ONAIR Lab

Otology Neurology Artificial Intelligence Research

Advanced research laboratory at Yonsei University Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, pioneering the integration of otology, neurology, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative medical solutions.

Explore Our Research

Research Areas

46
Published Papers
12
Years of Research
4
Active Grants
10+
Team Members
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LLM AI Agent Development

Developing conversational AI systems using EMR/OCS/CDM-based data through fine-tuning large language models to support medical diagnosis and treatment decisions.

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Machine Learning Prediction Models

Creating machine learning models for diagnosis and prognosis prediction in otolaryngology and neurology to support personalized treatment planning.

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AI Drug Repurposing

Exploring new therapeutic options for neurological and otolaryngological disorders through AI-based research to discover novel applications for existing drugs.

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Digital Healthcare

Developing patient monitoring systems using wearable devices and IoT sensors to revolutionize telemedicine and personal health management.

Lab Members

Tae Hoon Kong

Tae Hoon Kong, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Department of Bio-AI Convergence

Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics

ENT & Medical AI Research

cochlear84@yonsei.ac.kr

Sangwon Hwang

Sangwon Hwang, Ph.D.

Co-Investigator

Department of Precision Medicine

Institute of AI and Big Data in Medicine

Precision Medicine, Digital Health, BigData Platform, CDM, NGS, NLP, Data Mining, Ontology, Software Engineering

arsenal@yonsei.ac.kr

Heejin Kim

Heejin Kim, PhD

Research Professor

Digital Healthcare, Clinical Data Analysis

Yoonmi Son

Yoonmi Son, RN

Clinical Research Coordinator

Research Nurse

Clinical Research Support

Jaeha Kim

Jaeha Kim

Master's Student (4th Semester)

Data Science, Machine Learning

Donghyun Kim

Donghyun Kim

Master's Student (4th Semester)

AI Algorithms, LLM model fine tuning

Dongyeon Lee

Dongyeon Lee

Master's Student (2nd Semester)

Deep Learning & Clinical applications

Mingyeong Kim

Mingyeong Kim

Undergraduate Researcher

4th grade Student

AI Drug repurposing, Machine Learning

Publications

2025
Nationwide trends in steroid therapy for vestibular neuritis: insights from South Korea's health insurance review and assessment data
Yoon CY, Kong TH, Seo YJ, Park JY. Front Neurol. 2025 Apr 25;16:1560388. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1560388.
A Retrospective Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Post-Traumatic and Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Kim M, Jeon EK, Seo YJ, Kong TH. Ear Hear. 2025; (Epub ahead of print). doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001675.
Virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation therapy in patients with acute unilateral vestibulopathy: a randomized controlled trial
Lee JW, Yoon CY, Kim JH, Seo YJ, Kong TH. Front Neurol. 2025;16:1519470. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1519470.
2024
Understanding Standard Procedure in Auditory Brainstem Response: Importance of Normative Data
Kwak C, Byun Y, You S, Sagong J, Kim DY, Cho WH, Kong TH, Oh SH, Jin IK, Suh MJ, Lee HJ, Choi SJ, Cha D, Park KH, Seo YJ. J Audiol Otol. 2024 Oct;28(4):243-251. doi: 10.7874/jao.2024.00458. Epub 2024 Oct 10.
Improving Accuracy and Reliability of Hearing Tests: Measurement Standards for Audiometric Devices
Cho WH, Lee J, Seo YJ, Kong TH, Suh MJ, Jin IK, Oh SH, Lee HJ, Choi SJ, Park KH, Cha D. J Audiol Otol. 2024 Jul;28(3):167-175. doi: 10.7874/jao.2024.00227. Epub 2024 Jul 10.
Importance of small vessel disease as a possible cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Yoon CY, Lee J, Kong TH, Seo YJ. PLoS One. 2024 May 7;19(5):e0302447. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302447. eCollection 2024.
Clinical characteristics of the "Gap" between the prevalence and incidence of hearing loss using National Health Insurance Service data
Lee J, Yoon CY, Lee J, Kong TH, Seo YJ. PLoS One. 2024 Mar 8;19(3):e0299478. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299478. eCollection 2024.
Vitamin D supplementation in preventing the recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Kong TH, Jung SY, Seo YJ, Shim DB. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2024 Feb 21;9(1):e1225. doi: 10.1002/lio2.1225. eCollection 2024 Feb.
Trends in Distributions of Hearing Threshold Levels by Ages: A Comparison of the ISO 7029 and Newly Available Country-Specific Data
Jin IK, Lee D, Jeong Y, Seo YJ, Kong TH, Suh MJ, Cho WH, Lee HJ, Choi SJ, Cha D, Park KH, Oh SH. J Audiol Otol. 2024 Jan;28(1):1-9. doi: 10.7874/jao.2023.00626. Epub 2024 Jan 10.
2023
Improving Accuracy and Reliability of Hearing Tests: An Exploration of International Standards
Suh MJ, Lee J, Cho WH, Jin IK, Kong TH, Oh SH, Lee HJ, Choi SJ, Cha D, Park KH, Seo YJ. J Audiol Otol. 2023 Oct;27(4):169-180. doi: 10.7874/jao.2023.00388. Epub 2023 Oct 10.
A situational analysis of ear and hearing care in South Korea using WHO ear and Hearing Care Situation Analysis tool
Lee J, Yoon CY, Lee J, Kong TH, Oh SH, Seo YJ. Front Public Health. 2023 Sep 28;11:1215556. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215556. eCollection 2023.
Effect of changes in the hearing aid subsidy on the prevalence of hearing loss in South Korea
Yoon CY, Lee J, Kong TH, Seo YJ. Front Neurol. 2023 Sep 12;14:1215494. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1215494. eCollection 2023.
Author Correction: Contralateral bone conducted sound wave propagation on the skull bones in fresh frozen cadaver
Lee J, Cho WH, Kong TH, Jung SS, Han W, Park S, Seo YJ. Sci Rep. 2023 Jul 10;13(1):11120. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-38126-5.
Contralateral bone conducted sound wave propagation on the skull bones in fresh frozen cadaver
Lee J, Cho WH, Kong TH, Jung SS, Han W, Park S, Seo YJ. Sci Rep. 2023 May 9;13(1):7479. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-32307-y.
Dose-escalated radiotherapy for clinically localized and locally advanced prostate cancer
Kim S, Kong JH, Lee Y, Lee JY, Kang TW, Kong TH, Kim MH, You SH. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Mar 8;3(3):CD012817. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012817.pub2.
Learning curve comparable study of microscopic and endoscopic type 1 tympanoplasty
Lee HS, Yoon CY, Pak D, Lee JH, Seo YJ, Kong TH. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;280(6):2741-2748. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07777-x. Epub 2022 Dec 13.
Deep Learning Techniques for Ear Diseases Based on Segmentation of the Normal Tympanic Membrane
Park YS, Jeon JH, Kong TH, Chung TY, Seo YJ. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Feb;16(1):28-36. doi: 10.21053/ceo.2022.00675. Epub 2022 Oct 31.
Epidemiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the era of big data
Yoon CY, Kong TH, Lee J, Seo YJ, Ahn JJ. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 May;280(5):2181-2190. doi: 10.1007/s00405-022-07693-0. Epub 2022 Oct 14.
~ 2022
Protection of Hearing Loss in Ototoxic Mouse Model Through SPIONs and Dexamethasone-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticle Delivery by Magnetic Attraction
Park JE, Kim WC, Kim SK, Ahn Y, Ha SM, Kim G, Choi S, Yun WS, Kong TH, Lee SH, Park DJ, Choi JS, Key J, Seo YJ. Int J Nanomedicine. 2022 Dec 13;17:6317-6334. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S380810. eCollection 2022.
Comparison of Auditory Outcomes between Inpatient- and Outpatient-Based Treatment in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Lee HJ, Park Y, Lee JM, Yoon C, Kong TH, Jeon E. J Clin Med. 2022 May 31;11(11):3123. doi: 10.3390/jcm11113123.
Relationship between Nutrient Intake and Hearing Loss According to the Income Level of Working-Aged Adults: A Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey
Lee J, Lee JH, Yoon C, Kwak C, Ahn JJ, Kong TH, Seo YJ. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 15;14(8):1655. doi: 10.3390/nu14081655.
Recurrence Rate and Risk Factors of Recurrence in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: a Single-Center Long-Term Prospective Study With a Large Cohort
Kong TH, Song MH, Shim DB. Ear Hear. 2022 Jan/Feb;43(1):234-241. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001093.
The risk of laryngitis with herpes zoster infection: A nested case-control study using data from the Korean National Sample Cohort
Joo YH, Lee HJ, Park JO, Seo YJ, Kong TH, Park KH. PLoS One. 2021 Dec 10;16(12):e0261366. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261366. eCollection 2021.
Alteration of payload in extracellular vesicles by crosstalk with mesenchymal stem cells from different origin
Park DJ, Park JE, Kong TH, Seo YJ. J Nanobiotechnology. 2021 May 20;19(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12951-021-00890-9.
Audiological benefits and performance improvements of Baha® attract implantation in patients with unilateral hearing loss
Kong TH, Lee J, Kwak C, Han W, Gwon OH, Seo YJ. Cochlear Implants Int. 2021 Sep;22(5):270-282. doi: 10.1080/14670100.2021.1903713. Epub 2021 Mar 22.
Clinical Implications of Horizontal Beating Nystagmus Induced by Dix-Hallpike Test in the Diagnosis of Horizontal Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Kong TH, Song MH, Shim DB. Otol Neurotol. 2021 Apr 1;42(4):585-591. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003026.
Non-invasive postoperative monitoring of pedicled rat skin flap using laser speckle contrast imaging
Im J, Kong TH, Choi JS, Seo YJ, Choi EC, Jung B, Kim JH. Microvasc Res. 2020 Nov;132:104050. doi: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104050. Epub 2020 Jul 28.
The Effects of Short-Term and Long-term Hearing Changes on Music Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
You S, Kong TH, Han W. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 21;17(6):2091. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17062091.
Double-blind randomized controlled trial on efficacy of cupulolith repositioning maneuver for treatment of apogeotropic horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Kong TH, Song MH, Kang JW, Shim DB. Acta Otolaryngol. 2020 Jun;140(6):473-478. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1736339. Epub 2020 Mar 18.
Baha Attract Implantation Using a Small Incision: Initial Report of Surgical Technique and Surveillance
Jang DS, Shin DH, Han W, Kong TH, Seo YJ. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Feb;13(1):15-22. doi: 10.21053/ceo.2019.00381. Epub 2019 Jul 6.
Optimal reassessment time for treatment response in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Song MH, Kong TH, Shim DB. Laryngoscope. 2020 Feb;130(2):496-499. doi: 10.1002/lary.28005. Epub 2019 Apr 14.
Strategies to enhance efficacy of SPION-labeled stem cell homing by magnetic attraction: a systemic review with meta-analysis
Ahn YJ, Kong TH, Choi JS, Yun WS, Key J, Seo YJ. Int J Nanomedicine. 2019 Jul 3;14:4849-4866. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S204910. eCollection 2019.
Evaluation of wireless Bluetooth devices to improve recognition of speech and sentences when using a mobile phone in bone conduction device recipients
Kong TH, Kwak C, Han W, Seo YJ. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Oct;276(10):2729-2737. doi: 10.1007/s00405-019-05516-3. Epub 2019 Jun 19.
Clinical Features of Fracture versus Concussion of the Temporal Bone after Head Trauma
Kong TH, Lee JW, Park YA, Seo YJ. J Audiol Otol. 2019 Apr;23(2):96-102. doi: 10.7874/jao.2018.00339. Epub 2019 Mar 13.
Chondritis of the ear after docetaxel-carboplatin chemotherapy
Kong TH, Han SM, Seo YJ. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2019 Jun;25(4):975-979. doi: 10.1177/1078155218762629. Epub 2018 Mar 27.
Monitoring blood-flow in the mouse cochlea using an endoscopic laser speckle contrast imaging system
Kong TH, Yu S, Jung B, Choi JS, Seo YJ. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 28;13(2):e0191978. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191978. eCollection 2018.
Importance of adhesiolysis in revision surgery for vibrant soundbridge device failures at the short incus process
Park YA, Kong TH, Chang JS, Seo YJ. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Nov;274(11):3867-3873. doi: 10.1007/s00405-017-4715-4. Epub 2017 Aug 22.
Usefulness of Intravital Multiphoton Microscopy in Visualizing Study of Mouse Cochlea and Volume Changes in the Scala Media
Ju HM, Lee SH, Kong TH, Kwon SH, Choi JS, Seo YJ. Front Neurol. 2017 Jul 31;8:332. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00332. eCollection 2017.
Validation of the Korean Version of the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire for Assessing the Severity and Symmetry of Hearing Impairment
Kong TH, Park YA, Bong JP, Park SY. Yonsei Med J. 2017 Jul;58(4):842-847. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.4.842.
A sustained increase of plasma fibrinogen in sudden sensorineural hearing loss predicts worse outcome independently
Park YA, Kong TH, Seo YJ. Am J Otolaryngol. 2017 Jul-Aug;38(4):484-487. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 May 5.
Image-guided implantation of the Bonebridge™ with a surgical navigation: A feasibility study
Kong TH, Park YA, Seo YJ. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2017;30:112-117. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.11.057. Epub 2016 Nov 30.
Does Herpes Virus Reactivation Affect Prognosis in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Park SM, Han C, Lee JW, Kong TH, Seo YJ. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Mar;10(1):66-70. doi: 10.21053/ceo.2016.00360. Epub 2016 Jul 27.
Clinical Features and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Secondary to Intralabyrinthine Hemorrhage
Lee JW, Park YA, Park SM, Kong TH, Park SY, Bong JP, Park DJ, Seo YJ. J Audiol Otol. 2016 Apr;20(1):31-5. doi: 10.7874/jao.2016.20.1.31. Epub 2016 Apr 21.
Head position and increased head velocity to optimize video head impulse test sensitivity
Seo YJ, Park YA, Kong TH, Bae MR, Kim SH. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Nov;273(11):3595-3602. doi: 10.1007/s00405-016-3979-4. Epub 2016 Mar 15.
An absorbable thread suture technique to treat snoring
Kwon JW, Kong TH, Ha TH, Park DJ. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 May;273(5):1173-8. doi: 10.1007/s00405-015-3722-6. Epub 2015 Jul 11.
Eccrine poroma of the auricle: a case report
Kong TH, Ha TH, Eom MS, Park SY. Korean J Audiol. 2014 Dec;18(3):151-2. doi: 10.7874/kja.2014.18.3.151. Epub 2014 Dec 22.

Contact & Recruitment

Laboratory Contact

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Prof. Tae Hoon Kong
cochlear84@yonsei.ac.kr
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Yonsei University Wonju Severance Christian Hospital
Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Department of Bio-AI Convergence
Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics
Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine

Research Opportunities

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Graduate Programs
MS/PhD/Integrated Programs
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Postdoc Positions
Postdoctoral Researchers
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Undergraduate Research
Research Internships Available

Benefits & Support

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Competitive Stipends
MS: ₩2.2M/month
PhD: ₩3.0M/month
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Conference Support
Domestic (4x/year)
International (1+/year)
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Research Facilities
Individual workspace
High-performance workstations