Message from the President 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are currently affected by some degree of hearing loss, including approximately 430 million individuals living with disabling hearing loss of moderate severity or greater. As global population aging accelerates, the number of people with hearing loss is projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, with more than 700 million individuals requiring hearing rehabilitation services. Untreated hearing loss also imposes an annual global economic burden of nearly USD 980 billion, encompassing healthcare, education, and social support systems, making it a major public health challenge that can no longer be overlooked.

  Over the past decade, international research has progressively uncovered the core pathogenic mechanisms underlying sensorineural hearing loss, including genetic mutations (both autosomal and mitochondrial DNA-related), metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, inner ear inflammation, and the degeneration and apoptosis of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. More importantly, during the period from 2025 to 2026, hearing therapeutics worldwide have rapidly evolved from “functional compensation” toward “disease modification and restoration.” Traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants are now being complemented—and in some cases transformed—by precision medicine approaches such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.

 In this critical transition, the International Society for Inner Ear Therapeutics (ISIET), led by Professor Saiid Safieddine, has emerged as one of the world’s most influential platforms in the field of inner ear therapeutics. Professor Safieddine is a pioneering leader in inner ear molecular biology and gene therapy, whose work has significantly advanced global understanding of sensory cell function and hereditary hearing loss. In 2017, he founded ISIET, establishing an important international framework integrating basic science, clinical medicine, and industrial innovation. His personal participation in this meeting not only symbolizes the deep connection between Taiwan and the global inner ear therapeutics network, but also signifies Taiwan’s growing strategic role in the future development of hearing restoration and regenerative medicine worldwide.

 To align with international trends and strengthen Taiwan’s overall competitiveness in hearing loss therapeutics, the Taiwan Society for Inner Ear Therapeutics (TSIET) has, since its establishment, been committed to integrating academic research, clinical medicine, and industrial resources across Taiwan. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, TSIET continues to enhance Taiwan’s impact and visibility in the field of inner ear therapeutics.

 The theme of this year’s annual meeting, “Hearing Restoration & Regenerative Medicine,” focuses on key emerging areas including gene therapy, cell therapy, regenerative medicine, precision drug delivery, and clinical translation. Through in-depth exchanges between international and domestic experts, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the translation of innovative therapies from laboratory research to clinical application, ultimately benefiting patients with hearing loss.

 Looking ahead, TSIET will continue to strengthen collaborations with international organizations, integrate the strengths of basic research and clinical medicine, and promote the development and implementation of next-generation therapeutic technologies. As hearing loss therapeutics enter a new era of precision medicine and regenerative medicine, we believe Taiwan will not only actively participate in this global transformation, but also play a key leadership role on the international stage.

 We sincerely invite researchers, clinicians, and industry partners from around the world who are dedicated to the fields of hearing science and inner ear therapeutics to join us at this important event as we work together to shape a new era in hearing restoration and regenerative medicine.