Jong Woo Chung, MD, is a professor and former chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine. Dr. Chung and his colleagues lead multiple clinical research projects focusing on sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implantation, middle ear implants, chronic ear disease, and pediatric otitis media. His recent research interests have expanded into robotic-assisted ear surgery, artificial intelligence applications in otology, and endoscopic ear surgery.

Dr. Chung earned his medical degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine, where he also completed his residency and Ph.D. training in Otolaryngology. Following advanced training in general otology, neurotology, skull base surgery, and cochlear implantation, he joined Asan Medical Center, where he further developed programs in skull base surgery, audiology, endoscopic ear surgery, and cochlear implantation. He also initiated basic research on noise-induced hearing loss.

Dr. Chung has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles indexed in SCI/SCIE journals. He has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Korean Audiological Society (2014–2016), President of the Korean Skull Base Society (2017), and President of the Korean Association of Institutional Review Boards (2020–2023). He currently serves as President of the upcoming World Congress of Audiology 2026, which will be held in Seoul.

Prof. Khassan Diab, born in 1973. With extensive training and expertise, he has become a leading authority in hearing improvement surgical interventions, including cochlear implantation. His surgical prowess is evidenced by an impressive record of over 5000 cochlear implantations in Russia and other countries and numerous complex surgeries for various ear conditions.

Education

• Ph.D., Medical Care Faculty Rostov State Medical University, 1999

• Residency, ENT Department Rostov State Medical University & St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Nose, Throat and Speech, 1999-2003

• Fellowship Rostov State Medical University, 2003-2005 Thesis: "Unsatisfactory results of stapedeoplasty and ways of their correction"

Professional Experience

• Research Associate Ear Pathophysiology Department, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Nose, Throat and Speech November 2006 - 2010

• Senior Research Associate St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Nose, Throat and Speech 2011 - 2014

• Head of Cadaveric Temporal Bone Courses St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Nose, Throat and Speech 2006 - 2014

• Chief Research Associate Department of Ear Diseases, Federal Research Clinical Center of Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow December 2014 - March 2016

• Head of the Department of Ear Diseases Federal Research Clinical Center of Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow April 2016 - January 2020

• Professor of Otolaryngology Faculty of Postgraduate Education, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Since November 2016

• Deputy Director for International Affairs Curator of the Scientific and Clinical Department of Ear Diseases National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology, Federal Medico-Biological Agency of Russia January 2020 - Present

Achievements and Affiliations

·         Honor Member Black Sea Otology and Neurotology Association

Member of the Board of the Society of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Specialists

            Member of the National Association of Otorhinolaryngologists of Russia.

·         Chairman of the Expert Council of the Eurasian Academy of Otorhinolaryngology

·         Official representative of Russia in The International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS).

·         Annually conducts advanced dissection courses with international participation "Oto-surgery and surgery of the lateral skull base".

·         Publications Author of more than 300 articles and 20 patents in the field of ear pathology

·         Lecturer Engaged in various International scientific conferences and forums, including international events

Medical Centres Affiliations:

·         Medical Centre Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan

·         Municipal Childrens No.2 Hospital Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan

·         City Clinical Hospitals N.5, Almaty Republic of Kazakhstan

·         University Medical Centre Corporate Foundation Astana Republic of Kazakhstan

·         Republican Specialized Scientific Practice Medical Centre of Paediatrics Tashkent, Uzbekistan

·         ShifoNur Clinic Tashkent, Uzbekistan

·         Erebuni Medical ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat) & Cochlear Implants Centre, Yervan, Armenia

·         Al Qassimi Hospital – Ministry of Health and Prevention UAE, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Surgical Expertise

• Conducted over 5000 cochlear implantations

• Successfully performed 100 implantations of bone conduction hearing aids

• Completed approximately 100 surgical treatments for Meniere's disease

• Executed more than 15,000 different types of tympanoplasties, including cases of petrous bone cholesteatoma

• Proficient in surgical treatment of temporal bone tumors, including glomus tumors, facial nerve schwannoma, and neuroma of the internal auditory canal (500 cases)

• Actively operating on patients (50 per year) with congenital external auditory canal malformations

• Pioneering the simultaneous method of formation of the external auditory canal and external ear reconstruction using Medpor

I am Md Harun Ar Rashid Talukder, an associate professor in the Otology Division of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. My professional journey has been shaped by a blend of rigorous medical training, patient-centered care, and a deep commitment to advancing hearing health.

Early foundations and education Born with a curiosity about how the human body functions, I pursued medical education at Mymensingh Medical College, where I laid a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and clinical sciences. The rigorous curriculum and clinical rotations aikana ignited my interest in ear-related disorders and the complex anatomy of the skull base.

Professional qualifications and specialties

• FCPS from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS): This rigorous credential affirmed my commitment to excellence in otolaryngology.

• Lateral Skull Base Diploma, Bangalore: This program broadened my understanding of skull base pathology and refined my surgical skills in delicate intracranial and otologic procedures.

• Cochlear Implant Training, MERF, Chennai: Training in cochlear implantation reinforced my conviction that restoring hearing can transform lives, especially for individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Academic and clinical career My career has been anchored at the intersection of teaching, research, and patient care. As an associate professor, I contribute to the education of residents and fellows, sharing knowledge on ear surgery, skull base techniques, and the nuances of cochlear implantation. I remain vigilant about staying current with evolving evidence, technologies, and best practices in otology.

Clinical philosophy and impact I believe in a patient-centered approach that respects each person’s values, needs, and goals. My practice emphasizes accurate diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning, and meticulous surgical technique to minimize risk and maximize outcomes. When possible, I advocate for hearing rehabilitation and reconstructive solutions that enhance communication, quality of life, and social participation.

Research and collaboration Throughout my journey, I have pursued opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across specialties to advance understanding in otology and skull base disorders. I value multidisciplinary teamwork, continuous learning, and mentoring the next generation of otolaryngologists to carry forward a legacy of compassionate and evidence-based care.

Personal outlook Beyond the scalpel and the clinic, I am driven by a lifelong interest in how sound and balance influence daily living. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by patients and families and remain committed to ethical practice, professional growth, and service to the community.

Dr. Lin is an an Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon and a Fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. He is also a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. 

He obtained his medical degree at Queen’s University and completed a 5 year residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He subsequently completed a clinical fellowship in Otology-Neurotology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto. Further research fellowship was also performed in hair cell regeneration at the University of Washington, Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Centre. 

 His clinical and surgical focus is on otologic and neurotologic conditions such as vertigo and hearing loss. He is an Otologist / Neurotologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre with a surgical practice consisting of lateral skull base tumors, cochlear implants, auditory implants and mastoid and middle ear surgical diseases. His research focus is on the relationship between aging, cognition and hearing loss as well as outcomes in adult cochlear implantation.

Dr. Enrico Piccirillo specialized in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Rome in 1990. He has been practicing as a specialist for 30 years with the Gruppo Otologico at the Casa di Cura Piacenza

He has participated as a speaker and organizing committee member in over 94 scientific conferences and meetings. Additionally, he has served as an instructor in more than 100 surgical dissection courses.

Achievements and Publications

He is the author of over 91 articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has co-authored 6 books.