Dr. Li Huawei (李华伟) - Director of Otology at EENT Hospital Fudan University Shanghai

Introduction

Dr. Li Huawei (李华伟) is the Director of the Otology Center at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT) Hospital of Fudan University, one of China's most specialized and prestigious hospitals for sensory organ diseases, and one of China's most distinguished otologists. With over 20 years of specialized experience, Dr. Li is nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in cochlear implantation, genetic therapy for hereditary hearing loss, ear microsurgery, and lateral skull base tumor surgery. He is one of China's foremost pioneers in cochlear implant surgery and hearing rehabilitation, and a leading researcher in the emerging field of gene therapy for genetic deafness — a revolutionary approach that holds the promise of restoring hearing in patients with hereditary hearing loss. His groundbreaking contributions to hearing science and otologic surgery have made the EENT Hospital's Otology Center one of the premier ear care centers in Asia, and a trusted destination for international patients seeking expert otologic care in Shanghai.

Academic Distinctions & Leadership

• Director, Otology Center, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University
• Professor of Otolaryngology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
• Chief Physician, EENT Hospital of Fudan University
• Vice Chairman, Otolaryngology Branch, Chinese Medical Association
• Chairman, Otology Group, Chinese Medical Association Otolaryngology Branch
• Member, Cochlear Implant Committee, Chinese Medical Association
• Member, Politzer Society (International Society of Otology)
• Member, American Otological Society (AOS)
• Member, American Neurotology Society (ANS)
• Member, European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology (EAONO)
• Editorial Board Member, multiple leading otolaryngology and audiology journals (Chinese and international)
• Recipient, National Science and Technology Progress Award (First Class)
• Recipient, Shanghai Science and Technology Award (multiple times)
• Recipient, Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award
• Recipient, National Outstanding Youth Science Fund

Specializations & Expertise

Cochlear Implantation

• Cochlear implant surgery for adults and children with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss
• Bilateral cochlear implantation
• Cochlear implantation in challenging anatomical cases (cochlear malformations, ossified cochlea)
• Cochlear implant revision surgery
• Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) for patients with absent or non-functional auditory nerves
• Hybrid (electroacoustic) cochlear implantation for patients with residual low-frequency hearing
• Cochlear implant programming and audiological rehabilitation coordination
• Cochlear implant outcomes assessment and optimization

Gene Therapy for Hereditary Hearing Loss

• Clinical gene therapy trials for OTOF (otoferlin) gene mutations causing auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)
• Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary hearing loss (GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, MYO7A, and other deafness genes)
• Molecular diagnosis of genetic deafness
• Participation in landmark international gene therapy trials for congenital deafness
• Coordination of gene therapy for eligible patients with hereditary hearing loss

Ear Microsurgery

• Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) — all types
• Ossiculoplasty (ossicular chain reconstruction)
• Mastoidectomy (canal wall up and canal wall down)
• Cholesteatoma surgery (primary and revision)
• Stapedectomy and stapedotomy for otosclerosis
• Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) — minimally invasive approach
• Myringoplasty
• Revision ear surgery for failed previous procedures
• Congenital ear anomaly surgery (atresia repair, ossicular reconstruction)

Lateral Skull Base Surgery

• Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) surgery — translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, and middle fossa approaches
• Glomus jugulare and glomus tympanicum tumor surgery
• Facial nerve tumor surgery (facial nerve schwannoma, hemangioma)
• Meningioma of the posterior fossa and internal auditory canal
• Endolymphatic sac tumor surgery
• Petrous apex lesion surgery (cholesterol granuloma, cholesteatoma)
• Jugular foramen tumor surgery
• Lateral skull base trauma surgery

Facial Nerve Surgery

• Facial nerve decompression for Bell's palsy and herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
• Facial nerve repair and reconstruction
• Facial nerve grafting
• Facial reanimation surgery coordination
• Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring

Neuro-Otology & Balance Disorders

• Ménière's disease — medical and surgical management (endolymphatic sac surgery, labyrinthectomy, vestibular neurectomy)
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — diagnosis and canalith repositioning
• Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) surgery
• Perilymphatic fistula repair
• Vestibular schwannoma management (observation, radiosurgery, surgery)
• Chronic dizziness and vestibular rehabilitation coordination

Hearing Loss & Audiology

• Comprehensive evaluation of sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss management
• Noise-induced hearing loss management
• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) management
• Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) diagnosis and management
• Bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation
• Active middle ear implant (Vibrant Soundbridge) implantation
• Hearing aid fitting and audiological rehabilitation coordination

Clinical Excellence & Innovation

Dr. Li has performed thousands of otologic and lateral skull base procedures throughout his distinguished career, establishing himself as one of China's most technically accomplished and innovative otologists. His department at the EENT Hospital of Fudan University is one of the highest-volume otology centers in China, managing the full spectrum of ear diseases with outstanding outcomes.

Dr. Li has pioneered several landmark innovations in otology and hearing science in China and internationally:

• Gene Therapy for Deafness — World Pioneer: Dr. Li and his team at the EENT Hospital of Fudan University have been at the forefront of the world's first successful clinical gene therapy trials for hereditary deafness caused by OTOF (otoferlin) gene mutations. Their landmark results — demonstrating restoration of hearing in children with auditory neuropathy caused by OTOF mutations — have been published in leading international journals including Nature Medicine and The Lancet, and have attracted worldwide attention as a breakthrough in the treatment of genetic deafness. This positions the EENT Hospital as one of the world's leading centers for gene therapy for hearing loss
• Cochlear Implant Program Leadership: Established and leads one of China's largest and most experienced cochlear implant programs, with extensive experience in complex cases including cochlear malformations, ossified cochleae, and auditory brainstem implantation
• Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Pioneered endoscopic ear surgery (EES) techniques in China, offering patients a minimally invasive alternative to traditional microscopic ear surgery with improved visualization and reduced surgical trauma
• Lateral Skull Base Surgery Excellence: Developed comprehensive lateral skull base surgery capabilities at the EENT Hospital, including all major approaches for acoustic neuroma, glomus tumors, and other skull base lesions
• Genetic Deafness Research: Led landmark research programs on the molecular genetics of hereditary hearing loss in the Chinese population, identifying novel deafness genes and establishing the genetic epidemiology of hearing loss in China
• Multidisciplinary Hearing Rehabilitation: Built a comprehensive hearing rehabilitation program integrating otologic surgery, audiology, speech therapy, and educational support for cochlear implant recipients

Research & Academic Contributions

Dr. Li is one of China's most prolific and internationally recognized otology researchers, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international otolaryngology, audiology, and genetics journals. His research focuses on:

• Gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss (OTOF, GJB2, SLC26A4, and other deafness genes)
• Cochlear implant outcomes in adults and children
• Cochlear implantation in complex anatomical cases
• Molecular genetics of hereditary hearing loss
• Endoscopic ear surgery techniques and outcomes
• Lateral skull base surgery outcomes
• Inner ear drug delivery and regeneration
• Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

He has been the principal investigator on multiple National Key R&D Programs, National Natural Science Foundation grants, and international collaborative research projects. Dr. Li's gene therapy research has been published in Nature Medicine, The Lancet, and other top-tier international journals, and has been recognized as a landmark breakthrough in hearing science worldwide.

He regularly presents at major international conferences including the Politzer Society Meeting, the American Otological Society (AOS) Annual Meeting, the American Neurotology Society (ANS) Annual Meeting, and the European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology (EAONO) Congress.

Training & Education

As a professor at Fudan University Shanghai Medical College and Chairman of the Otology Group of the Chinese Medical Association Otolaryngology Branch, Dr. Li is deeply committed to advancing otologic education and training in China. He supervises doctoral and master's degree students and directs one of China's premier otology fellowship programs at the EENT Hospital of Fudan University.

His trainees receive comprehensive training in the full spectrum of otologic surgery, cochlear implantation, lateral skull base surgery, and endoscopic ear surgery, and many now lead otology programs at major hospitals throughout China.

Hospital Affiliation

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT) Hospital of Fudan University
83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200031

The EENT Hospital of Fudan University is one of China's most specialized and prestigious hospitals for sensory organ diseases, dedicated exclusively to ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and related specialties. The Otology Center features:

• Dedicated otologic microsurgery operating rooms with high-powered operating microscopes and endoscopic ear surgery systems
• Cochlear implant surgery suite with intraoperative neural response telemetry (NRT) and electrocochleography
• Lateral skull base surgery suite with intraoperative facial nerve monitoring and neuronavigation
• Comprehensive audiology and hearing assessment center (pure tone audiometry, ABR, ASSR, OAE, speech audiometry)
• Cochlear implant programming and rehabilitation center
• Genetic testing and counseling laboratory for hereditary hearing loss
• Gene therapy research and clinical trial infrastructure
• Vestibular function laboratory (VNG, VEMP, rotary chair)
• Multidisciplinary team (otologists, audiologists, speech therapists, geneticists, neurosurgeons)
• International patient services with English-speaking coordinators

Patient Care Philosophy

• Patient-Centered Care: Every treatment plan is individualized based on hearing loss type, etiology, severity, age, and patient goals
• Hearing Restoration as the Goal: Committed to restoring the best possible hearing and communication function through the most appropriate intervention — whether surgery, cochlear implant, gene therapy, or hearing aids
• Innovation Integration: Committed to offering patients access to the latest advances in hearing science, including gene therapy for eligible patients with hereditary hearing loss
• Minimally Invasive When Possible: Endoscopic ear surgery and hearing-preserving approaches prioritized to minimize surgical trauma
• Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation: Surgery is only the beginning — comprehensive audiological rehabilitation, speech therapy, and educational support are essential for optimal outcomes, especially in children
• Genetic Counseling: Comprehensive genetic evaluation and counseling for patients with hereditary hearing loss and their families
• Transparent Communication: Clear, honest communication about diagnosis, treatment options, realistic expectations for hearing outcomes, and the current status of gene therapy
• Long-term Partnership: Committed to long-term follow-up and support throughout the hearing rehabilitation journey

Why Choose Dr. Li Huawei?

• World Pioneer in Gene Therapy for Deafness: Dr. Li and his team achieved world-first results in clinical gene therapy for hereditary deafness (OTOF mutations), published in Nature Medicine and The Lancet — making the EENT Hospital one of the world's leading centers for this revolutionary treatment
• China's Cochlear Implant Authority: One of China's most experienced cochlear implant surgeons, with expertise in the most complex cases including cochlear malformations and auditory brainstem implantation
• Endoscopic Ear Surgery Pioneer: One of China's earliest and most experienced endoscopic ear surgeons, offering minimally invasive alternatives to traditional microscopic ear surgery
• Lateral Skull Base Expertise: Comprehensive lateral skull base surgery program covering acoustic neuromas, glomus tumors, facial nerve tumors, and other complex lesions
• Dedicated Specialty Hospital: The EENT Hospital is dedicated exclusively to sensory organ diseases — every resource is optimized for ear, eye, nose, and throat care
• Cost-Effective Excellence: Otologic surgery and cochlear implantation costs in Shanghai are typically 60-75% lower than in the US or Europe
• International Patient Experience: Experienced in coordinating care for patients from overseas, including those traveling specifically for cochlear implantation or gene therapy evaluation

Conditions Treated

Hearing Loss

• Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (cochlear implant candidates)
• Hereditary hearing loss (GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, and other deafness gene mutations)
• Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) — including OTOF gene therapy candidates
• Conductive hearing loss (otosclerosis, ossicular chain disruption, chronic otitis media)
• Mixed hearing loss
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Congenital hearing loss in children

Middle Ear Conditions

• Chronic otitis media (with and without cholesteatoma)
• Cholesteatoma (primary and recurrent)
• Otosclerosis
• Tympanic membrane perforation
• Ossicular chain discontinuity
• Congenital aural atresia
• Otitis media with effusion (glue ear)

Lateral Skull Base Tumors

• Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) — all sizes
• Glomus jugulare and glomus tympanicum tumors
• Facial nerve schwannoma and hemangioma
• Posterior fossa meningioma
• Endolymphatic sac tumor
• Petrous apex cholesterol granuloma and cholesteatoma
• Jugular foramen tumors

Balance & Vestibular Disorders

• Ménière's disease
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Perilymphatic fistula
• Chronic dizziness and imbalance

Facial Nerve Conditions

• Bell's palsy (facial nerve decompression)
• Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
• Facial nerve tumors
• Traumatic facial nerve injury
• Iatrogenic facial nerve injury

International Patient Services

China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking otologic care with Dr. Li Huawei at the EENT Hospital of Fudan University. We have particular experience supporting patients traveling to Shanghai for cochlear implantation, gene therapy evaluation, and complex ear surgery.

Pre-Treatment Support

• Medical Record Review: Our team works with the EENT Hospital to review your audiological assessments (ABR, ASSR, OAE, pure tone audiometry), imaging (CT and MRI of temporal bones), and genetic test results to assess diagnosis and treatment options
• Virtual Consultation: Arrange a video consultation with Dr. Li's team to discuss your hearing loss, surgical options, and eligibility for cochlear implantation or gene therapy
• Pre-operative Assessment Coordination: Comprehensive audiological evaluation, temporal bone CT and MRI, and genetic testing if indicated
• Gene Therapy Eligibility Assessment: Evaluation of eligibility for gene therapy trials for patients with OTOF mutations or other hereditary hearing loss
• Second Opinion: Expert second opinion on diagnosis, cochlear implant candidacy, and optimal treatment strategy
• Cost Transparency: Detailed cost estimate including evaluation, surgery, device costs, programming, and rehabilitation
• Visa Assistance: Guidance on obtaining medical visa and invitation letters
• Accommodation: Help finding suitable housing near the EENT Hospital for patient and family (cochlear implant patients typically require multiple visits for programming and rehabilitation)

During Treatment

• Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced interpreters for all medical interactions
• Hospital Admission Support: Assistance with registration, payment, and navigation
• Family Support: Accommodation and support for accompanying family members (especially important for pediatric cochlear implant patients)
• Surgical Coordination: Communication with family during surgery
• Ward Support: Daily updates and interpretation during hospital stay
• Post-operative Care: Comprehensive support during recovery including wound care and initial device activation
• 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay

Post-Treatment Care

• Discharge Planning: Coordination of post-discharge care and cochlear implant programming schedule
• Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of surgical reports, audiological results, and discharge summaries
• Cochlear Implant Programming Coordination: Assistance with scheduling and coordinating cochlear implant mapping sessions
• Rehabilitation Coordination: Assistance with arranging auditory verbal therapy and speech therapy after returning home
• Follow-up Coordination: Arrange post-operative clinic visits and audiological follow-up
• Long-term Monitoring Plan: Clear guidance on cochlear implant follow-up schedule and device maintenance
• Telemedicine Follow-up: Virtual consultations for ongoing monitoring after returning home
• Coordination with Home Audiologists: Communication with your local audiologist for ongoing cochlear implant programming and rehabilitation
• Lifelong Support: Ongoing assistance throughout your hearing rehabilitation journey

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or a loved one — adult or child — has severe hearing loss, hereditary deafness, a lateral skull base tumor, or another ear condition, Dr. Li Huawei at the EENT Hospital of Fudan University offers world-class otologic expertise including access to the world's most advanced gene therapy for hereditary deafness, at a fraction of Western costs.

Contact China Medical Concierge - Shanghai today to:

• Request a review of your audiological and genetic test results to assess treatment options
• Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Li's otology team
• Assess eligibility for cochlear implantation or gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss
• Receive a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate
• Start your journey toward restored hearing in Shanghai

Bridging international patients with China's finest otologists — because hearing connects you to the world, and restoring it can change everything.