Otology (Ear) Surgery

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, Otology services are led by Mr Robert Chessman FRCS (ORL-HNS), Consultant ENT Surgeon. We specialise in the diagnosis and management of ear and hearing disorders, from common conditions to complex surgery.

Based at Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Medicana Winchester, Mr Chessman brings together advanced surgical expertise, state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to personalised patient care.

Our approach

Comprehensive evaluation — including audiometry, imaging and detailed consultation, so we understand the root cause of your ear or hearing issue.

Tailored treatment plans — we don’t do “one-size-fits-all”. Whether it is conservative management, hearing devices, or surgical intervention, we develop the plan that meets your needs.

Advanced surgical expertise — Mr Chessman completed fellowship training in Advanced Otology, Hearing Implants and Skull Base Surgery and has specialist experience in conditions such as cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, eardrum perforations and bone conduction hearing implants.

Child & adult care — ear disease and hearing loss affect patients of all ages. We treat children and adults, coordinating with audiologists, paediatricians or other specialists as required.

Patient-focussed care — from your first appointment through to recovery, our priority is you. We emphasise clear communication, minimising disruption and optimising outcomes.

  • Otology is the ENT subspecialty focused on disorders of the ear, hearing, and balance system. This includes medical and surgical management of ear infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and complex ear disease.

  • You should consider specialist otology assessment if you experience:

    • Persistent or sudden hearing loss

    • Recurrent ear infections or discharge

    • A perforated eardrum

    • Ringing or noise in the ear (tinnitus)

    • Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems

    • Ear pain that does not settle

    • A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear

    • Recurrent glue ear (in adults or children)

  • Yes. Otology services at Hampshire ENT Clinics are provided for both adults and children, including assessment of paediatric ear infections, glue ear, hearing loss, and congenital ear conditions.

  • Hearing loss can be due to:

    • Wax or middle ear fluid

    • Eardrum perforation

    • Otosclerosis (stiffening of the hearing bones)

    • Chronic ear infection or cholesteatoma

    • Noise exposure or age-related change

    • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

    Accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment options vary widely.

  • Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, reducing hearing. It is common in children but can also affect adults. Treatment may include observation, medical management, or grommet insertion depending on symptoms and duration.

  • Yes. Microsuction is a safe and effective outpatient procedure to remove ear wax under direct vision using a microscope. It is often preferred to syringing and provides immediate relief in many cases.

  • A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the tympanic membrane, often caused by infection, trauma, or previous grommet insertion. Some perforations heal spontaneously, while others may require surgical repair to reduce infections and improve hearing.

  • Yes. Surgical repair (myringoplasty or tympanoplasty) may be recommended if a perforation causes recurrent infections, hearing loss, or fails to heal over time.

  • Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth within the middle ear that can cause persistent infection, hearing loss, and damage to surrounding structures. It usually requires surgical treatment and long-term follow-up.

  • Otosclerosis is a condition where one of the hearing bones (the stapes) becomes stiff, preventing sound from being transmitted efficiently. Treatment options include hearing aids or stapes surgery, depending on individual assessment.

  • Yes. Otology surgery may include:

    • Middle ear reconstruction (ossiculoplasty)

    • Stapes surgery for otosclerosis

    • Repair of eardrum perforations

    • Surgery for chronic ear disease or cholesteatoma

    • Bone conduction hearing implants in selected patients

    The most appropriate option is discussed after full assessment.

  • Bone conduction hearing implants transmit sound vibrations directly through the skull bone to the inner ear. They may be suitable for patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness who cannot benefit from conventional hearing aids.

  • While tinnitus cannot always be cured, it can often be managed effectively. Assessment focuses on identifying contributing factors such as hearing loss or ear disease, followed by a tailored management plan which may include reassurance, hearing support, and symptom-directed strategies.

  • Yes. Dizziness and balance problems can arise from inner ear conditions such as benign positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, or other causes. Specialist assessment helps identify the cause and guide treatment.

  • Sudden hearing loss is usually considered an urgent condition. Early assessment and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, and patients are encouraged to seek prompt specialist review.

  • Hearing tests are commonly arranged as part of otology assessment to help diagnose the cause of symptoms and guide treatment. These may include pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, or more specialised tests where indicated.

    Hearing tests do incur a separate charge for self-pay patients, please see pricing for further details.

  • Most ear procedures are well tolerated. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and managed with simple pain relief. Your surgeon will explain what to expect based on the specific procedure.

  • Recovery depends on the procedure, but many patients:

    • Go home the same day or after a short stay

    • Return to desk-based work within 1–2 weeks

    • Notice hearing improvement gradually as healing progresses

    Specific aftercare advice is provided for each procedure.

  • No. You can self-refer directly to Hampshire ENT Clinics for a private otology consultation.

  • Otology services are led by Mr Robert Chessman, Consultant ENT Surgeon with specialist expertise in ear and hearing disorders, supported by the wider Hampshire ENT Clinics consultant team.

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