BSO Annual Meeting 2026
The British Society of Otology Annual Meeting 2026

Irmak Sakin CT2, East of England, UK. 
Livy Kenyon  ST7, Thames Valley, UK. 

The ENTUK British Society of Otology Annual Meeting 2026 took place in Brighton on 2-3 March 2026 and provided a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. The BSO Annual Meeting was held at The Grand Brighton, followed by the BSOJ Junior’s Day and the Balance Course at the Simulation Suite, Royal Sussex County Hospital. Together, these events combined academic discussion, practical teaching, simulation-based learning and valuable opportunities to meet colleagues with a shared interest in otology. 



The BSO Annual Meeting started with a welcome from Mahmood Bhutta and covered a wide range of topics, including technological developments in otology such as virtual reality simulation, somatosensory-auditory treatment for tinnitus, implants and haptic augmented hearing devices. The free paper presentations were particularly interesting, as they reflected the breadth of current research in the specialty, from congenital hearing loss and cholesteatoma to global hearing care.  


One of the most distinctive aspects of the meeting was its ability to combine serious scientific discussion with wider perspectives on global ear and hearing health, workforce challenges and carefully designed debates within the specialty. Mr Peter Prinsley also contributed a memorable session, sharing his experience of becoming an MP after a career in surgery. A fascinating comparative perspective was provided by a veterinary surgeon, highlighting otological diseases across animal species offering a refreshing new perspective and valuable insights relevant to human ENT practice. 

The BSOJ Junior’s Day organised by Rob Grounds and Ben Silver, offered a highly trainee-focused programme, highlighting training pathways, career development, fellowship opportunities and the practical realities of becoming an otologist. The addition of simulation sessions in temporal bone work, implants and balance assessment supported delegate engagement and helped connect theoretical knowledge with practical skills in a supportive learning environment.  

The Balance Course complemented the meeting very well by focusing on vestibular medicine in a clear and structured way. It covered vestibular physiology, clinical assessment, investigations and common balance disorders, followed by workshops and case-based discussions. This made a complex topic feel more approachable and directly relevant to day-to-day clinical practice. 

The main learning outcomes from the meeting were a better understanding of current developments in otology, improved knowledge of vestibular assessment and common balance disorders, and greater insight into both training opportunities and wider issues in ear and hearing care. 

In conclusion, the BSO Annual Meeting 2026 was academically stimulating, practically useful and socially engaging, offering a valuable overview of current themes in otology while also supporting trainee development and professional networking.