Dr Maryum Saeed, ST6 Audiovestibular Medicine, Guy’s & St Thomas Hospital, London, UK
The British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians (BAAP) Mid-Year Symposium 2026 focused on audiovestibular presentations in infectious diseases. What made the meeting particularly valuable for me was the breadth of conditions discussed and the reminder that infection can present in many ways.
One of my main reflections from the day was the importance of keeping infection in the differential diagnosis, even when it is not immediately obvious.
Professor Soumit Dasgupta discussed audiovestibular mechanisms of dysfunction following paediatric infections. This session highlighted the range of ways in which infection can affect hearing and balance in children, and the importance of considering the timing of the infection, the mechanism of injury and the wider clinical picture when interpreting subsequent audiovestibular symptoms.
Helen Payne then explored the otologic manifestations of congenital and neonatal infections. A particularly useful learning point was that infection-related hearing loss may be delayed or progressive; a reassuring assessment at one point in time does not necessarily exclude later difficulty. This reinforced the importance of appropriate follow-up and interpreting audiological findings within the child’s wider developmental and medical context.
Rajesh Rajendran’s session on post-cochlear implant infection and complications reinforced the importance of recognising infection early and maintaining a low threshold for appropriate investigation and escalation.
The presentation on otosyphilis by Soonita Oomeer was a useful reminder that syphilis remains clinically relevant and may mimic other audiovestibular disorders. It highlighted the importance of a thorough history, including an appropriate sexual history where clinically indicated. It reminded me that asking the right question can sometimes be as important as ordering the right test.
Mike Zandi’s session on dizziness, imbalance and hearing loss in encephalitis illustrated why audiovestibular symptoms should not automatically be assumed to represent a primary ear disorder. It reinforced the need to remain alert to neurological and systemic disease.
COVID-associated hearing and balance disorders were discussed by Mohammad Mahmud. The session highlighted the difficulties in interpreting association and causation: association does not necessarily prove a mechanism or establish causality, and more information is needed. Many patients attribute the onset of their symptoms to COVID-19 infection. Even when we do not have enough data to say yes or no, it is important to acknowledge that this is what they believe and to manage their symptoms and expectations accordingly.
The symposium also reinforced the importance of a holistic assessment of patients presenting with hearing and balance symptoms. These presentations may not sit neatly within a single specialty, and a multidisciplinary approach can be particularly valuable when there are wider neurological, infectious, or systemic features.
My main take-home message was simply not to forget infection. The symposium was a good reminder to keep infection in mind as part of my differential diagnosis, while continuing to assess the patient as a whole and involve the wider multidisciplinary team where appropriate.
