Annual Meeting 2024

157th Annual Meeting • May 17–18, 2025 • Chicago, Illinois

The 157th Annual Meeting of the American Otological Society, held May 17–18, 2024, in Chicago, brought together leaders in otology and neurotology for two days of scientific exchange, education, and collaboration.
The program featured expert presentations, panel discussions, resident research, podium presentations and scientific posters, along with interactive Q&A sessions covering emerging science and contemporary clinical practice. Topics ranged from cochlear implantation, hearing loss, vestibular disorders, tinnitus, and chronic ear disease to congenital CMV, migraine, public health, artificial intelligence, and inner ear biology.
The meeting also celebrated new AOS Fellows and research achievements while providing opportunities for networking and collegial exchange.

157th Annual Meeting

May 17–18, 2024
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Explore the 2024 Program & Abstracts

The complete 2024 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

Choices, Challenges and Opportunities in Auditory Implantation Surgery

Emma Stapleton, MBChB, FRCS (ORL-HNS), MFSTEd

Saumil N. Merchant Memorial Lecture

An Omics Path to Otoprotection

Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD

2024 Scientific Program Highlights

Basic & Applied Otologic Science

Cutting-edge research explored hearing instability, cochlear nerve regeneration, biomarkers, and strategies for protecting hearing from noise-induced damage. The session also featured an expert presentation on fluorescence imaging of cochlear and vestibular nerves during surgery. 

Otologic Public Health & Chronic Ear Disease

Presentations examined the broader factors affecting hearing and otologic outcomes, including smoking, statins, blast exposure in veterans, clinical guideline adherence, and disparities in acoustic neuroma care. A multidisciplinary panel also addressed strategies for improving outcomes in chronic ear disease. 

Cochlear Implants & Inner Ear Biology

Adult and pediatric cochlear implant research covered auditory training, electroacoustic stimulation, congenital CMV, single-sided deafness, and cochlear nerve deficiency. The session also included an expert update on current advances in tinnitus research and treatment. 

Sudden Hearing Loss, Vestibular Disease & Dizziness

Experts addressed sudden sensorineural hearing loss along with practical approaches to evaluating complex dizziness. Presentations focused on recognizing functional and psychiatric contributors to dizziness and improving understanding of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD).

Artificial Intelligence, Migraine & External Ear Disease

The program explored emerging applications of artificial intelligence in otology, including diagnostic and treatment planning and AI tracking of surgical instruments during mastoidectomy. The meeting concluded with EarWise: Spotlight on External Ear Disease, bringing expert perspectives to the diagnosis and management of external ear disorders.

AOS Resident Research & Scientific Poster Recipients

Resident Research Award Recipients

Caleb Fan, MD

Michigan Ear Institute
Farmington Hills, MI

“Outcomes After Exoscopic Versus Microscopic Ossicular Chain Reconstruction”

George Liu, MD

Stanford Medicine,
Stanford,CA

“Artificial Intelligence Tracking of Otologic Instruments in Mastoidectomy Videos”

Scientific Poster Presentation Winners

1st PLACE

Oluwatobiloba Ayo-Ajibola

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

“Otologic Benefits of High-Fidelity Earplug Use at Social Music Venues”

POSTER AOS F033

2nd PLACE

Susan E. Ellsperman, MD
Julia M. Telischi, BS

House Ear Clinic
Los Angeles, CA

“A Multi-Institutional Review of the Impact of Social Determinants
of Health on Vestibular Schwannoma Management”

POSTER AOS F032

3rd PLACE

Aashish Batheja, MPH

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Richmond, VA

“Exploring the Association Between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Hearing Loss Among U.S. Nonsmokers”

POSTER AOS F006

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.

2024 Meeting Gallery

A look back at the 157th Annual Meeting in Chicago.