Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya
Dr. Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya is a Lecturer and Consultant in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology at Universiti Malaya. She completed Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology at Starship Children’s Hospital, New Zealand, and advanced training in Pediatric Audiovestibular Medicine at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. She has been a Fellow of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, since 2022.
Recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, she has over 200 publications and serves as Academic Editor for PLOS ONE and ENT Journal. She established pioneering pediatric Aerodigestive, Saliva Control and Vestibular services in Malaysia, her research focus is exploring the role of biomarkers and AI in paediatric aerodigestive and vestibular disorders.
Sessions
Pediatric vestibular medicine is a relatively new specialty, but has grown drastically in size and scope over the past couple of decades. Newer testing technologies have made testing feasible at progressively younger ages. Our understanding of the causes of vestibular symptoms in children and the role of vestibular testing in diagnosing them have also progressed significantly, allowing for better standardization and universalization of testing protocols. Vestibular testing may also play vital roles in determining candidacy for new therapies for pediatric hearing loss, such as cochlear implants for single sided deafness and gene therapy for congenital hearing loss. These advances make it essential for anybody caring for children with hearing loss in the modern era to have at least a basic understanding of the current indications, technologies, and approaches to vestibular testing in the pediatric age group. This symposium will be presented on behalf of the recently formed International Pediatric Balance Network (IBPN). It will include lectures and discussion from a group of pediatric vestibular specialists from around the world. Topics will include: 1.) “Remote Camera VHIT and the Advent of Newborn Vestibular Screening Programs”, 2.) “The Role of Vestibular Testing in Evaluating Pediatric Dizziness,” 3.) “Universal Guidelines for Pediatric Vestibular Testing in Congenital Hearing Loss,” and 4.) “New Roles of Vestibular Testing in Children: Single-Sided Deafness, Gene Therapy, and Beyond.” Attendees will learn about modern approaches to vestibular testing in children with and without hearing loss, as well as current and future indications for objective assessment of vestibular function in the pediatric population.
Title: What’s New in Pediatric Swallowing Assessment: Innovations and Future Directions
Description & Background: Pediatric dysphagia is a complex, multifactorial condition with significant implications on nutrition, growth, respiratory health, and quality of life. Assessment of swallowing in children requires a nuanced approach due to age-related anatomical and physiological differences, comorbid conditions, and limitations in cooperation or communication, particularly among infants and children with developmental delays.
In recent years, pediatric swallowing assessment has undergone notable advancements. Beyond conventional videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), newer techniques such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), high-resolution pharyngeal manometry, pharyngeal impedance monitoring, and advanced salivary diagnostics are emerging as powerful tools. Additionally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in interpreting imaging and developing wearable technologies and portable assessments signal a move towards personalised and non-invasive diagnostics.
This presentation will synthesize the latest evidence, showcase practical applications from a multidisciplinary pediatric swallowing and aerodigestive clinic, and propose frameworks for integrating novel tools into routine practice. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and nutritionists in developing individualized care pathways for children with swallowing difficulties.
Drawing from real-world clinical experience, the talk will explore gaps, especially in the pediatric normative data for newer technologies, and emphasise the need for international collaboration to develop standardised protocols and cross-disciplinary training models.
Outcome Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe the latest diagnostic innovations in pediatric swallowing assessment, including instrumental and non-instrumental methods.
Recognize the clinical value of a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to evaluating dysphagia in children.
Apply new knowledge in tailoring swallowing assessments for medically complex pediatric populations.
Identify emerging research directions, including the role of salivary biomarkers, AI-based analytics, and cross-disciplinary protocols in enhancing assessment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Develop ideas for collaborative international research and practice models to standardise and optimize pediatric swallowing evaluation globally.