Skip to Main Content

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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Otolaryngology, Neurotology, 2011

    American Board of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 2004

  • Fellowships

    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurosurgery, 2003

  • Residencies

    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology, 2002

  • Internship

    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, General Surgery, 1997

  • Education

    Yale University School of Medicine, 1996

  • Languages

    English

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

Where I see patients (5)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    198 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 14, 2025
    Dr Limb was attentive, listened well and explained thoroughly, patient and efficient at the same time
    Feb 11, 2025
    Dr. Limb's experience & expertise are very comforting. He has some ideas for his team to evaluate my condition of dizziness as it may apply to further P.T.
    Feb 04, 2025
    Clear and answered my questions
    Jan 28, 2025
    Very articulate, clear, concise, and patient describing plans, procedures, possible issues, and next steps.
    Jan 28, 2025
    Dr Limb and team are the best!
    Jan 26, 2025
    Dr Limb is genuinely considerate and took the time to ask follow up questions to my concerns.
    Jan 24, 2025
    Dr. Limb is the best doctor I've ever had. I rave about his attention to detail, thorough description of my ear and its goings-on, and his approachable style. I genuinely feel lucky to have him as my doctor.
    Dec 23, 2024
    My experience with Dr. Limb has been exceptional. It is easy to see that he is genuinely vested in the care of his patients, and he explains the process calmly and thoroughly.
    Dec 20, 2024
    Dr. LImb is amazing. He was very caring and listened to anything I had to say. Dr. Limb identified my problem, we did surgery to correct it and the follow-up was excellent. I am so happy and pleased that he is my doctor.
    Sep 10, 2024
    A skilled thoughtful compassionate doctor
    Sep 09, 2024
    Dr. Limb is THE best! I have trusted him from the moment I met him - and I try to come with knowledge and recommendations. Dr. Limb is knowledgeable and caring. I have complete confidence in any care he provides. I leave with optimism and wanting to follow any recommendations he gives. I cannot say enough about Dr. Limb. Filled with gratitude for being under his care.
    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..
    Jul 26, 2024
    I liked their attention
    Jul 24, 2024
    Dr Charles Limb is always very informative and caring.
    Jul 01, 2024
    Dr. Limb has a very kind and gracious manner, and he was very thorough in explaining my condition.
    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.

    Selected research

    Share