Mr Max Whittaker Specialist Ear Surgeon in London
Consultant ENT Surgeon specialising in otology, chronic ear disease, hearing loss and minimally invasive endoscopic ear surgery for adults and children.
Mr Whittaker’s practice includes the assessment and treatment of tympanic membrane perforations, middle-ear disease, hearing problems and conditions requiring reconstructive ear surgery.
Consultant-led assessment, reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
A focused practice in ear disease and hearing
Mr Max Whittaker is a Consultant ENT Surgeon with a particular clinical focus on conditions affecting the ear and hearing.
His work includes perforated eardrums, chronic middle-ear disease, hearing loss, cholesteatoma and reconstructive ear surgery.
Where surgery is being considered, the aim is to understand both the disease process and the patient’s individual priorities before deciding whether observation, medical treatment or an operation is appropriate.
Mr Whittaker uses microscopic, endoscopic or combined approaches according to the anatomy and condition of the individual ear rather than applying one technique to every patient.
Specialist training in otology and skull base surgery
Mr Whittaker’s postgraduate training has included advanced ear surgery, audiovestibular medicine and international experience in endoscopic ear surgery.
Guy’s and St Thomas’
Advanced training in Otology and Skull Base Surgery, including complex middle-ear and reconstructive ear surgery.
House Institute, California
International exposure to specialist otology practice and modern approaches to ear surgery.
Toronto General Hospital
Observership experience with a particular focus on minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
University College London
MSc with Distinction in Audiovestibular Medicine, supporting a detailed understanding of hearing and balance disorders.
Consultant and clinical leadership
Mr Whittaker was appointed as a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 2018.
His NHS work includes specialist otology and leadership within the Otolaryngology service.
Consultant ENT Surgeon since 2018.
Clinical leadership alongside specialist ear practice.
Founding member of London Surgeons and involved in developing remote specialist ear assessment.
Not every perforated eardrum needs surgery
Treatment decisions begin with understanding the condition of the individual ear, rather than assuming that a perforation automatically requires an operation.
Many perforated eardrums heal naturally. Where a perforation persists, specialist assessment can consider the size and position of the opening, hearing, infection history, middle-ear condition and the impact on everyday life.
If surgery is appropriate, the proposed technique is selected according to the anatomy and clinical problem. Endoscopic techniques may be useful in selected cases, while other ears require microscopic or combined approaches.
Specialist areas of ear care
The practice focuses on conditions affecting the eardrum, middle ear and hearing.
Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Assessment of persistent perforation, hearing loss, recurrent infection and eardrum repair.
02Endoscopic Ear Surgery
Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques for selected middle-ear conditions.
03Myringoplasty & Tympanoplasty
Reconstruction of the eardrum and, where required, wider middle-ear structures.
04Ossicular Reconstruction
Assessment and reconstruction of the hearing bones in selected cases of conductive hearing loss.
05Cholesteatoma & Chronic Ear Disease
Specialist management where long-term disease control and safe ear care are priorities.
06Hearing & Otology Assessment
Consultant assessment of a wider range of adult and paediatric ear and hearing problems.
Qualifications and registration
Patients can independently verify consultant credentials through recognised healthcare and professional directories.
A structured approach to specialist assessment
Book a consultation
Use the secure booking page to request an appointment and indicate your preferred clinic.
Request consultation →Understand your symptoms
Previous ear problems, hearing changes, infections, surgery and current concerns can be discussed.
Assess the ear
The eardrum and middle ear can be examined, with hearing investigations considered where clinically appropriate.
Discuss the next step
Observation, medical treatment, investigation or surgery can be discussed according to the individual findings.
Consultation locations
Private consultations are available at four established hospital locations in London and East London.
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The London Independent Hospital
1 Beaumont SquareLondon
E1 4NL
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Spire London East
Roding Lane SouthWoodford Green
IG4 5PZ
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Understand your condition and treatment options
Patient guides explain perforated eardrum symptoms, healing, myringoplasty recovery, flying and other common questions about ear treatment.
Patient InformationArrange an appointment with Mr Max Whittaker
Request a private consultation for an individual assessment of your ear, hearing and treatment options.