Philippine National Ear Institute

Created in 2001, the Philippine National Ear Institute intends to be at the forefront in undertaking epidemiological investigation related to disorders of hearing, balance and their related functions. It will pursue researches dealing with the preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspects of diseases and/or disabilities that may result from malfunctions of the ear and its related organs. With its vision of "No Filipino shall be deprived of a functioning sense of hearing and balance". PNEI shall provide for an environment for comprehensive and integrated studies on hearing, balance and communicative disorders relevant to Philippine conditions in support of the research and development mission of the University of the Philippines through the National Institutes of Health.

Objectives:

1. To initiate and conduct institutional and community-based epidemiological studies and researches related to deafness and balance disorders;
2. To initiate, conduct, monitor and evaluate researches dealing with epidemiological, curative, rehabilitative and preventive aspects of hearing and vestibular disorders;
3. To disseminate and utilize the results of researches to serve as foundations for decision-making and regulatory policies of health institutions and other national health policy making bodies;
4. To formulate and implement quality standards on the surveillance and diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of hearing and balance disorders, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and other local and international agencies;
5. To provide an ideal research environment for staff, residents, fellows, students and other individuals involved in the study of hearing, balance and related functions coming from within and outside the University;
6. To promote, co-ordinate and integrate research activities between different institutions nationally and globally;
7. To solicit and receive endowments, donations and grants and generate funds and resources from all possible sources necessary for the acquisition, maintenance, operation and upgrading of the facilities and other equipment to attain stated objectives;
8. To consolidate and reinforce existing government programs, projects and activities related to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals affected by ear diseases;
9. To formulate policies, programs, rules and regulations necessary for the effective operation of the PNEI subject to the approval of the same by the Board of Regents of the University;
10. To coordinate and establish partnership with other government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), private and non-government organizations (NGOs) doing related work in the surveillance and diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of hearing and balance health/disorders;
11. To initiate, provide, enhance, supplement and support teaching, educational and capability building activities related to hearing and balance health/disorders to other units and institutes of the University; and
12. To perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Board of Regents which are consistent with and not otherwise contrary to the provisions of the Act.

Research Programs:

National Ear Research Program focused on the following four (4) major clusters, namely

1. Surveillance and Diagnosis
2. Treatment
3. Prevention
4. Rehabilitation of hearing and balance health/disorders

Research Projects:

-Ongoing

1. TB infection in acute otitis media
2. Different forms of acute otitis media and their clinical implications
3. Mutational Analysis of SLC26A4 and Audiological Outcomes of Filipino Cochlear Implantees
4. Identification of Genes that Predispose to Chronic Otitis Media in the Ati population of Bolabog, Boracay Island, Philippines.
5. Composite ossicular for reconstruction of ossicular chain dysfunction
6. A review of the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and their clinical correlation
7. The role of immune modulators in the treatment of common ENT infection
8. Application of Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) in Patients Diagnosed with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.
9. The Application of Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) in Patients with Acoustic Neuroma.
10. Various clinical presentations of dizziness and a practical approach to their management
11. Video Head Impulse Test in Diagnosis of Vertigo:  PNEI Experience

- New (2014):

1. Validation of a Questionnaire as a Hearing Screening Tool for Elementary School children
2. Comparison of the Accuracy of the PNEI Hearing Screening Method and Screening Audiometry in the School Setting with PTA in the PGH Ear Unit as Standard

Extension Services

1. Audiological Services
2. Master of Clinical Audiology
3. Observership for Audiologists
4. Temporal Bone Dissection Course
5. Basic Audiology Course

Intramural Collaboration (within UPM)

Existing:

With the Department of Otolaryngology, Philippine General Hospital

Terms of Collaboration: The Ear Unit serves as the training environment of the Consultants of Philippine National Ear Institute as trainors for the Resident Physicians.

Director

Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong

Research Faculty

Dr. Teresa Luisa G. Cruz

Dr. Maria Rina R. Quintos

University Research Associate

Sheryl Mae P. Lagrana

Administrative Staff Member

Marina Lyn M. Lazaro

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