Investigational Imaging Techniques of the

Inner Ear

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Time: 7AM-9AM Pacific Time

(10AM-12PM ET, 3PM-5PM France, 11PM-1AM Japan, 7:30PM-9:30PM India)

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89960348332?pwd=h6UlouFdWphGnPfUJ6BkUQdIwS8FPq.1

Meeting ID: 899 6034 8332
Passcode: 1234

Overview: 

This seminar brings together researchers and clinicians dedicated to advancing imaging technologies for the inner ear. By highlighting recent innovations in MRI, OCT, and developmental imaging techniques, we aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the development of more precise and informative imaging strategies. These efforts are critical to improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and our overall understanding of inner ear function and pathology.    

Objective: 

The goal of this seminar is to investigate techniques that are being developed for inner ear imaging. This seminar will bring together experts and innovators to explore state-of-the-art methodologies that are reshaping how we visualize the complex anatomy and functions of the inner ear.  

We’ll be diving into three key areas:  

• MRI Techniques: Highlighting advancements in magnetic resonance imaging that offer enhanced resolution and functional insight. 

• Emerging Imaging Techniques: Showcasing the latest tools, models, and conceptual approaches being developed to push the boundaries of inner ear imaging. 
• OCT Techniques: Examining the use of optical coherence tomography for high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging. 

Session Agenda:

Overview and Speaker Presentations (7:00-8:15AM) (William Slattery, M.D.)

1. Introduction to SSNHL Diagnosis (7:00-7:05)

a. Definition and clinical presentation of SSNHL
b. Importance of early diagnosis and intervention
c. Current diagnostic tools (audiometric testing, MRI, CT scans)

2. Hearing Science Accelerator (HSA) (7:05-7:10)

a. Overview of HSA for SSNHL

b. Open discussion of imaging research questions:

I. Q2: Can acute MRI predict response to treatment?  Is acute MRI safe for an injured ear. Can acute MRI help our understanding of pathophysiology of acute ear disease?  

a. Is the MRI noise safe in the setting of acute inner ear hearing loss?  

b. Is it possible to get a quiet inner-ear protocol?    

c. Can early MRI help us determine etiology of SSNHL?  Diagnostic tests protocols for intralabyrintine, inflammation, infection, ischemia, hydrops, bleeding or schwannoma would be required.    

d. Can MRI determine the role of cochlear hydrops in SSNHL?

II. Q3: How can we use functional and other imaging studies to identify the site of lesion, better predict prognosis or treatment protocol?    

a. Would earlier testing within (72 hours of onset) help?   

b. Would a natural history study of SSNHL help?   

c. Does the pattern of SSNHL on audiometric testing predict treatment response?   

d. A standardized testing protocol would allow comparison of standard data and potential a central registry for SSNHL. The following test should be included in such a testing protocol.   

e. Behavioral audiogram: pure tones averages (PTA) 250 Hz to 8 kHz, air and bone conduction, word recognition scores, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes   

1. Extended high-frequency audiogram if possible – up to 18 kHz  

2. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE)   

3. Electrocochleography (ECoG)   

4. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) at 250 and 500 Hz 

3. Speaker Presentations (7:10-8:15)

Experts present on the latest advancements in imaging:

• • • • • • Bryan Ward, M.D. (Topic: pending) (7:10-7:20)
          • Michael Eliezer, M.D. (Topic: pending) (7:20-7:30)
          • Takeshi Fujita, M.D., PhD and Kazunori Serita, PhD (Topic: Terahertz Imaging of the Inner Ear: Toward Non-Invasive Visualization of Cochlear Microstructures) (7:30-7:45)
          • Parveen Bazard, PhD and Akil Turner (Topic: pending) (7:45-8:00)
          • John Oghalai, M.D. and Brian Applegate, PhD (Topic: Optical Coherence Tomography for non-invasive inner ear imaging) (8:00-8:15)
          • Q/A with Speakers (8:15-8:25)

       4. Discussion and Final Remarks (8:25-9:00)