Dr. Neil Sperling, A Top Hearing Doctor in NYC
Dr. Neil M. Sperling, MD is a New York City otolaryngologist and otologic surgeon specializing in hearing disorders, hearing restoration, ear surgery, and advanced hearing technologies.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Sperling has participated in medical education, professional conferences, international otology courses, research, publications, and physician training. His professional activities have focused on areas including otosclerosis, stapes surgery, ossicular reconstruction, cochlear implantation, implantable auditory devices, and hearing restoration. View highlights from some of these events below.
Dr. Neil Sperling’s Medical Lectures & Professional Activities
Dr. Sperling has served as an invited lecturer, panelist, faculty member, and instructor at medical conferences and educational programs in the United States and internationally. His presentations have addressed topics such as:
- Stapedectomy and stapedotomy
- Primary and revision stapes surgery
- Advanced otosclerosis
- Cochlear implantation
- Implantable auditory devices
- Ossicular chain reconstruction
- Middle-ear anatomy
- Tympanic membrane disorders
- Hearing restoration
- Advanced hearing technologies
- Otologic surgery
Recent Lectures & Professional Events
2024: Cochlear Implantation vs. Stapedotomy in Advanced Otosclerosis
University of Colorado Ultimate Midwinter Conference
Vail, Colorado
January 30, 2024
Dr. Sperling was an invited speaker for a presentation addressing cochlear implantation versus stapedotomy in advanced otosclerosis.
The topic reflects an important clinical consideration in patients with advanced otosclerosis: determining which hearing-restoration approach may be appropriate based on the extent and characteristics of the disease.
2023: International Otology Course
Jean Causse Ear Clinic
Béziers, France
Dr. Sperling served as an Invited Lecturer and Panel Leader at the International Otology Course, participating in an international educational program focused on ear surgery and otology.
His involvement has included teaching and discussion of surgical topics relevant to middle-ear disease, hearing restoration, and implantable hearing technology.
2023: The Future of Implantable Auditory Devices
Implantable Auditory Devices Update 2023
Lenox Hill Hospital
New York, New York
March 11, 2023
Dr. Sperling delivered a faculty lecture on The Future of Implantable Auditory Devices.
The presentation addressed developments in hearing technology and the role of implantable devices in hearing restoration.
2022: Primary and Revision Stapes Surgery
52nd Brazilian Congress of Otolaryngology
Porto Alegre, Brazil
November 17, 2022
Dr. Sperling was an invited lecturer for Update of Primary and Revision Stapes Surgery, sharing information related to surgical management of stapes disorders and revision procedures.
International Otology Education
Dr. Sperling has participated in the International Otology Course at the Jean Causse Ear Clinic in Béziers, France, as an invited lecturer and panel leader. His participation has included educational discussions involving:
- Otosclerosis
- Tympanic membrane retraction
- Ossicular reconstruction
- Chronic suppurative otitis media
- Middle-ear surgery
- Implantable hearing devices
The course provides postgraduate education in otology and brings together physicians involved in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of ear disorders.
2019: Implantable Auditory Devices Conference
New York Head & Neck Institute Implantable Auditory Devices Conference
The University Club of New York
March 30, 2019
Dr. Sperling participated as a speaker at the Implantable Auditory Devices conference, a continuing medical education program offering AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. His presentations included:
Deep Canal Hearing Devices: Earlens
Dr. Sperling discussed Earlens, a hearing technology designed to provide sound transmission through direct stimulation of the eardrum.
Is Totally Implantable Auditory Technology Reliable?
He also participated in discussion of the technology and reliability of totally implantable auditory devices.
Earlens Hearing Technology
In 2019, Dr. Sperling and Dr. Scott Gold were invited to consult with Earlens hearing technology in Silicon Valley, California. His practice has been involved in providing access to Earlens technology as part of its broader focus on advanced hearing solutions.
2016: International Otology Course
18th International Otology Course
June 30–July 2, 2016
Dr. Sperling attended and lectured at the three-day International Otology Course. Topics included:
- Tympanic membrane retraction
- Otosclerosis
- Ossicular reconstruction
- Chronic suppurative otitis media
- Middle-ear surgery
- Implantable hearing devices
The course was designed to provide postgraduate education in operative procedures involving otosclerosis, ossicular reconstruction, chronic ear disease, and implantable hearing technology.
Dr. Neil Sperling's Publications
Dr. Sperling has contributed to medical literature and educational publications involving ear care and otology.
To Swab or Not to Swab: Appropriate Medical Advice Regarding Self-Ear-Cleaning
Dr. Sperling authored “To Swab or Not to Swab: Appropriate Medical Advice Regarding Self-Ear-Cleaning,” published in the International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery in the January–March 2016 edition.
The article addresses appropriate approaches to ear cleaning and the potential problems associated with self-cleaning the ear.
Otosclerosis: Diagnosis, Evaluation, Pathology, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes
Dr. Sperling is also associated with the medical textbook:
Otosclerosis: Diagnosis, Evaluation, Pathology, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes
Authors/editors:
- Chris de Souza
- Marcos V. Goycoolea
- Neil M. Sperling
The textbook focuses on otosclerosis, including its diagnosis, pathology, surgical treatment, techniques, and outcomes. Otosclerosis is an important area of otologic surgery because abnormal bone remodeling can interfere with movement of the stapes and result in conductive hearing loss.
Teaching & Medical Education
Dr. Sperling’s professional work also includes teaching physicians and medical trainees. His educational activities have included instruction in:
- Temporal bone anatomy
- Middle-ear anatomy
- Ossicular reconstruction
- Stapes surgery
- Hearing restoration
- Implantable auditory devices
- Otologic surgical techniques
Resident Temporal Bone Course
Dr. Sperling served as an instructor for the Resident Temporal Bone Course through Northwell Otolaryngology resident training from 2020 through 2023. Temporal bone training provides otolaryngology residents with practical education in the complex anatomy and surgical approaches involved in ear surgery.
2021: National Medical-Legal Mock Trial Tournament
In October 2021, Dr. Sperling served as an Image Evaluator for the National Medical-Legal Mock Trial Tournament.
The event was hosted by The Maurice A. Deane School of Law and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Medical School Admissions & Academic Service
Dr. Sperling has also participated in academic service. He has served on the Admissions Committee of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, beginning in May 2021. His broader academic activities reflect involvement in both medical education and professional development beyond clinical practice.
2020: Revision Stapedectomy Expert Panel
In May 2020, Dr. Sperling participated as an Invited Panel Member in a revision stapedectomy expert panel discussion at the LION International Virtual Otology Conference. Revision stapedectomy is a specialized area of ear surgery involving patients who have previously undergone stapes surgery and require additional evaluation or treatment.
2020: Life Lessons From Ear Surgery
George Washington University Department of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds
November 9, 2020
Dr. Sperling participated as an invited speaker for Life Lessons From Ear Surgery at the Department of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds. Grand rounds provide physicians and medical trainees with opportunities for continuing education and professional discussion.
2020: Middle Ear Anatomy & Ossicular Reconstruction
Northwell Otolaryngology Resident Training
August 17, 2020
Dr. Sperling taught a resident temporal bone course addressing middle-ear anatomy and ossicular reconstruction. The ossicles—the malleus, incus, and stapes—play an essential role in transmitting sound through the middle ear. Damage or abnormal movement of these structures can contribute to conductive hearing loss.
2019: Becoming a Hearing Healthcare Advocate
SUNY Downstate Department of Otolaryngology Grand Rounds
October 3, 2019
Dr. Sperling served as an invited speaker for Becoming a Hearing Healthcare Advocate: The Pivotal Role of the Otolaryngologist and Audiologist. The presentation examined the respective roles of otolaryngologists and audiologists in hearing healthcare.
2019: Totally Implantable Auditory Devices
Implantable Auditory Devices Update
The University Club of New York
March 30, 2019
Dr. Sperling served as an invited speaker for the Implantable Auditory Devices Update conference, discussing developments in implantable and non-implantable hearing technologies.
Why Dr. Sperling's Professional Activities Matter
Hearing restoration is a rapidly evolving area of medicine involving diagnostic testing, hearing technology, medical treatment, and surgical procedures. Dr. Sperling’s professional activities span several of these areas, including:
Otology
Diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ear and hearing system.
Stapes Surgery
Education and clinical discussion surrounding stapedectomy, stapedotomy, and revision stapes surgery.
Hearing Implants
Professional education involving cochlear implants and implantable auditory devices.
Middle-Ear Surgery
Teaching and discussion involving tympanic membrane disorders and ossicular reconstruction.
Medical Education
Teaching otolaryngology residents and participating in professional conferences and academic programs.
Research & Publications
Contributions to medical literature and educational publications involving ear health and otology.
Dr. Neil Sperling's Clinical Expertise
Dr. Sperling’s professional education and clinical practice focus on ear disorders, hearing loss, hearing restoration, and otologic surgery. His areas of expertise include:
- Hearing loss
- Sudden hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss
- Otosclerosis
- Stapedectomy
- Stapedotomy
- Tympanoplasty
- Eardrum perforation
- Ossicular chain reconstruction
- Cholesteatoma
- Cochlear implantation
- Bone-anchored hearing devices
- Hearing aid consultation
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Balance disorders
- Ménière’s disease
- Autoimmune inner-ear disease
Recent Awards and Accolades
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Neil M. Sperling, MD, is a New York City otolaryngologist and otologic surgeon specializing in hearing disorders, hearing restoration, ear surgery, and advanced hearing technologies. He is recognized for his expertise in otosclerosis, stapes surgery, ossicular reconstruction, cochlear implantation, and implantable auditory devices.
Dr. Sperling engages in medical education, professional conferences, international otology courses, research, publications, and physician training. He serves as an invited lecturer, panelist, faculty member, and instructor at various national and international events focused on otology and hearing restoration.
Dr. Sperling has lectured on a wide range of topics including stapedectomy and stapedotomy, primary and revision stapes surgery, advanced otosclerosis, cochlear implantation, implantable auditory devices, ossicular chain reconstruction, middle-ear anatomy, tympanic membrane disorders, hearing restoration, and otologic surgery.
In 2024, Dr. Sperling presented on cochlear implantation versus stapedotomy in advanced otosclerosis at the University of Colorado Ultimate Midwinter Conference. This lecture addressed clinical considerations for selecting appropriate hearing restoration methods based on disease severity and characteristics in patients with advanced otosclerosis.
The International Otology Course is a postgraduate educational program held at the Jean Causse Ear Clinic in Béziers, France, focusing on ear surgery and otology. Dr. Sperling has served as an invited lecturer and panel leader, teaching and discussing surgical topics related to middle-ear disease, hearing restoration, and implantable hearing technology.
Implantable auditory devices are advanced hearing technologies surgically placed to restore hearing. Dr. Sperling has delivered lectures on the future of these devices, participated in conferences discussing their reliability, and consulted on technologies like Earlens, which transmits sound through direct stimulation of the eardrum.
Dr. Sperling teaches physicians and medical trainees about temporal bone anatomy, middle-ear anatomy, ossicular reconstruction, stapes surgery, hearing restoration, implantable auditory devices, and otologic surgical techniques. He has served as an instructor for the Resident Temporal Bone Course for otolaryngology residents from 2020 through 2023.
Dr. Sperling authored the article “To Swab or Not to Swab: Appropriate Medical Advice Regarding Self-Ear-Cleaning,” published in the International Journal of Head and Neck Surgery in 2016. He is also a co-author of the medical textbook 'Otosclerosis: Diagnosis, Evaluation, Pathology, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes,' which covers diagnosis and surgical treatment of otosclerosis.
Beyond clinical work, Dr. Sperling has served on the Admissions Committee of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell since May 2021. He also participated as an Image Evaluator for the National Medical-Legal Mock Trial Tournament in 2021, reflecting his involvement in medical education and academic development.
