09-10, 14:00–15:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Humanitarian + Transverse Activities + Global Outreach 2
This session explores the cutting-edge frontier of inner ear therapeutics. We will cover groundbreaking innovations, including gene therapy for hereditary deafness, regenerative medicine for hair cell restoration, and novel drug delivery systems for treating hearing and balance disorders.
Outcome Objectives Participants will be able to:
Describe emerging gene and cell-based strategies for hearing restoration.
Evaluate the potential of next-generation cochlear and vestibular implants.
Identify new pharmacological targets and delivery methods for the inner ear.
Background Sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular disorders have long been considered irreversible. Advances in molecular biology and bioengineering are now challenging this paradigm, creating unprecedented opportunities for biological repair and functional restoration of the inner ear.
Felloship in University of Miami Ear Institute
Observership in Hannover University
Assoc. Prof. Mehmet İlhan Şahin is a highly accomplished otolaryngologist with a strong focus on research and academic contributions in the field of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) diseases. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, in the Department of Surgical Medical Sciences, a position he has held since 2023.
Dr. Şahin completed his undergraduate medical education at Hacettepe University in Turkey (1997-2003) and specialized in Otorhinolaryngology at Erciyes University (2006-2010). He further honed his research expertise through a significant Postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, United States of America, from 2014 to 2017, where he also served as a Research Assistant in the Department of Otolaryngology.
His research interests broadly encompass Medicine, Health Sciences, Fundamental Medical Sciences, Medical Biology, and particularly Otolaryngology. Dr. Şahin's scientific contributions are evidenced by numerous articles in prestigious journals, including those indexed in SCI-Expanded databases such as SCIENCE ADVANCES, HEARING RESEARCH, and EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY. Notably, his work includes studies on the impact of inflammation on hearing, such as "Intracochlear Perfusion of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Induces Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Synaptic Degeneration in Guinea Pigs" and "NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human vestibular schwannoma: Implications for tumor-induced hearing loss."
Beyond his extensive publication record, Assoc. Prof. Şahin has actively participated in international and national scientific conferences, presenting on diverse topics from cochlear implantation to otogenic complications in COVID-19. He has also supervised multiple theses in the field of medicine. His commitment to the medical community is further demonstrated by his role as Head of Department at Erciyes University since 2024 and his involvement with the Kayseri Medical Chamber as Chairman of the Board.
Assoc. Prof. Şahin's dedication to advancing otolaryngology through research, clinical practice, and leadership makes him a prominent figure in his field.
He completed his medical education at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1991. Doctorate/Residency: His specialty training (Doctora/Residency) was in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, which he completed in 1999. He was appointed Assistant Professor Doctor in the ENT Department in 2001. He achieved the rank of Associate Professor Doctor in 2006. He became a Professor Doctor in 2011. Chief of Department: He has served as the Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Faculty of Medicine since July 3, 2023.
Otology and Hearing Studies: A significant portion of his research involves the ear, hearing, and the potential effects of medical treatments:
Ototoxicity: Investigating the protective and damaging effects of various substances on the ear, including:The protective effect of substances like ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and magnesium against ototoxicity caused by drugs like cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) or noise-induced hearing loss. Evaluating the possible ototoxic effects of topical applications like rifamycin, povidone-iodine, and antibiotics like azithromycin and clarithromycin, using electrophysiological tests such as Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE).
Hearing Disorders: Studies on the evaluation of hearing, including: Assessing hearing in children with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder using OAE and ABR. Research into the effects of middle ear conditions (like effusion and chronic suppurative otitis media) on hearing and the use of treatments like nebulized surfactant for otitis media with effusion.
Ear Surgery: Research related to surgical techniques, such as: Comparing the use of scapha vs. tragus cartilage grafts in cartilage tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) for morbidity and cosmetic results. Studies on the Combined Heermann and Tos (CHAT) technique in cholesteatoma surgery.