Annual Meeting 2026
The American Otological Society held its 159th Annual Meeting April 24–25, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together leaders in otology and neurotology for two days of scientific presentations, expert lectures, panel discussions, research presentations, and professional collaboration.
The 2026 scientific program explored advances in cochlear implantation, human temporal bone research, cholesteatoma and middle ear disease, audiovestibular disorders, hearing genetics, and emerging approaches to hearing rehabilitation.
The meeting also recognized distinguished contributions to the field, highlighted new and ongoing research, and provided opportunities for members and colleagues to connect and exchange ideas.
159th Annual Meeting
April 24–25, 2026
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona
Explore the 2026 Program & Abstracts
The complete 2026 Annual Meeting publication includes the scientific program, selected oral and poster abstracts, research grant information, recipient progress reports, Society leadership and membership information, and additional meeting materials.
Featured Lectures & Presentations
Guest of Honor Lecture
Using Neural Data to Predict Language Development Across Populations of Children
Patrick C.M. Wong, PhD
Saumil N. Merchant Memorial Lecture
Hearing in High Definition: Cochlear Implants and Gene Therapy Unplugged
Catherine Birman, OAM, MBBS, PhD, FRACS
2026 Scientific Program Highlights
Advances in Cochlear Implantation
Human Temporal Bone Research
New approaches to understanding hearing loss through histopathology, imaging, genetics, and correlations between temporal bone findings and clinical disease.
Middle Ear Disease & Cholesteatoma
Audiovestibular Research
Cochlear Implant Outcomes & Rehabilitation
Pediatric implantation, speech and language development, music perception, access to cochlear implantation, and multidisciplinary approaches to long-term care.
AOS Resident Research & Scientific Poster Recipients
Resident Research Award Recipients
Aseem Jain, MD, MSE
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
“Iowa CI Trauma Tool: A Deep Learning Approach to Cochlear Implant Trauma Assessment from CT scans”
Adam Y. Xiao, MD, PhD
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
“Whole Genome Sequencing of Archival Human Temporal Bones – Identification and Characterization of the DFNA17 Mutation”
Scientific Poster Presentation Winners
1st PLACE
Stephanie Younan, MPH
“Impact of Contralateral Hearing Status on Cochlear Implant Device Engagement”
POSTER AOS009
2nd PLACE
Andrew L.S. Thornton, BA
“Listening Fatigue Contributes to Hearing-Related Quality of Life in Adult Cochlear Implant Candidates”
POSTER AOS007
3rd PLACE
Tomoya Yamacuchi, MD
“Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Treated with Tympanic Membrane Regeneration Therapy”
POSTER AOS003
Award of Merit
The AOS Award of Merit recognizes outstanding accomplishment and distinguished service in the field of otology.
Established in 1948, the award honors individuals whose scientific contributions, leadership, teaching, research, or service have had significant impact on the field.
