By Tse-Jen Chang and Kuang-Hui Ou Yang 

In 1992, Taiwan welcomed cutting-edge medical technology with the introduction of cochlear implants, revolutionizing the lives of hearing-impaired individuals. Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital has played a pivotal role in this transformation, performing around 10% of the nation's cochlear implant surgeries. At the heart of this achievement was Dr. Hung-Pin Wu, the hospital’s former director of the ENT department. 

Dr. Wu’s unwavering dedication led to the successful completion of 304 cochlear implant surgeries during his time at the hospital. His work not only restored hearing in his patients but also opened new doors of opportunity for his patients. Tragically, Dr. Wu’s incredible journey was cut short in October 2023 when he lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 51. Yet, his spirit of compassion and commitment continues to resonate. 

 

Shun-Chih Chen (left), a 60-year-old construction worker, lost his hearing over ten years ago. Thanks to Tzu Chi’s support, Dr. Wu (left) replaced his cochlear implant sound processor after it broke, restoring not only his hearing but also his ability to work. Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation |Taiwan | 2015/11/13

Following his passing, Dr. Wu’s legacy was carried forward by his mentor, Dr. Chuan-Jen Hsu, and his protégé, Dr. Cheng-Yu Hsieh. Together, they performed an additional 51 cochlear implant surgeries between August 2023 and March 2025, ensuring that Dr. Wu’s vision of transforming lives continues. These surgeries are not just medical procedures but deeply emotional milestones for patients and their families. Young Ms. Cho, who had never experienced sound, moved everyone to tears with her joyous exclamation, “I can hear!” 

Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital held a special screening of the documentary A Blissful Audiovisual Concerto on April 8 to honor the late ENT Director Dr. Hung-Pin Wu. Photo: Zhao-Xiong Lin | Taiwan | 2025/4/8

To honor Dr. Wu’s memory, a heartfelt documentary, A Blissful Audiovisual Concerto (聽•見幸福的樂章), directed by Feng-Ming Hsu was screened at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital. The film captured the transformative journeys of patients and the love and care that Dr. Wu exemplified. “I hope to continue Dr. Wu’s mission by helping disadvantaged children gain access to cochlear implants, offering them a fresh start in life,” shared Director Hsu. 

Dr. Wu’s legacy also includes his commitment to training the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Cheng-Yu Hsieh, one of his students, reflected on Dr. Wu’s efforts, saying, “He believed that young doctors in Taiwan should acquire the skills needed to perform cochlear implant surgeries, extending the gift of sound to many more.” 

Dr. Wu’s selflessness continues to inspire the Tzu Chi medical community. As Dr. Chin-Lon Lin, CEO of the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, aptly noted, “Dr. Wu’s compassion and dedication to his patients embody the true spirit of Tzu Chi’s medical mission.” 

Medical staff and patients come together to celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Wu’s work. | Photo: Ting-Han Lai | Taiwan | 2025/04/08

Though Dr. Wu Hung-Pin is no longer with us, his legacy endures. The seeds of love and kindness he planted continue to grow, offering hope and a brighter future to countless hearing-impaired individuals across Taiwan.