Portrait of Charles Limb
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Charles Limb, MD

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Otology) • Pediatric OtolaryngologyChief, Otology, Neurology and Skull Base Surgery
Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Mission Bay
415-353-9986
Portrait of Charles Limb
Portrait of Charles Limb
ucsf logobch logo

Charles Limb, MD

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Otology) • Pediatric OtolaryngologyChief, Otology, Neurology and Skull Base Surgery
Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Mission Bay
415-353-9986

On this page

About me

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 & training

Board certification

  • Neurotology, American Board of Otolaryngology
  • Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology

Fellowship

  • Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Univ Neurology Residency Program

Residency

  • Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins Univ Neurology Residency Program

Internship

  • General Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - GME

Degree

  • MD, Yale University School of Medicine

Academic title

  • Clinical Professor

My expertise

  • Specialties
  • Conditions
    • Hearing Loss (Profound)
    • Pulsatile Tinnitus
    • Glomus Jugulare Tumor
    • Malignant Glomus Tumor
    • Hearing Loss (Noise Induced)
    • Acoustic Neurofibromatosis
    • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
    • Otomastoiditis
    • Malignant Otitis Externa
  • Treatments
    • Cochlear Implant Hearing Aid Assessment
    • Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Assessment
    • Rotary Chair Testing
    • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Testing
    • Endoscopic Ear Surgery
    • Endoscopic Tympanoplasty
    • Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty
    • Electronystagmography
    • Hearing Aids

Locations

    Reviews

    Average rating

    5
    5 out of 5 Stars
    165 ratings
    About provider reviews

    Showing 1-6 of 76 reviews

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    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 28, 2026

      Dr. Limb is a great doctor and very understanding person!

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 28, 2026

      Was very comprehensive, prepared and professional. Very kind patient and made me feel Confident in the options presented with clear explanations. Most importantly At least to me is The time taken to listen to what my situation is very patiently and make me feel like I was heard. Very appreciated

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 28, 2026

      Dr Limb listens and very compassionate

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 27, 2026

      Dr Limb was wonderful and professional in listening my concerns, explaining expectations for the upcoming surgery and related details. This has been a great office visit experience. I am grateful to his efforts going thru all details. Thank you Dr Limb!

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 22, 2026

      Very lucky to be seen here and to have an appointment with Dr. Limb

    • 5 out of 5 Stars
      July 8, 2026

      Dr. Limb is very clear and compassionate, responded to my anxiety and answered all questions

    Please check with your health insurance plan regarding coverage for this type of care. Not all providers at UCSF Health are covered by every insurance plan.

    For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here.

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