Charles Limb

MD

Chief, Otology, Neurology and Skull Base Surgery
Otologist, neurotologist and skull base surgeon
Hearing specialist and musician

Dr. Charles Limb is a specialist in ear disorders (otology), including neurological ear disorders (neurotology), as well as skull base surgery. He focuses particularly on treating hearing loss and auditory conditions. His expertise includes all surgeries of the temporal bone. Chief of the UCSF Division of Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, he is also director of the UCSF Douglas Grant Cochlear Implant Center.

In his research, Limb has investigated the neural basis of musical creativity and has studied music perception in deaf individuals with cochlear implants.

Limb received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. He completed a residency and fellowship in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Center for Hearing and Balance, and a second postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.

Limb is the UCSF Francis A. Sooy Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Previously, he was associate professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery and a faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

  • Education

    Yale School of Medicine, 1996

  • Residencies

    Johns Hopkins Medicine, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2002

  • Fellowships

    Johns Hopkins Medicine, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2003

  • Board Certifications

    Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology

  • Academic Title

    Professor

I became a hearing specialist out of a deep love for musical experiences and a desire to help people suffering from hearing disorders.

Conditions I specialize in

  • Hearing and balance disorders

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (5)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    242 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 23, 2024
    The best doctor ever
    Aug 12, 2024
    Dr Limb has a rare combination of excellent medical expertise coupled with a warm bedside manner. I feel that I'm getting one of the best to take care of my hearing issues.
    Aug 11, 2024
    I appreciate Dr. Limb's expertise, efficiency and his care responding to my questions..
    Jun 09, 2024
    One of best MDs I've had. Very special.
    May 11, 2024
    Excellent experience. I am looking followed to my ear surgery and very happy to hear that it is possible to get my hearing back.
    May 07, 2024
    Dr. Limb did an excellent job explaining the procedure. He is kind, patient, and knowledgeable. I am thankful that Dr. Limb will be performing my surgery.
    Apr 19, 2024
    I was so impressed with Dr Limb. He "went the extra mile" to make sure I was educated about my condition & possible treatments or directions o take to address all concerns. He spoke simply but thoroughly on all issues. He attentiveness to me & my concerns sent a message that he would be a provider I would want to treat me. He was unhurried & interested in what I had to say. I learned so much about my alternatives just talking to him. I want him to be my otologist!
    Apr 17, 2024
    Dr Limb is absolutely the best.
    Mar 22, 2024
    Excellent all around
    Mar 11, 2024
    The time given and the lack of feeling rushed by a dr was AMAZING
    Dec 14, 2023
    Dr. Limb was clear in explanations and kind as well
    Dec 06, 2023
    Dr. Lamb is always communicative and helpful and a very skilled clinician
    Nov 17, 2023
    I never felt rushed during this appointment. Dr. Lim was very well informed, considerate, and responsive. His resident doctor was the same.
    Oct 14, 2023
    Dr.Limb is the best!!!!
    Sep 24, 2023
    Dr. Limb is amazing. He recommended a procedure that sounded just right for me. Not even 2 weeks yet and my hearing and sinuses are excellent!
    Sep 21, 2023
    I like it because of the friendliness of everyone in the hospital sector
    Sep 20, 2023
    Dr. Limb is an excellent Doctor, and I wish I had known of him before, and safe me a lot of grief. He deserves 10 Stars
    Aug 26, 2023
    Dr Limb is a superb, caring physician.
    Aug 25, 2023
    Dr. Limb is wonderful! He's compassionate, takes the time to listen to and answer your questions. He also responds to emails quickly. He also has wonderful fellows that work alongside him. I highly recommend him!
    Aug 18, 2023
    Dr Charles Limb is great. I look forward to our visits the many times I've seen him. Always professional and courteous. Always a very informative conversation. He and his surgical team have done wonders for my ear and, therefore, my hearing with the Complex Microsurgery - Tympanomastoidectomy along with the Ossicicullar Chain Reconstruction (say that ten times!) - that was performed because of a long existing Cholesteatoma that built up and was deeply embedded. I am so grateful for the expertise of each person involved.
    Jul 28, 2023
    The best
    Jun 30, 2023
    Everyone in your hospital has been awesome, I did not encounter anyone that was not friendly and good at their job.
    Jun 15, 2023
    Cannot say enough good things about Dr. Limb! Truly lucky to have him as my doctor. He clearly is a world-class doctor but he also spent all the time necessary to clearly explain things and answer questions.
    Jun 03, 2023
    Professional, informative (excellent explanations)
    Jun 02, 2023
    My brother is totally blind and mentally disabled,Dr. Limb and staff was very professional, informative and and caring to patient and family during the whole process.
    May 16, 2023
    Dr limb is great. Never any complaints.
    Apr 28, 2023
    Good
    Apr 08, 2023
    Dr. Limb is professional, kind, and personable. I have the utmost respect and confidence in his advice and care. I am not sure how I could manage my condition without him as my doctor.
    Mar 25, 2023
    Dr Limb was very cordial, asked questions and told me about how I might be eligible for further treatment and told me who to contact-
    Feb 19, 2023
    Dr. Limb is a most outstanding doctor. I feel so fortunate to have him as my physician.
    Feb 14, 2023
    Dr Limb is the best! Very attentive, knowledgeable, and kind.
    Feb 12, 2023
    Very professional
    Jan 27, 2023
    I have recommended Dr. Limb several times.
    Jan 25, 2023
    Dr Limb speaks carefully and considerately
    Jan 13, 2023
    Dr Limb is amazing. He spent so much time with me and was so concerned with my issues and taught me a lot. I really appreciate him.
    Jan 11, 2023
    Our whole family agreed that this is the best doctor experience we've ever had. He was kind, understanding, thorough, compassionate, and knowledgeable. Best bedside manner ever. We can not say enough about how much peace he brought the family by finally having some answers. Aside from being ridiculously backed up on surgeries it was 100% the best decision we made regarding doctors. He is a stellar gentleman with a true heart and passion for what he does. We cannot thank him enough for giving us the answers we have needed for months! Our son has suffered through this.
    Jan 09, 2023
    Dr Limb was excellant
    Dec 13, 2022
    Paste 10 gold stars into the 5-star limit for my doctor. I leave my appointments with him feeling well-informed, reassured, and fortunate to have him looking after me. I find It remarkable when a surgeon shows kindness and humor, and Is relatable. Not what the profession necessarily rewards, but for those of us with long-term monitoring ahead of eventual treatment, these qualities lift considerably the burden of facing up to the situation. Dear UCSF, if you let Dr. Limb get away. I am going with him.
    Dec 01, 2022
    Very personable and comforting. Relieved my worry and made me very confident in path ahead.
    Nov 23, 2022
    Dr. Limb is the best!
    Nov 18, 2022
    Wonderful staff!!!
    Oct 30, 2022
    Dr Limb was reflects UCSF in an outstanding way.
    Oct 28, 2022
    Dr. Limb is the best! I'm blessed to have e him as my Dr.

    Selected research

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