Philippine National Ear Institute

In pursuit of such policy of the State and pursuant further to Section 3 of R.A No. 9245, the Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI) was created within the NIH-UP Manila, for the purpose of ear research and related work in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of ear diseases. The PNEI effectively replaces the Ear Institute previously established by the UP Board of Regents (UP BOR) through a Resolution during its 11156th BOR meeting in November 2001.

The PNEI shall basically be involved in ear research activities. Its training, teaching, and service activities shall complement and must be carried out in the pursuit of research. It shall have the following objectives and functions:

1. to initiate and conduct institutional and community-based epidemiological studies and research related to deafness and balance disorders;
2. to initiate, conduct, monitor, and evaluate research dealing with epidemiological, curative, rehabilitative, and preventive aspects of hearing and vestibular disorders;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. to promote, co-ordinate and integrate research activities between different institutions nationally and globally;
7. 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 faculties and other equipment to attain stated objectives;
8. to consolidate and reinforce existing government programs, projects, and activities related to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by ear diseases;
9. 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;
10. 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;
11. to initiate, provide, enhance, supplement, and support teaching, educational, and capacity building activities related to hearing and balance health/ disorders to other units and institutes of the University; and
12. 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.

Date of Approval
November 29, 2001

1. Introduction to Hearing and Balance
The program provides foundational knowledge and basic skills in hearing and balance assessment, designed for students and health professionals seeking an overview of ear, hearing, and vestibular care.
2. Audiometrician Training Course
This course provides comprehensive training in basic audiometric testing and hearing conservation. It equips participants with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to conduct accurate hearing assessments, operate audiometric equipment properly, and comply with standard protocols in both clinical and occupational settings.
3. Student Observership Program
This program offers a tailored learning experience for students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing hands-on exposure to the clinical, research, and administrative aspects of ear and hearing health. It aims to enhance students’ academic learning through supervised training, participation in institutional activities, and mentorship by experienced professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of otology, audiology, and public health services.
4. Hearing Conservation in the Occupational Setting
This program focuses on the prevention, identification, and management of work-related hearing loss, emphasizing noise assessment, hearing protection, and the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

1. Audiology Bill - to professionalize and regulate the practice of audiology, guaranteeing plantilla positions in government hospitals
2. Implementation of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program- Provides training on establishing and managing a universal newborn hearing screening program, including protocols, screening procedures, and follow-up strategies for early detection and intervention. PNEI, as a member of the National Technical Working Group, supports national standards and guidelines for newborn hearing screening.
3. Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko TV Program- Collaborates with the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko television program Sagot ni Dok Segment to provide expert medical insights, raise public awareness on ear and hearing health, and promote preventive care through educational segments
4. Safesound Advocacy- A national initiative promoting sound sensitivity, particularly for neurodiverse individuals, through public education, environmental sound monitoring tools, and policy advocacy. Clinical expert guidance ensured the development of safesoundcheck.com, while the campaign successfully pursued legislative recognition and launched nationwide on October 16, 2025.
5. Round Table Discussion for the Study- Costing Hearing and Vision Screening for Philhealth Konsulta Primary Care Interventions Inclusion- A technical discussion on the integration of hearing and vision screening into the PhilHealth Konsulta package, focusing on cost, feasibility, and implementation strategies
6. Technical Advisory for Universal Health Care Hearing Programs- Concise reference that provides evidence-based guidance for the planning, implementation, and strengthening of hearing care services under the Universal Health Care framework. It outlines standards, technical recommendations, and policy considerations to support accessible, integrated, and quality hearing programs across all levels of care.

1. Puretone and Speech Audiometry (PTA/ST)
2. Tympanometry
3. Tinnitus Matching
4. Stapedial Reflex
5. Acoustic Reflex (Contra-lateral and Ipsi-lateral)
6. Eustachian Tube Function (ETF)
7. Behavioral Reinforcement Observation Audiometry (BROA), Visual
8. Reinforcement Observation Audiometry (VROA), and Play Audiometry
9. Aided Threshold Test
10. Hearing Aid Trial and Fitting/ Hearing Aid Analysis
11. Otoacoustic Emission Test (DPOAE and TEOAE)
12. Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)
13. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
14. Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR)
15. Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT)
16. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)
17. Videonystagmography (Hot and Cold Calorics)