Introduction
Dr. Li Huawei (李华伟) is a Professor, Chief Physician, and Director of the Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医隗), affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. One of China's most distinguished otologists, Dr. Li is internationally recognized as a leading authority in cochlear implantation, hearing rehabilitation, and skull base surgery. His department — one of China's premier otology centers — is a national referral destination for patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss, complex ear disease, and skull base tumors. Dr. Li has performed thousands of cochlear implant surgeries and has made landmark contributions to hearing science research in China.
Note: A separate Top Doctors profile exists for Dr. Li Huawei in his capacity as Director of Otology at EENT Hospital, Fudan University. This profile covers his role and expertise at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.
Academic Distinctions & Leadership
- Professor & Chief Physician, Director, Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Chairman, Otology Group, Chinese Medical Association Otolaryngology Branch
- Vice Chairman, Chinese Society of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Member, Cochlear Implant Committee, Chinese Medical Association
- Member, Politzer Society (International Society of Otology)
- Member, American Otological Society (AOS) International Member
- Member, European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology (EAONO)
- Editor-in-Chief / Editorial Board Member, Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and international otology journals
- Principal Investigator, multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) key grants in hearing science
- Recipient, National Science and Technology Progress Award
- Recipient, Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize)
- Recipient, Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award
Specializations & Expertise
Cochlear Implantation
- Cochlear implantation in children (infants from 6 months, toddlers, older children)
- Cochlear implantation in adults (including elderly patients)
- Bilateral cochlear implantation (simultaneous and sequential)
- Cochlear implantation in patients with cochlear malformations (Mondini, common cavity, incomplete partition)
- Cochlear implantation in patients with ossified cochlea (post-meningitis, otosclerosis)
- Cochlear implantation in patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)
- Revision cochlear implant surgery (device failure, electrode displacement)
- Cochlear implant upgrade and reimplantation
- Electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) / hybrid cochlear implant for residual hearing preservation
- All major cochlear implant brands (Cochlear, MED-EL, Advanced Bionics, domestic brands)
Hearing Rehabilitation
- Comprehensive audiological assessment (pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, ABR, ASSR, OAE)
- Hearing aid fitting and optimization
- Bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation
- Active middle ear implant (Vibrant Soundbridge) implantation
- Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) for patients who cannot benefit from cochlear implants
- Post-implant auditory rehabilitation and speech therapy coordination
- Hearing rehabilitation in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD)
Chronic Ear Disease Surgery
- Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) — all types
- Ossiculoplasty (ossicular chain reconstruction)
- Mastoidectomy (canal wall up and canal wall down)
- Cholesteatoma surgery (primary and revision)
- Chronic suppurative otitis media surgery
- Otosclerosis surgery (stapedectomy, stapedotomy)
- Myringoplasty (isolated eardrum perforation repair)
Skull Base Surgery
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) surgery — translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, middle fossa approaches
- Glomus tumor (paraganglioma) surgery
- Meningioma of the posterior fossa and skull base
- Facial nerve surgery (decompression, repair, reanimation)
- Lateral skull base surgery
- Endoscopic skull base surgery
Otology & Neuro-Otology
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) management
- Tinnitus evaluation and management
- Vertigo and vestibular disorders (BPPV, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis)
- Endolymphatic sac surgery for Meniere's disease
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) surgery
- Perilymph fistula repair
- Facial nerve palsy evaluation and management
Clinical Excellence
- China's Cochlear Implant Authority: Dr. Li is one of China's most experienced cochlear implant surgeons, having performed thousands of cochlear implant procedures over his career. His particular expertise in complex cochlear implant cases — cochlear malformations, ossified cochleae, auditory neuropathy, and revision surgery — makes him the go-to surgeon for cases that other centers decline.
- Cochlear Malformation Specialist: Internationally recognized expertise in cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear malformations (Mondini dysplasia, common cavity, incomplete partition types I, II, and III) — cases that require specialized surgical technique and electrode selection to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Hearing Preservation Surgery: Pioneer in electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) / hybrid cochlear implantation — a technique that preserves residual low-frequency hearing while providing high-frequency amplification through the cochlear implant, offering superior sound quality compared to standard cochlear implantation in patients with residual hearing.
- Skull Base Surgery Expertise: Comprehensive skull base surgery program for acoustic neuromas, glomus tumors, and other lateral skull base lesions, with particular attention to facial nerve preservation and hearing preservation where possible.
- Research Leadership: As Chairman of the Otology Group of the Chinese Medical Association, Dr. Li has shaped national guidelines for cochlear implantation, hearing rehabilitation, and otologic surgery across China.
- International Patient Experience: Experienced in treating international patients from across Asia, Europe, and North America seeking cochlear implantation and otologic surgery in Shanghai.
Research & Academic Contributions
Dr. Li Huawei is one of China's most prolific hearing science researchers, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international otology and audiology journals, including Hearing Research, Otology & Neurotology, Acta Oto-Laryngologica, and Cochlear Implants International. He has received multiple NSFC key grants and National Science and Technology Support Program grants. His research focuses on:
- Cochlear implant outcomes — speech perception, music perception, quality of life
- Cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear malformations
- Hearing preservation cochlear implantation (EAS/hybrid)
- Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder — diagnosis and cochlear implant outcomes
- Hair cell regeneration and inner ear gene therapy
- Tinnitus neuroscience and management
- Vestibular function and rehabilitation
Hospital Affiliation
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (上海九院)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011
The Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital is one of China's premier otology centers, featuring:
- Dedicated cochlear implant program (all major brands, including complex cases)
- Comprehensive audiological assessment center
- Hearing aid and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) program
- Skull base surgery program (acoustic neuroma, glomus tumor)
- Chronic ear disease surgery program
- Tinnitus and vertigo clinic
- Post-implant auditory rehabilitation program
- International patient services with English-speaking coordinators
Patient Care Philosophy
- Hearing is Connection: Hearing loss isolates people from their families, communities, and the world. Restoring hearing — through cochlear implants, hearing aids, or surgery — is one of the most transformative interventions in medicine.
- Early Intervention: For children with hearing loss, early cochlear implantation (before 12 months where possible) is critical for optimal speech and language development. Dr. Li is committed to minimizing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- Individualized Rehabilitation: Cochlear implant surgery is only the beginning — the real work is in auditory rehabilitation. Dr. Li works closely with audiologists and speech therapists to maximize each patient's hearing outcomes.
- Complex Case Acceptance: Dr. Li does not turn away difficult cases — cochlear malformations, ossified cochleae, auditory neuropathy, and revision surgery are all within his expertise.
- Family-Centered Care: For pediatric patients, the family is the most important rehabilitation partner. Dr. Li invests in educating and supporting families throughout the cochlear implant journey.
Why Choose Dr. Li Huawei?
- China's Cochlear Implant Leader: One of China's most experienced cochlear implant surgeons — ideal for children and adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
- Complex Case Specialist: Accepts and excels in the most challenging cochlear implant cases — malformations, ossified cochleae, auditory neuropathy, revision surgery.
- Hearing Preservation Surgery: EAS/hybrid cochlear implantation for patients with residual low-frequency hearing.
- Skull Base Expertise: Comprehensive skull base surgery program for acoustic neuromas and other lateral skull base lesions.
- World-Class Research: Active researcher in cochlear implant outcomes, inner ear gene therapy, and hair cell regeneration — patients benefit from the latest scientific advances.
- Cost-Effective Excellence: Cochlear implant surgery costs in Shanghai are typically 50-70% lower than in the US, UK, or Australia — with access to all major international implant brands.
- International Patient Support: CMCS provides end-to-end concierge support for international patients seeking cochlear implantation and otologic surgery in Shanghai.
Conditions Treated
Hearing Loss
- Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (cochlear implant candidates)
- Moderate hearing loss (hearing aid, BAHA, active middle ear implant)
- Single-sided deafness (SSD)
- Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Congenital hearing loss (children)
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Ear Disease
- Chronic otitis media (with and without cholesteatoma)
- Eardrum perforation
- Otosclerosis
- Ossicular chain disruption
Skull Base
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
- Glomus tumor (paraganglioma)
- Meningioma
- Facial nerve disorders
Vestibular & Other
- Meniere's disease
- BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
- Tinnitus
- Superior semicircular canal dehiscence
International Patient Services
China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking cochlear implantation and otologic surgery with Dr. Li Huawei at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.
Pre-Treatment Support
- Audiological Records Review: Review of audiograms, ABR, CT/MRI of temporal bones, and previous hearing aid trials
- Virtual Consultation: Video consultation with Dr. Li's team to discuss cochlear implant candidacy and options
- Imaging Coordination: Arrangement of high-resolution CT and MRI of temporal bones at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
- Implant Brand Guidance: Discussion of cochlear implant brand options (Cochlear, MED-EL, Advanced Bionics) and selection based on anatomy and lifestyle
- Cost Transparency: Detailed cost estimate for surgery, implant device, and audiological follow-up
- Visa Assistance: Medical visa invitation letters and guidance
- Accommodation: Hotel recommendations near Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
During Treatment
- Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced interpreters for all consultations and surgical appointments
- Hospital Navigation: Assistance with registration, admission, and payment
- Family Support: Coordination of accommodation and logistics for accompanying family members (especially for pediatric patients)
- 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay
Post-Treatment Care
- Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of operative reports and audiological assessments
- Activation Coordination: Assistance with cochlear implant activation (switch-on) appointment scheduling
- Rehabilitation Coordination: Connection with auditory rehabilitation and speech therapy services after returning home
- Mapping Follow-up: Coordination of remote mapping sessions with Dr. Li's audiology team
- Telemedicine Follow-up: Virtual consultations for ongoing monitoring after returning home
- Coordination with Home Audiologist: Communication with your local audiologist for ongoing device programming
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or your child has severe-to-profound hearing loss and may be a cochlear implant candidate, or if you have a complex ear condition or skull base tumor requiring specialist care, Dr. Li Huawei at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers China's highest standard of otologic expertise at a fraction of Western costs.
Contact China Medical Concierge - Shanghai today to:
- Submit your audiological records and imaging for cochlear implant candidacy assessment
- Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Li's otology team
- Discuss cochlear implant options, brands, and expected outcomes
- Receive a comprehensive assessment and cost estimate
- Plan your hearing restoration journey to Shanghai
Bridging international patients with Shanghai's finest otologists — because the gift of hearing is the gift of connection.
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