Cochlear Implants & ENT Care in Akron

Comprehensive ENT & Hearing Services in Akron

Whether you’re exploring treatment options or need ongoing care, you’ll find advanced technology, compassionate providers and seamless care every step of the way. At our Akron location, patients have access to a full range of subspecialty care:

Cochlear Implants

Our nationally recognized Cochlear Implant Program offers evaluation, surgery coordination, activation, and long-term support—all close to home. With more than 2,000 implants performed and decades of experience, we are a trusted destination for patients with advanced hearing loss.

Audiology & Speech Pathology

Our audiologists are available five days a week, providing:

• Amplification and hearing aid services
• Diagnostic hearing evaluations
• Cochlear implant candidacy assessments
• Device programming and activation
• Speech and auditory rehabilitation
• Vestibular/balance testing

Rhinology (Nose & Sinus Care)

Advanced care for chronic sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, and allergies using both medical and minimally invasive surgical approaches.

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Specialized procedures to restore function and appearance following trauma, cancer, or congenital conditions.

Head & Neck Surgery

Expert evaluation and treatment of tumors, thyroid conditions, and complex head and neck disorders.

Why Choose University Hospitals for Cochlear Implants in Akron?

When it comes to hearing restoration, experience matters. Our program combines global expertise with convenient local access.

• 2,000+ cochlear implants performed
• 30+ years of experience
• 300% program growth
• Care coordinated locally in Akron, with surgery at UH Ahuja Medical Center

You’ll receive complete cochlear implant care near you, from evaluation to diagnosis and long-term follow-up.

Location

UH Akron ENT
395 E. Market St.
Akron, OH 44304
Get Directions

A Leader in Cochlear Implant Care

Meet Dr. Rivas, Division Chief & Otologist

Dr. Alejandro Rivas is one of the world’s leading cochlear implant surgeons and a pioneer in endoscopic ear surgery. Akron serves as his primary clinical location, reflecting University Hospitals’ commitment to expanding access to world-class care.

Why patients choose Dr. Rivas:

• Recognized globally as a leader in cochlear implant surgery.
• Pioneer of minimally invasive endoscopic ear techniques.
• Has trained surgeons across 15+ countries.
• 100+ peer-reviewed publications and international lectures.
• Member of the prestigious Collegium Oto-Rhino-Laryngologicum.

His work focuses on improving outcomes through less invasive techniques, helping patients recover faster and preserve their hearing whenever possible.

What Makes Our Cochlear Implant Program Different

• All-in-one care, close to home
  From evaluation to post-operative care, everything happens locally, with surgery performed at UH Ahuja Medical Center.
• Same-day activation appointments
  After surgery, patients can often see their physician and audiologist on the same day to activate their device.
• Minimally invasive options
  Including endoscopic and robot-assisted cochlear implant procedures designed to reduce trauma and improve outcomes.
• Local anesthesia option
  Available for select patients, including older adults or those who may not tolerate general anesthesia.
• Proven experience
  30+ years of expertise and a program that has grown more than 300%.

Meet Our Audiology Team

Our Akron audiology team provides consistent, expert support throughout your hearing journey.

Cochlear Implant Specialists

• Samantha Evans, AuD
• Michael Berick, AuD

Diagnostic/Amplification/Vestibular Providers

• Taylor Gilger, AuD
• Heather Groetz, AuD

Together, we provide personalized care, from initial testing through long-term follow-up.