Philippine National Ear Institute

About Us

The Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI) was established on February 19, 2004 through Republic Act No. 9245 as a national institute under the University of the Philippines System. Guided by the vision that no Filipino shall be deprived of a functioning sense of hearing and balance, PNEI is committed to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders through research, education, and service.

The origins of PNEI trace back to the 1980s with the development of the Ear Unit at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), envisioned as a center for audiologic and otologic services, training, and research. Through the leadership of successive department chairpersons and section heads, the facility steadily expanded in expertise, personnel, and equipment. In 2001, the UP Board of Regents approved the establishment of the Ear Institute, paving the way for its formal creation as a national institute in 2004.

The Ear Unit at UP-PGH remains the operational heart of PNEI. Since its founding, the Institute has grown into one of the country’s most advanced audiological centers through local and international partnerships, government support, and continuous investment in state-of-the-art equipment. PNEI has been led by dedicated directors who have strengthened its role in clinical service, teaching, and research.

PNEI plays a vital role in epidemiologic research on hearing and balance disorders and serves as a training site for medical students, residents in otorhinolaryngology, and graduate students in audiology. It was instrumental in pioneering research that led to landmark national health policies, including the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program (Republic Act No. 9709). The Institute also contributed to the establishment of the Master of Clinical Audiology Program, one of the few programs of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Through collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners, PNEI continues to lead research on childhood hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, cochlear implantation and other implantable hearing devices, and novel hearing screening technologies. It also supports national programs such as PhilHealth’s Z Package for children with hearing disabilities.

Today, the Philippine National Ear Institute remains at the forefront of research, education, policy development, and capacity-building in ear and hearing health—continuing its mission to improve the quality of life of Filipinos through better hearing and balance care.

 

Institute Administration

Director:

Erasmo Gonzalo DV Llanes, MD, FPSOHNS

Landline:

8 554 8400 local 2072 (PGH-Ear Unit)

Mobile Number:

0919 09508450 (PGH-Ear Unit)

Email:

nih.pnei.upm@up.edu.ph

earunit.upmanila@up.edu.ph

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/PNEI.NIH/

 

Vision

The PNEI of the UP-NIH is the premiere research institute on hearing and balance health, empowering the Filipino people to access knowledge, skills, and evidence-informed practices by 2028.

Mision

The PNEI of the UP-NIH serve Filipinos primarily through research, developing hearing and balance diagnostics and interventions technology, practice guidelines, policies, programs and advocacies in the Philippines and the global community, supplemented by teaching, training and service. Guided by Professionalism, Nationalism, Ethics, Integrity and Innovation, we will provide opportunities for meritocratic growth of our highly qualified, committed and collaborative multi-specialty team while sustainably managing our resources in the pursuit of socially responsive research programs and technology development for hearing and balance health.

Services

Diagnostic tests for hearing and balance are performed in the PGH Ear Unit and include the following:

  1. Pediatric hearing screening and diagnosis, includes otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) audiometry, evoked potentials such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory steady state response (ASSR) audiometry, visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA), play audiometry.
  2. Adult hearing screening and diagnosis, includes pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry, aided audiometry (for those with hearing devices).
  3. Middle ear assessment with immittance testing such as tympanometry and stapedial reflex testing.
  4. Hearing aid analysis such as hearing aided testing and fitting, and implantable devices programming.
  5. Vestibular assessment with video head impulse test (VHIT), vestibular myogenic potentials (VEMPs), videonystagmography (VNG).
  6. Speech and language assessment and speech intervention services are provided by students (BS Speech Pathology) and faculty of the Department of Speech Pathology, College of Allied Medical Professions within the facility.

Other Services: 

  1. Simulation Laboratory (SimLab) - aims to enhance education, training, and research in ear and hearing health through the development of a dedicated simulation facility. The project provides a safe and controlled environment for hands-on learning, skills development, and competency-based training using simulated clinical scenarios, supporting excellence in patient care and professional training.
  2. Audiometrician Training Course - provides comprehensive training in basic audiometric testing and hearing conservation practices. The course equips participants with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to perform accurate hearing assessments, operate audiometric equipment, and adhere to standard protocols in clinical and occupational settings.
  3. Student Observership Program - offers a tailored learning experience for students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing hands-on exposure to the clinical, research, and administrative aspects of ear and hearing health. The program aims to enhance students’ academic learning through supervised training, participation in institutional activities, and mentorship by experienced professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of otology, audiology, and public health services. 
  4. Newborn Hearing Screening Certifying Course for Students - designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to perform accurate newborn hearing screening. The course covers the principles of early hearing detection, screening protocols, and proper use of screening equipment, ensuring students are prepared to support early identification and intervention for hearing loss.

Current Research Program

 

Project/Program Title

Principal Investigator

 

Status

Funded by

1

National Cochlear Implant Program (NCIP) 2023

Charlotte M. Chiong, MD, PhD

 

Completed

 

NHSRC

 

NCIP 2023 is a national initiative that provides access to cochlear implantation and comprehensive hearing rehabilitation services for eligible patients, particularly children with severe to profound hearing loss. The program aims to improve hearing, speech, and communication outcomes through early intervention, multidisciplinary care, and sustained follow-up, supporting better quality of life and social inclusion.

2

Hearing for Life Phase 3: Quality Assurance Testing of A Pre-commercial Locally Developed Newborn Hearing Screening Device Through Clinical Validation and Manufacturing Agency (HeLe Phase 3)

Charlotte M. Chiong, MD, PhD

Ongoing

DEvDep

 

HeLe Phase 3 is a study that focuses on the quality assurance testing of a pre-commercial, locally developed newborn hearing screening device. It aims to clinically validate the device’s performance and reliability while ensuring compliance with manufacturing and regulatory standards, to support its readiness for wider clinical use in newborn hearing screening programs.

3

Development and Evaluation of a Primary Care Preceptorship Program for Vertigo 

Rosario R. Ricalde, MD

Ongoing

Abbott Laboratories

 

Development and Evaluation of a Primary Care Preceptorship Program for Vertigo is a program that designs and assesses a training program to improve primary care providers’ knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and management of vertigo.

4

Impact of Hearing Loss on Cognitive, Physical, and Mental Health of Older Adults in the Philippines (I Hear Me) Phase 1

Kimberly Mae Ong Nelson, MD, MSc

Ongoing

DOH

 

I Hear Me Phase 1 is a  study that explores the relationship between hearing loss and its effects on cognitive performance, physical functioning, and mental health among older adults in the Philippines. The findings aim to provide baseline evidence to inform early detection, intervention strategies, and policies for healthy aging.

5

Cochlear Dimensions of Filipino Patients in the Philippine General Hospital: a Retrospective Study

Carlos Diego A. Rozul MClinAud, AuD

Ongoing

N/A

 

Cochlear Dimensions of Filipino Patients in the Philippine General Hospital: A Retrospective Study examines cochlear measurements obtained from imaging records of Filipino patients seen at the Philippine General Hospital. The study aims to describe cochlear dimensions in this population and provide data that may help guide cochlear implant selection, surgical planning, and improved clinical outcomes.

Recent Publications

  1. Robles, N. a. C., Chiong, C. M., Velasco, K. J. S., Cruz, A. P. C. D., Ombao, J. C., Tantoco, M. L. C., Ricalde, R. R., Labra, P. J. P., & Laganao, C. R. D. (2024). Auditory Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation among Pediatric Patients under the Philippine National Cochlear Implant Program. Acta Medica Philippina, 59(16), 21–28. https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.11347

  2. Ong, K. M. C., Chiong, C. M., Reyes-Quintos, M. R. T., Urgel, R. G. V. M., Estrella, E. P., Sison, O. T., & Baja, E. S. (2025). Accuracy of Single Question Hearing Screening in Detecting Hearing Loss among Traffic Workers: An Exploratory Study. Acta Medica Philippina. 

  3. Ong, K. M. C., Chiong, C. M., Reyes-Quintos, M. R. T., Urgel, R. G. V. M., Estrella, E. P., Sison, O. T., & Baja, E. S. (2024). Association between occupational noise exposure level and pure-tone audiometry abnormalities among Metropolitan Manila Development Authority employees: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 21(5), 342–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2024.2315164

  4. Chiong, A. N., Labra, P., Chiong, C., Evangelista, G., & Grullo, P. (2023). A Comparison of the Human Voice (“Baah”) Test and the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response in Detecting Neonates with Hearing Loss in a Community Setting. Acta Medica Philippina, 57(9), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v57i9.4375

  5. Santos-Cortez, R. L. P., Ong, K. M. C., Carlos-Hiceta, A., Tantoco, M. L. C., Yarza, T. K. L., Agustin, M. L. S., Pedro, M., Cruz, T. L. G., La Paz, E. M. C., Abes, G. T., Llanes, E. G. D., Chan, A. L., Chiong, C. M., & Reyes-Quintos, M. R. T. (2023). Audiologic Measures in an Indigenous Community with A2ML1- and FUT2-Related Otitis Media. Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers, 27(1), 12–17. https://doi.org/10.1089/gtmb.2022.0171
  6. Sumalde, A. A., Yang, I., Yarza, T. K., Tobias-Grasso, C. A., Tantoco, M. L., Davidson, E., Chan, A., Azamian, M., Cruz, T. L., Lalani, S., Reyes-Quintos, M. R., La Paz, E. M. C., Santos-Cortez, R. L., & Chiong, C. (2023). Lack of Methylation Changes in GJB2 and RB1 Non-coding Regions of Cochlear Implant Patients with Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Acta Medica Philippina, 57(9), 116–120. https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v57i9.5200
  7. Santos-Cortez, R. L. P., Yarza, T. K. L., Bootpetch, T. C., Tantoco, M. L. C., Mohlke, K. L., Cruz, T. L. G., Perez, M. E. C., Chan, A. L., Lee, N. R., Tobias-Grasso, C. A. M., Reyes-Quintos, M. R. T., La Paz, E. M. C., & Chiong, C. M. (2021). Identification of novel candidate genes and variants for hearing loss and temporal bone anomalies. Genes, 12(4), 566. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12040566
  8. Rozul, C. D. A., Gregorio, E. R., Jr, & Chiong, C. M. (2021). Implementation of newborn hearing screening in Rizal, Philippines, and Northern California: Lessons learned. Acta Medica Philippina. https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.2791
  9. Rozul, C. D. A., Gregorio, E. R., Jr, & Chiong, C. M. (2020). Baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Practitioners in Rizal Province, Philippines toward Implementing the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program. Acta Medica Philippina, 54(2). https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v54i2.1504
  10. Ong, K. M. C., Rivera, A. S., Chan, A. L., & Chiong, C. M. (2019). Determining concordance and cost impact of otoacoustic emission and automated auditory brainstem response in newborn hearing screening in a tertiary hospital. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 128, 109704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109704