The AOS annual membership application period has officially closed! Applications will now be reviewed, followed by voting by eligible AOS Fellows. Approved applicants will advance to Candidates for membership.
This December, we’re excited to introduce and celebrate our newest Candidates. We look forward to welcoming them in person in Seattle at the 2027 Annual Meeting. 

About the American Otological Society

The American Otological Society (“AOS”) is the second oldest single-specialty medical society in America. Founded in 1868, AOS has played a pivotal role in advancing the science and practice of otology for over 150 years. Its members are leaders in research, education, and surgical innovation focused on diseases of the ear and related structures.

Vision:

The American Otological Society, a global association of preeminent physicians, surgeons, scientists and advocates for the advancement of otology, is dedicated to enabling optimal health, communication, and life experiences for all individuals impacted by hearing loss, balance disorders, and other diseases of the ear and lateral skull base.

Mission:

The American Otological Society is a world-leading association in ear-related health care. We collaborate across institutional and international boundaries to advance otology, identify and support promising research, cultivate and disseminate excellence in effective and compassionate clinical practices, and elevate all those dedicated to the field of otology through education on cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

What We Do

For more than a century, the American Otological Society has united leading surgeons, scientists, and educators to advance the science and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.

Research

Providing funding and guidance to explore new directions in the field of otology

Education

Guiding research, evidence-based treatments, quality standards, and leadership in otology and neurotology

Leadership

AOS members represent the most senior surgeons and clinicians in the industry, guiding the way for important advances in otology

American Otological Society Membership

The American Otological Society (“AOS”) is the second oldest single-specialty medical society in America.

Established in 1868, AOS is the senior and most esteemed organization dedicated to the advancement of treatments and prevention of ear-related disorders that may affect hearing, balance, neurological function and communication. Members of the society are accomplished leaders in the field, assuring high standards for how AOS fulfills its mission. Members are clinicians (otologists, neurotologists, otolaryngologists, audiologists or other clinicians with subspecialty interest in otology) and scientists, all with common goals to advance the care of disorders related to the ear.

The Latest

Graphic with a red border in a two-column layout. On the left, the heading reads “An Open Letter to John Mellencamp on hearing loss and the voices we love,” above a stage photograph of a musician holding an acoustic guitar beside a microphone. On the right, textured gray stationery is dated “Nov. 7, 2026.” Handwritten-style text reads: “Dear John, We were moved by your recent comments about hearing loss and how it has affected your everyday life...” The American Otological Society (AOS) logo appears at the bottom right.
November 7, 2026

Open Letter to John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp recently spoke candidly about his hearing loss and reluctance to use hearing aids. For many people, these are difficult decisions. AOS has written an open letter to John and anyone else facing similar questions.
October 25, 2026

THE AOS 2027 CALL FOR PAPERS IS NOW CLOSED

Thank You for a Record-Breaking Year of Abstract Submissions! The American Otological Society extends its sincere appreciation to all authors who submitted abstracts for the 160th Annual Meeting, April 9–11, 2027, in Seattle, Washington. The Call for Papers officially closed on October 22, 2026.
October 25, 2026

AOS Letter of Intent Due November 1, 2026 (11:59 P.M. PT)

The American Otological Society (AOS) is proud to support innovative research that advances the understanding and treatment of disorders of the ear and related sciences. Applications for the 2027–2028 AOS Research Grant Awards begin with a required Letter of Intent (LOI).