Annual Meeting 2025
158th Annual Meeting • May 16–18, 2025 • New Orleans, Lousiana
The American Otological Society held its 158th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 16–18, 2025. The scientific program brought together leaders in otology and neurotology to share new research and clinical advances in cochlear implantation, hearing preservation, middle and inner ear disorders, sensorineural hearing loss, imaging, and genetics. Sessions also explored emerging therapies and technologies, including gene therapy, regenerative approaches, and robotic-assisted cochlear implantation. Expert panels, scientific presentations, and poster research provided opportunities to exchange ideas, advance clinical practice, and support the next generation of research in the specialty.
158th Annual Meeting
May 16–18, 2025
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Explore the 2025 Program & Abstracts
The complete 2025 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
Regenerating Auditory Nerves: Basic Science
to Clinical Trials
Prof. Marcelo N. Rivolta
Saumil N. Merchant Memorial Lecture
Extracellular Vesicles and Treatment of Hearing Loss
Hinrich Staecker, MD, PhD
2025 Scientific Program Highlights
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Prevention, Protection and Treatment
A comprehensive expert panel examined the causes and pathophysiology of noise-induced hearing loss, current OSHA and NIOSH guidance for measuring noise exposure, hearing-protection strategies, and approaches to treatment.
Advances in Cochlear Implantation and Hearing Preservation
Two scientific sessions examined emerging cochlear implant research, including reimplantation after device failure, tinnitus and quality of life, electrode positioning, robotic-assisted implantation, hearing preservation, and outcomes in elderly patients.
Emerging Treatments for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Research highlighted developing approaches to sensorineural hearing loss, including AK-OTOF gene therapy, GLP-1 agonist treatment, targeted newborn CMV screening, a novel transcanal catheter for inner-ear hypothermia, and industry pipeline updates.
Inner Ear Imaging: State of the Art
A multidisciplinary panel explored advances in otologic imaging, including photon-counting CT, gadolinium techniques, endolymph/perilymph imaging, and emerging approaches to visualization of the inner ear.
Practical Genetics for Otologists
This clinically focused panel addressed common genetic causes of hearing loss, when to order genetic testing, determining gene–phenotype associations, when to involve genetic counselors, and current and potential clinical trials.
AOS Resident Research & Scientific Poster Recipients
Resident Research Award Recipients
Ilana Yellin, MD
AdventHealth
Orlando, FL
“Retrospective Comparison of Hearing Preservation Outcomes following Robotic- Assisted and Manual Cochlear Implantation”
Liliya Benchetrit, MD
Boston Medical Center
Boston, MA
“Cochlear Implant Insertion Trauma is Associated with Spiral Ganglion Neuron “Dead Zones” in the Human”
Scientific Poster Presentation Winners
1st PLACE
Renata M. Knoll, MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Boston, MA
“Regeneration of Cochlear Synapses Following Intracochlear Delivery of Neurotrophin 3”
POSTER AOS E005
2nd PLACE
Aida Nourbakhsh, MD, PhD
University of Miami
Miami, FL
“RNA-Seq Analysis of Primary Vestibular Schwannoma Shows Focal Adhesion Pathway Involvement in Radiation Resistance”
POSTER AOS E003
3rd PLACE
Kaitlyn A. Brooks, MD
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, TX
“Early Outcomes of Round Window Drill-Out for Otosclerosis Causing Round Window Obliteration”
POSTER AOS E035
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.
