Levent Sennaroğlu
He did his medical training and otolaryngology residency in Hacettepe University Medical Faculty in Ankara. In 1996 He became associate professor, and in 2003 professor in the same department. He was a research scholar in House Ear Institute, Los Angeles California where he performed a temporal bone study on middle fossa approach (1997).
For the last 30 years, he has been practicing only otology and neurotology. His main academic interest is inner ear malformations. He was involved in the classification and surgery of inner ear malformations. He has recently updated his classification system of inner ear malformations (2009, 2013 and 2017). He developed an electrode for malformations. Recently he performed a histopathological study on inner ear malformations trying to explain the pathophysiology of developmental inner ear anomalies (2016). As Hacettepe Implant Team they performed over 3546 implants until May 2026. They also started auditory brainstem implantation in prelingually deafened children in 2006. So far Hacettepe team performed 205 ABI in children.
He has 164 articles in English language in peer reviewed journals.
He was the president of the Otology and Neurotology Society in Turkey between 2008 and 2010. He was the chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology in Hacettepe University between 2006 and 2011. During this time 4 year-Audiology Undergraduate Program was set up in Hacettepe University.
Sessions
Cochlear implants (CIs) were initially incompatible with MRI. Recently, MRI-conditional implants that permit scanning without magnet removal or compressive bandaging have been introduced. However, MRI in CI recipients is often degraded by device-related artifacts, which may limit its clinical utility. In this study, we evaluated head MRI findings in some patients who underwent cochlear implantation at our institution and analyzed differences in artifact size across imaging modalities and sequences, together with their clinical applicability. Without magnet removal, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 star-weighted imaging produced larger artifacts and yielded limited diagnostic value. In contrast, T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and heavily T2-weighted sequences allowed assessment of the contralateral side and central regions of the head, although visualization on the implanted side remained restricted. Image characteristics varied depending on both MRI modality and sequence, indicating that MRI protocols should be carefully selected according to clinical purpose and feasibility. Awareness of sequence-specific imaging characteristics is essential, and the expected diagnostic value should be considered in advance when determining MRI indications in CI patients.
Cochlear implantation approach in pediatric otolaryngolgy subspecialty is discussed
Management Of Challenging Cases in Cochlear Implantation II : Chronic Ear Disease and Otosclerosis
Introduction: cochlear implantation has evolved toward atraumatic "soft surgery" techniques aimed at preserving intracochlear structures and residual hearing. Manual electrode insertion, while effective, is subject to human tremor and variable insertion speeds, which may increase the risk of scalar translocation or mechanical trauma. Robotic-assisted insertion offers a specialized solution by providing stabilized, slow, and robotic electrode advancement designed to minimize intracochlear pressure transients and mechanical trauma.
methods/surgical technique: this "masters in surgery" video presentation focuses specifically on the integration and deployment of the iotamotion robotic system following the completion of the surgical approach. The video highlights the specialized technical maneuvers required for robotic assistance, including:
system calibration and docking: the precise alignment of the robotic drive with the cochleostomy or round window.
electrode loading: the methodology for securing the electrode array within the robotic carrier.
robotic insertion: the execution of a constant-velocity, low-force insertion, demonstrating the surgeon’s ability to pause and adjust in real-time.
disengagement: the safe removal of the robotic drive while maintaining the final electrode position.
results/discussion: outcomes of this presentation will be to provide a detailed demonstration that the audience may apply to their practice, with high-quality operative video that highlights the transition from manual tactile feedback to robotic precision. The presentation will also generate discussion among experts regarding soft surgical techniques and the potential for improved hearing preservation outcomes through the reduction of intracochlear trauma.
conclusion: this video serves as a technical guide for neurotologists to refine their cochlear implant insertion technique, focusing on the interface between robotic precision and microsurgical control to optimize patient outcomes.