About PNEI
Transforming Lives Through Better Hearing
The PNEI, previously known as the Ear Institute, was established by the UP Board of Regents in 2001 to be at the forefront of epidemiological investigations into disorders of hearing, balance, and their related functions. The Institute pursues research dealing with the preventive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects of diseases and/or disabilities that may result from malfunctions of the ear and its related organs. It shall provide an environment for comprehensive and integrated studies on hearing, balance, and communicative disorders relevant to Philippine conditions in support of the research and development mission of UP through the NIH.
The passage and signing into law of Republic Act No. 9245 in 2004 formally established the Philippine National Ear Institute within the UP system. It also serves as a teaching laboratory for students of the UP College of Medicine, residents of the PGH Department of Otorhinolaryngology, and students in the Master of Clinical Audiology program at UP Manila. To fulfill its mission, the PNEI has formed partnerships with government and non-government institutions to diagnose, prevent, improve, and treat hearing disorders. PNEI also cooperates with the hearing loss evaluation and management component of the PhilHealth Z package for Children with Disabilities, whose hub is located at PGH.
Objectives:
- To initiate and conduct institutional and community-based epidemiological studies and research related to deafness and balance disorders;
- To initiate, conduct, monitor and evaluate research dealing with epidemiological, curative, rehabilitative and preventive aspects of hearing and vestibular disorders;
- To disseminate and utilize the results of research to serve as foundations for decision-making and regulatory policies of health institutions and other national health policy-making bodies;
- To formulate and implement quality standards on the surveillance and diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of hearing and balance disorders, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and other local and international agencies;
- To provide an ideal research environment for staff, residents, fellows, students and other individuals involved in the study of hearing, balance and related functions coming from within and outside the University;
- To promote, co-ordinate and integrate research activities between different institutions nationally and globally;
- To solicit and receive endowments, donations and grants and generate funds and resources from all possible sources necessary for the acquisition, maintenance, operation and upgrading of the facilities and other equipment to attain stated objectives;
- To consolidate and reinforce existing government programs, projects and activities related to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals affected by ear diseases;
- To formulate policies, programs, rules and regulations necessary for the effective operation of the PNEI subject to the approval of the same by the Board of Regents of the University;
- To coordinate and establish partnerships with other government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), private and non-government organizations (NGOs) doing related work in the surveillance and diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of hearing and balance health/disorders;
- To initiate, provide, enhance, supplement and support teaching, educational and capability building activities related to hearing and balance health/disorders to other units and institutes of the University; and
- To perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Board of Regents which are consistent with and not otherwise contrary to the provisions of the Act.
Head and Neck Surgery of the Technical University of Munich, Germany, 1998
The Ear Unit: Heart of the PNEI
The Ear Unit, located on the second floor of the PGH building in front of Ward 10, continues to serve as the PNEI’s operational hub. Dr. Abes, the Institute’s first Director, led the Unit’s renovation using donations from Senator Loren Legarda and established partnerships through a Public–Private Partnership Program (PPP) with Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd, DEG (Deutsche Investitions– und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH), the Federal Republic of Germany, UP, and PGH. A symbolic bronze-colored ear sculpture was commissioned to greet visitors at the Unit’s entrance.
In 2014, Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong assumed directorship and further elevated the Institute’s capabilities with ₱10 million worth of advanced audiological equipment funded by the Department of Health (DOH), making the Unit one of the most advanced audiological centers in the country.
In 2019, Dr. Maria Rina T. Reyes-Quintos took over as Director and, with the continued dedication of consultants, residents, students, and staff, carried forward the Institute’s legacy of excellence.
Ms. Luz San Agustin, the nurse-audiologist most closely involved with the PNEI since its inception, has been integral to its service operations.
Teaching, Research, and Advocacy
The PNEI is at the forefront of epidemiological research on hearing, balance, and related disorders. It serves as a teaching facility for students of the UP College of Medicine, residents of the Department of ORL-HNS, and graduate students of the Master of Clinical Audiology Program. Revenue from audiological services supports equipment upgrades and research initiatives.
Notable accomplishments include:
- Hearing Loss in Schoolchildren
Led by Dr. Teresa Luisa G. Cruz, these studies involved training school teachers on simple hearing screening protocols.
- Otitis Media in Indigenous Communities
An initiative by Dr. Maria Rina T. Reyes-Quintos evolved into a research project that revealed genetic predispositions to otitis media. This led to further collaboration with Dr. Regie Lyn Santos-Cortez, a Balik-Scientist and associate professor at the University of Colorado.
- Otologic Surgery and Disease Management
Dr. Nathaniel W. Yang contributed a significant body of work on various otologic procedures and their outcomes.
- Newborn Hearing Screening
Foundational studies by Dr. Charlotte M. Chiong, Dr. Reyes-Quintos, Dr. Erasmo Gonzalo DV. Llanes, and Dr. Rosario R. Ricalde led to Republic Act No. 9709 in 2009, establishing a universal hearing screening program for early detection and intervention.
- Master of Clinical Audiology Program
PNEI’s audiological capabilities enabled UP Manila to offer this joint program with the College of Allied Medical Professions. It is one of the most highly enrolled postgraduate programs in UP Manila and among the few of its kind in Southeast Asia. Dr. Joselito C. Jamir was instrumental in its founding.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The Institute, with Dr. Erasmo Gonzalo DV. Llanes, partnered with occupational institutions to incorporate hearing health into workplace wellness programs.
- Technological Innovation and Public Health Policy
Under the leadership of Dr. Chiong and Dr. Ricalde, and in collaboration with Dr. Philip B. Fullante, PNEI partnered with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI) for the HeLe Project—developing locally manufactured screening and diagnostic tools for hearing loss.
- Cochlear Implantation and the Z Package
Dr. Chiong led early research on cochlear implants and laid the groundwork for a national program to ensure systematic access and management. PNEI also supports PhilHealth’s Z Package for children with disabilities, coordinated by Dr. Ma. Leah C. Tantoco.
Interested in Training with the Philippine National Ear Institute?
We welcome inquiries from healthcare professionals, students, institutions, and organizations interested in our training and educational programs. Complete the form below to learn more about upcoming courses, workshops, observerships, and specialized training opportunities in hearing, balance, speech, and ear health. Our team will get in touch with you to discuss available programs and registration details.
Get in Touch
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL EAR INSTITUTE
2nd Floor Central Block, Philippine General Hospital,
Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila 1000
8554-8400 loc. 2072 | 0919-095-8450
earunit@post.upm.edu.ph / nih.pnei.upm@up.edu.ph
https://www.facebook.com/PNEI.NIH
- Monday – Friday : 10:00AM – 6:00PM