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Dr. Kenneth Lee Showcases Qualia Oto Innovation at Leading Global Cochlear Implant Conferences in Chicago and Warsaw
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
May 19, 2026 – From Chicago, IL to Warsaw, Poland, CMO Dr. Kenneth Lee represented Qualia Oto at two of the world’s most influential cochlear implant conferences of 2026: the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA) CI2026 Conference in Chicago, and CI2026 – the 18th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Technologies – in Warsaw. Through presentations, panel leadership, and industry engagements, Dr. Lee highlighted Qualia Oto’s continued advancements in cochlear implant technology and the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes worldwide.
While at the ACIA CI2026 conference in Chicago, Dr. Lee presented his talk “Activation of Shape Memory Polymer Electrode Array Increases Angle of Insertion Depth with Minimal Trauma” during the Emerging Technologies in Cochlear Implantation session. This presentation showcased Qualia Oto’s latest research and development efforts, focusing on the innovative use of shape memory polymer (SMP) technology. Dr. Lee demonstrated how SMP-based designs can enable deeper cochlear insertion while minimizing trauma to delicate inner ear structures – an advancement that holds significant promise for providing a less traumatic surgery while improving preservation of residual hearing in cochlear implant recipients.
Dr. Lee’s presentation underscored Qualia Oto’s drive to combine cutting-edge materials science with clinical expertise to address long-standing challenges in cochlear implantation, and it reinforced the company’s position as an emerging leader in next-generation cochlear implant technologies.
Building on this momentum, Dr. Lee then represented Qualia Oto at the CI2026 Conference in Warsaw, Poland. There, he chaired a high-profile panel focused on emerging technologies in cochlear implantation and auditory science. The panel featured internationally-recognized experts Dr. Marlan Hansen (Chair of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Iowa), Dr. Thomas Rau (Hannover Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology), and Dr. Stephen O'Leary (St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Melbourne, Australia).
Under Dr. Lee’s guidance, the panel explored groundbreaking developments shaping the future of hearing restoration, including novel biomaterials, electrode array design, and next-generation surgical techniques. The discussion highlighted the critical intersection of engineering innovation and clinical application, reflecting Qualia Oto’s core mission to advance hearing healthcare through transformative technologies.
In addition to his scientific presentation in Warsaw, Dr. Lee served as a moderator for a distinguished panel discussion, which included globally recognized ENT surgeons Dr. Bruce Gantz, Dr. Akira Ishiyama, and Dr. Paul Van de Heyning.
Beyond his formal roles, Dr. Lee actively engaged with key industry stakeholders at both conferences. He met with leaders from several of the world’s largest cochlear implant companies as well as highly respected ENT surgeons and researchers from across North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond, further positioning Qualia Oto within the CI innovation ecosystem.
“Both conferences were exceptional platforms for advancing dialogue and sharing progress in cochlear implant technology,” said Dr. Lee. “It was an honor to present our latest research and to collaborate with such an esteemed group of colleagues. At Qualia Oto, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to improve outcomes for patients with hearing loss, and these engagements are critical to that mission.”
Qualia Oto’s participation in ACIA CI2026 and CI2026 Warsaw reflects its involvement in the global hearing community. By combining scientific rigor, clinical leadership, and collaborative partnerships, the company continues to promote innovations that aim to transform the standard of care in cochlear implantation. As the field evolves, Qualia Oto remains dedicated to developing technologies that prioritize both performance and patient safety, ensuring more individuals worldwide can benefit from enhanced hearing solutions and an improved quality of life.
About Qualia Oto
Qualia Oto is an innovative biomedical device company focused on improving the individual’s quality of life through better aural technologies. By integrating our proprietary shape-adaptive polymers, we are advancing the next generation of cochlear implants allowing for minimal trauma, a superior positioning of electrodes, and an increased effectiveness and stimulatory resolution for chronic, targeted microstimulation. Qualia Oto’s team of medical and scientific experts aim to reshape – literally and figuratively – cochlear implants and their capacity in overcoming debilitating hearing loss.
For additional information, please contact:
Benedict Voit, Chief Operating Officer
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