My name is Nedim Uğur Kaya. I’m an audiologist, academic, and researcher currently working as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Audiology Department at Biruni University in Istanbul, Turkey.

My journey in healthcare started with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation from Hacettepe University in 2004. Over time, I became more interested in hearing sciences, which led me to complete a master’s degree in Audiology and Speech Sound Disorders at Gazi University in 2010. My thesis focused on vestibular and audiological findings in patients with multiple sclerosis. Later, I earned my PhD in Audiology from the University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Institute, in 2022, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Emine Aydın.

Throughout my academic career, I’ve taught at several institutions, including KTO Karatay University, where I worked from 2018 to 2023. Since 2023, I’ve been part of Biruni University. My main research interests include hearing aids, auditory rehabilitation, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, and accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. I’ve had the chance to publish in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to scientific books, and present at both national and international conferences.

In addition to academic work, I’ve been involved in several TÜBİTAK-supported projects as a consultant, focusing on assistive technologies and inclusive communication strategies. One of my favorite projects involved developing tools to improve communication for people with hearing impairments during disaster situations.

I’m also passionate about innovation. In 2023, I co-invented and patented an accessory that helps infants use hearing aids more comfortably. I also developed a digital platform called ODİKOM, designed to modernize the hearing aid industry with Industry 4.0 technologies.

Alongside my academic and research background, I have experience in the private sector as a product manager and audiology specialist. This gave me a broader perspective on how technology, clinical practice, and user needs intersect. I believe this combination of academic insight and real-world experience helps me create more practical, human-centered solutions.

I’ve also worked as an editor for the book Comprehensive and Clinical Anatomy of the Middle Ear, and co-authored a chapter in the 2025 book Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Disasters, focusing on communication with hearing-impaired individuals in emergency contexts.

In everything I do, my goal is to bridge the gap between science and society—whether it’s by teaching students, developing new tools, or raising awareness about hearing health. I truly believe that hearing is not just a sensory function, but a vital part of human connection—and I’m committed to improving access, care, and quality of life for everyone in this field.