Silence through Science in Seoul - Thank you for an Extraordinary Meeting

This year's Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI) Conference was hosted by the Korean Otological Society in Seoul, South Korea, from May 15–18, and was impressively organized. With 430 participants and 249 presentations, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of current global efforts to advance tinnitus research and treatment. Under the theme “Silence through Science in Seoul,” contributions spanned basic animal and neuroscience research, epidemiology, methodology, and the ongoing refinement of therapeutic approaches.While a definitive cure remains elusive, several promising new and refined treatment avenues were presented. These included brainstem implants targeting the cochlear nucleus, GABA-ergic modulation, near-infrared light therapy aimed at reducing cochlear inflammation and oxidative stress, and a low-intensity noise suppression therapy tailored to patients' audiometric profiles. There were also new insights into the use of lidocaine and botulinum toxin in tinnitus suppression. Additionally, increasing attention is being paid to the development of objective tinnitus markers, which may not only improve diagnostics and treatment stratification but also help attract greater commercial interest in the field.

Beyond the scientific program, participants enjoyed a rich cultural experience and exceptional Korean cuisine - making the conference both intellectually stimulating and culturally rewarding!

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