Mario Milkov
Prof. Mario Milkov, MD, PhD graduated from Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stojanov” – Varna in 1995.
Since 2002, he has been a specialist in Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery of the Head and Neck. In 2005, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis related to modern ossicular prostheses.
Main professional and scientific interests in the field of otology, neurotology, audio-vestibular medicine, biomaterials, sleep medicine, hearing prevention in newborns and early childhood. He holds a patent for the first Bulgarian ossicular prosthesis.
He is the creator of the bulgarian society of “obstructive sleep apnea and snoring” in 2012. He proposes and creates together with colleagues from the Black Sea countries the “International Black Sea Otological and Neurootological Association“ in 2017.
Prof. Mario Milkov is the Head of the Department “Dental materials science and prosthetic dental medicine” in Faculty of Dental medicine, Medical University – Varna.
Since March 2024 is appointed as Vice-Rector for “International relations”, Medical University – Varna.
He works at the “Audio-vestibular and sleep medicine” sector, University Medical and Dental Center.
Prof. Milkov is the Chairperson of the “Alumni club and Friends” – Medical University – Varna.
A corresponding academic member of national and international associations.
Has more than 180 scientific publications. Participated in over 190 world and national congresses, symposiums, specialized courses.
He has been the editor-in-chief of the journal „International Bulletin of Otorhinolaryngology“ since 2004. A member of the editorial board of five international medical journals in and other Bulgarian medical journals.
Sessions
Emerging Trends and Innovations in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Management will be discussed
Description
This session highlights the latest research and innovation in ear and hearing science, aligned with the mission of the Mirko Tos Ear & Hearing Research Center. We explore cutting-edge developments, ranging from molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis to minimally invasive surgical techniques. Key topics include novel auditory implants, tinnitus management strategies, and translational research on inner ear pathophysiology. By bringing together audiologists, surgeons, and basic scientists, we aim to accelerate the development of personalized therapies for complex auditory and vestibular disorders.
Outcome Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Identify emerging trends in middle ear surgery and hearing rehabilitation technologies.
Evaluate the clinical utility of new diagnostic biomarkers for sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
Apply multidisciplinary, evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in the management of chronic ear disease and vestibular dysfunction.
Novel Approaches general panel discussion
We propose a hypothesis-generating observational study that explores the relationship between obsessive-compulsive (OC) personality traits and the severity of vertigo-related anxiety in patients with common peripheral vestibular disorders. Despite similar vestibular test results, some patients report disabling dizziness, while others cope more easily — suggesting that psychological traits may act as symptom amplifiers. This proposed study will include patients diagnosed with BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or Menière’s disease. Each participant will complete validated instruments including the Vertigo Handicap Inventory (VHI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R). We will analyze the correlation between obsessive-compulsive traits and reported anxiety intensity, adjusting for diagnosis and vestibular dysfunction severity. We believe that identifying psychological vulnerability in vestibular patients can lead to earlier, individualized management strategies — including integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy in selected cases.