The OTO EXPO 2024 highlights innovations in otolaryngology, including advanced smell training, AI-driven clinical documentation, fully implanted cochlear implants, at-home sleep apnea devices, and improved thoracic tubes for tracheostomy care.
September 28 – October 1—The AAO-HNSF 2024 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO (#OTOMTG24) is underway in Miami Beach, Florida. The event brings together specialists in otolaryngology—one of the oldest medical and surgical disciplines in the U.S.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has organized this prestigious event. The AAO-HNS is one of the largest global organizations dedicated to treating ear, nose, and throat disorders, as well as related structures of the head and neck.
The Expo serves as a key platform for otolaryngologists to exchange knowledge, present research, and showcase the latest advancements in the field. We’ve highlighted an in-depth look at the emerging technologies and research breakthroughs shaping the future of ENT care, directly from Miami Beach.
Noar Digital Olfactory Training Device: Smell Disorder Diagnosis and Therapy
The Noar Digital Olfactory Training Device offers a revolutionary approach to olfactory rehabilitation. It is designed to train the patient’s sense of smell while seamlessly integrating with a mobile app that tracks progress and provides real-time updates to physicians. The company has scheduled to release this innovative device later this year. Patients can self-administer the test, accessing it through a tablet interface that releases specific scents using dry air technology, ensuring odor contamination is avoided. This provides a more accurate diagnosis and enhances treatment precision.
Developed by NOAR Health, the world’s first company to digitize smell testing, the device allows patients to conduct smell tests from the comfort of their own homes. Physicians receive live data through the platform. In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, the device supports olfactory therapy by offering certified smell tests and treatments. This streamlined approach not only speeds up diagnosis and therapy but also reduces paperwork, as all patient information and test results are securely stored online. With its ease of use and innovative technology, the Noar Digital Olfactory Training Device is poised to transform the way smell disorders are managed.
READ: The digital scent device as a new concept for olfactory assessment – PubMed (nih.gov)
AI Scribe: Streamlining Clinical Documentation with Sunah.ai
Sunah.ai, powered by AI technology, serves as a virtual scribe, automatically documenting patient encounters in real time. By listening to the conversation between the patient and the provider, the software fills out clinical notes, allowing healthcare professionals to focus entirely on patient care without the distraction of manual documentation. EHR-agnostic and cost-effective, Sunah.ai integrates seamlessly with any electronic health record system. This enhances efficiency and patient interaction. It also reduces physician burnout and improves workflow because it gives providers more time with patients and frees up their day from tedious note-taking.
Acclaim® Cochlear Implant: Pioneering Fully Implanted Hearing Solutions
The Acclaim® Cochlear Implant, developed by Envoy Medical, is an investigational device designed to shift cochlear implant technology from partially to fully implanted systems. It is currently undergoing clinical trials and seeking FDA approval. This innovative implant eliminates the need for external components, such as a microphone, by leveraging the natural anatomy of the ear to capture sound vibrations. These vibrations are processed into electronic signals to stimulate the cochlea and hearing nerve, allowing for more natural hearing. It has a rechargeable battery designed to last several days and a FDA Breakthrough Device Designation status.
The Acclaim® Cochlear Implant represents a promising advancement in hearing technology, though it remains under investigation.
Daybreak: An At-Home Solution for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Daybreak is an FDA-cleared Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea without the need for a dentist’s prescription. Once prescribed by a physician, patients can make their mouth impressions at home, and Daybreak’s in-house dental experts handle the rest. With guidance from top specialists in sleep apnea and jaw advancement, including Dr. Hopp from Cedars-Sinai and Dr. Balacky, the fully at-home process is quick, convenient, and effective. Patients can take an at-home sleep test, receive a custom-fit device, and begin treatment under the supervision of Daybreak’s clinical team, all without the traditional delays and high costs.
Montgomery Safe-T-Tube Series 5600: Enhanced Airflow for Thoracic Applications
Boston Medical Products introduces the new Montgomery Safe-T-Tube Series 5600, designed specifically for thoracic applications. This updated version features a slightly larger diameter of the extraluminal limb, allowing for increased airflow, and includes two new sizes for enhanced flexibility in patient care. With an extra-long lower limb and revised intraluminal limb lengths, the 5600 Series continues the legacy of innovation that Boston Medical Products is known for. Developed to meet the precise needs of ENT and respiratory physicians, the Montgomery Safe-T-Tube remains a trusted choice for providing comfort and reliable airflow during long-term tracheostomy care. Contact to see if it’s available in your country.
