Clinical Interventions in Aging

Aging in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Demographic shifts toward an increasingly aged global population demand heightened attention to age-related pathophysiology within otorhinolaryngology–head and neck surgery. This Article Collection explores the multifaceted impact of senescence on audiovestibular, sinonasal, laryngopharyngeal, and head and neck surgical disciplines. Conditions such as presbycusis, presbystasis, presbylarynx, presbyphagia, and age-related immunosenescence present distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Molecular mechanisms underlying age-related deterioration - including oxidative stress pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered inflammatory cascades - warrant particular consideration.

Moreover, geriatric frailty and polypharmacy significantly influence perioperative risk stratification and postoperative rehabilitation. The intersection of gerontology and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery requires innovation in clinical approaches, including targeted interventions that address the unique physiological, cognitive, and functional considerations of the older patient population within this surgical domain.

The significance of age-focused otolaryngology is multidimensional. Demographically, individuals over 65 years will constitute an increasing proportion of the global population in the coming decades, accompanied by a growing incidence of age-related otolaryngologic conditions. Clinically, senescent changes in head and neck structures directly affect speech, voice, swallowing, breathing, hearing, and balance - fundamental aspects of human function. Economically, appropriately tailored interventions can reduce healthcare expenditures through fewer complications and hospitalizations. Scientifically, advancing our understanding of the molecular basis of otolaryngologic aging contributes to broader gerontological paradigms. Ethically, addressing these age-related conditions supports dignity, autonomy, and quality of life, representing both a clinical priority and a moral imperative.

We invite systematic reviews, state-of-the-art reviews, and original research articles that examine the impact of aging across the full spectrum of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Submissions may address clinical, translational, or basic science aspects in the following areas, including but not limited to:

• Laryngology: age-related voice disorders (presbylarynx), dysphagia (presbyphagia), laryngeal neuromuscular degeneration, and innovations in diagnosis and voice therapy or surgical interventions for older adults
• Head and Neck Surgery: surgical outcomes, risk stratification, reconstructive techniques, and perioperative management in geriatric patients undergoing procedures for benign or malignant conditions
• Oncology: epidemiology, tumor biology, and treatment responses of head and neck cancers in older adults
• Otology and Neuro-otology: presbycusis, balance disorders (presbystasis), cochlear implantation in the elderly, age-related central auditory processing, and vestibular rehabilitation strategies
• Rhinology: chronic rhinosinusitis, olfactory dysfunction, age-associated mucosal changes, and surgical or medical management tailored to geriatric physiology

A focus will be done for innovation in medical and surgical fields of otolaryngology in older adults.

Prof. Jerome R. Lechien is professor and chair of surgery in University of Mons, Belgium. He is consultant in robotic and laryngeal surgery in Foch Hospital, Paris, France and member of several scientific societies, including American College of Surgery (ACS), ABEA, CEORL, UEP, and ELS.

Dr. Lise Sogalow is medical doctor and PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence in University of Mons, Belgium.

Dr. Antonino Maniaci, born in Messina in 1989, is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Enna Kore, Italy, specializing in rhinology, head and neck oncology, and sleep apnea disorders. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and has completed advanced training and fellowships in prestigious institutions across Europe, including Marseille and Forlì. With over 287 scientific publications and an H-index of 27, his research focuses on inflammatory and oncological diseases, genetic alterations, and innovative treatments in otolaryngology. He serves as European Secretary of YoIFOS and is actively involved in coordinating international research projects, conferences, and fellowships. He has received numerous awards, is a member of editorial boards of high-impact journals, and frequently speaks at international conferences.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisors for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member). Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript. The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 31 Jul 2026.

Please submit your manuscript on our website, quoting the promo code A944F to indicate that your submission is for consideration in this Article Collection.

Please contact the Commissioning Editor, Catherine Teng at [email protected] with any queries and discounts regarding this Article Collection.