Physician, Professor
Otolaryngology
Department: Otolaryngology
As a head and neck surgeon, I provide cutting-edge, personalized care for the hearing and balance impaired. I also offer patients access to clinical trials and new treatment options.
I’m passionate about all aspects of the ear. What first interested me were the ear’s detail and small scale. Once I started treating patients with hearing loss and balance disorders, I realized how fundamental these senses are. Because of technical and surgical advances, we can now help most individuals with these conditions. Cochlear implants, in particular, can be a life-changing treatment. There is certainly room for growth, and I feel lucky to be a part of this development.
What I enjoy most about working at Ohio State is the level of commitment, which I find both remarkable and contagious. I am motivated knowing that each individual here truly cares about patients, providing excellent care and advancing medical science. I believe that this sort of passion is necessary to provide world-class patient care.
I feel lucky that I have been able to work as a physician. I think a medical license is not just a piece of paper, but a privilege, and I hope to serve my patients here at Ohio State.
In my free time, I like to play tennis, run, relax with my family and enjoy the outdoors.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
My research interests include:
Electrocochleography in Cochlear ImplantationThis series of projects aims to establish the method of electrocochleography (ECochG) during and following cochlear implantation. This has been an ongoing effort since 2005 the initial goal was to establish an algorithm that would allow to monitor cochlear health during electrode insertions. This has since been realized and current projects focus on improvements to the present system as well as to explore this method for cochlear implant mapping, performance prediction, and other topics.
Utility of Residual Hearing in the Cochlear Implant Ear
This NIH funded and FDA approved clinical trial aims at establishing the potential of ECochG monitoring in cochlear implant candidates with substantial residual hearing and to determine the value of the presence and the amount of ipsilateral residual hearing on postoperative outcomes such as hearing and quality of life.
Cochlear Implantation and Single Sided Deafness
The aim of this project is to continue to enhance our understanding of the clinical parameters relevant when considering cochlear implantation in adult and children with single sided deafness.
Postoperative Imaging and Cochlear Implantation
This project aims to further establish the utility and clinical relevance of postoperative imaging in cochlear implantation.
Cochlear Implantation during Labyrinthectomy and Translabyrinthine Vestibular Schwannoma Resection
This clinical trials aims at evaluating cochlear implantation during either transmastoid labyrinthectomies or translabyrinthine approaches for small vestibular schwannomas. Both types of procedures sacrifice hearing and the patient’s options for hearing rehabilitation are typically limited to conventional CROS or BAHA devices. Cochlear implantation provides the only solution of utilizing the affected ear.
Additional Research
The research labs within the Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery work on many other projects, including:
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Dr. Adunka has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
Very good
Experienced
Provider spent time with me listening to my concerns.
Dr Adunka is very knowledgeable and explains every procedure completely!! He genuinely cares about each patient!
Dr Adunka always listens and explains if I have any questions. He is very patient and kind .
Twice, although not during this Visit, the doctor laughed at me when I ask a question.
Dr. Adunka seems like he really cares about his patients. Takes time to answer any questions and his answers are clear for the non medical patients.
Great
Dr. Adunka provided information about my condition and options for medical care in a professional and caring manner. He made sure I understood all the information I needed.
This care provider, Dr. Adunka, was present during a lot of of the appointment, and was very kind and patient in lanswering questions and making sure I understood what my situation was and what was needed.
Listened to my concerns. Friendly. Walked me to his assistant to set follow-up appointment
He got right on my issues with testing snd followed ip whole I was there with my options
Explained everything very well
Excellent conversation- a linkage
Friendly and informative
Very caring doctor.
My care provider was friendly and offered a suggestion for a possible hearing remedy.
Provider was very condescending . I felt like I was a bother to him, wasting his time. And he referred me on to another Clinic.
None. Although I do think he could explain things better.
Very professional and courteous. Listened to my concerns
Very good
Exceptional
Friendly, explained the condition and procedure to repair well took the time to make sure I understood or had any concerns
Excellent
Excellent accurate and helpful
Dr Adunka and his team are fantastic!
He is excellent, listens and answers all questions with a positive and supportive answers. I would very highly recommend this doctor.
Attentive to my reason for visit, pleasant and respectful, provided information about next step in care/testing.
Extra helpful. Patient. Answered questions.
Dr Adunka was kind and concerned and helpful.
He was willing to take the time to answer all my questions.
Very caring, knowledgeable, and personable
Dr Adunka is always polite, gives his undivided attention. Feel very comfortable with his care and advice.
Very friendly knowledgeable
He was very knowledgeable and led me to another specialist to help me with my problems but still scheduled me for further testing and a review of the results in a year
She turned on my cochlear implant and it was a great experience hearing in my left ear again.
Scheduling the appt was super tough.
Very informative and helpful
Very kind and through.
Dr Adunka is extremely professional and knowledgeable regarding cochlear implants. He's able to explain the procedure in a succinct manner that's not beyond a level of comprehension. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs a CI procedure.
Dr was great
He is extremely knowledgeable with my condition.
I have had earaches my entire life. After surgery to repair my left ear and skull above, no more pain!
They was great they listened to me and they explain everything to me where I can understand it did it a good job
All good
Dr Adunka was kind, engaging, and sympathetic. He did not rush anything and seemed to give as much time as I needed.
Everything was really good
The care was great
Very knowledgeable respectful and showed genuine concern
He listened to what I had to say. He was also very informed.
Very thorough, attentive and courteous.
Very knowledgable of my issue
Very good they are always taking care of my health
Everyone is great
Very informative & helpful.
Dr.Akunda is the best
Dr. Adunka is always friendly very helpful and concerned about my health.
Excellent care.
Fine
Experience for a first visit good.
Polite and friendly
He is always attentive
Seemed to care & listen
Always listens and answers question. Best ever.
No bad all good
The provider made me feel comfortable about the possibility of having surgery. This was a concern for me since I was very scared mainly because I've never had surgery.
Great attitude toward the elderly. Was comfortable asking questions