Rationale and Objectives: In recent years, the human voice has emerged as more than a medium of communication—it has become a powerful marker of physiological and psychological states. Advances in signal processing, artificial intelligence, and biomedical acoustics have attracted growing attention from diverse disciplines. In this panel, however, we will focus on the medical dimension—where clinicians and medical researchers analyze voice patterns as potential biomarkers reflecting health and disease, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychiatric conditions.

Therefore, I propose that the Scientific Board of IFOS consider organizing a panel discussion that brings together international experts—physicians and technical specialists—who have practical experience in applying voice analysis to medical issues.

Key Themes:

• Voice as a Biomarker: Physiological and pathological correlates of vocal features essential for Neurological, Psychiatric, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and otorhinolaryngological (particularly snoring & obstructive sleep apnea) diseases and pain management

• AI and Digital Voice Analysis: Novel diagnostic and predictive tools in clinics and remote patient monitoring

• Educational Perspectives: Integrating voice-based analytics into medical training and patient monitoring

• Ethical and Practical Challenges: Data privacy, standardization, and clinical validation

Expected Outcomes: The session will stimulate dialogue among clinicians, researchers, and innovators about integrating voice-based tools into everyday medical practice. By highlighting cross-disciplinary collaborations, it will encourage new research directions and educational frameworks that position the human voice as a central biomarker in 21st-century medicine.

Suggested Format: Panel discussion with contributions from 3–4 experts, including both physicians and technical specialists, on the topics outlined above.

Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide Newborn hearing screening programs worldwide

Newborn Hearing Screening Programs (NHSP) represent a major scientific advancement that has made significant contributions to society — not only in the fields of otologic and pediatric health, but also in education and psychosocial development. Although NHSPs were first introduced in developed countries in Europe and the United States, their greatest impact may now be emerging in other parts of the world.

Therefore, I propose that the Scientific Board of IFOS consider organizing a scientific Round Table or International Symposium that brings together international experts — particularly from developing and least developed countries — who have practical experience in implementing national hearing screening programs.

The expected outcomes of this meeting include identifying best practices adaptable to different healthcare infrastructures, developing recommendations for policymakers, and strengthening international cooperation within the IFOS framework.

The Round Table or International Symposium could be organized as part of the upcoming IFOS Congress, featuring concise presentations followed by open discussions among multidisciplinary experts, including otologists, audiologists, pediatricians, and public health specialists.

I am confident that this initiative will create a valuable platform for sharing global experiences and further strengthen IFOS’s leadership in preventive otology. I would be pleased to collaborate with the Scientific Board in refining this concept and identifying potential contributors.

Reference: Y. K. Kemaloğlu, " Newborn Hearing Screening," In Otology Update , Basel: Springer Nature Switzerland Ag, 2025, pp.719-742.