now lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday patient care – a challenge that the assembled medical leaders seemed ready to tackle head-on.