LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/maroun-semaan-b7924b1a1](http://www.linkedin.com/in/maroun-semaan-b7924b1a1)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Residence in Chagrin Falls, Ohio)
Professional Titles and Roles
- Associate Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals (since November 2024)
- Professor of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at University Hospitals (since October 2009)
- Associate Professor of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at American University of Beirut (dates unspecified)
Clinical and Research Expertise
Dr. Maroun Semaan is a distinguished otolaryngologist specializing in neurotology, with a clinical focus on adult and pediatric hearing loss as well as surgical hearing restoration. His work notably includes expertise in complex otologic procedures such as auditory brainstem implantation and lateral skull base surgery.
Key Clinical Contributions:
- Led surgical interventions involving auditory brainstem implants, including cases like a 14-year-old patient born deaf who heard sound for the first time via an innovative device, highlighting his involvement in pioneering clinical care within otology/neurotology at University Hospitals.
- Developed and demonstrated the use of novel surgical approaches such as the retrosigmoid approach to access the brainstem, deviating from traditional techniques to optimize outcomes.
- Active in clinical trials, including research into robotic-assisted cochlear implantations and drug-eluting cochlear implants (e.g., dexamethasone-eluting models) to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.
Research Portfolio and Publications:
- Authored at least 67 research works with over 1699 citations emphasizing intraoperative monitoring techniques such as TransImpedance Matrix recordings, which show 100% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity, reflecting strong evidence-based contributions to intraoperative diagnostic accuracy.
- Published research on otologic disorders including Ménière’s disease, vestibular dysfunction, and anatomical anomalies such as enlarged vestibular aqueduct and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
- Recent publications include evaluation of vaccination status impact on post-cochlear implantation meningitis risk (April 2025).
- Roles as an ad-hoc reviewer for multiple national and international otolaryngology journals indicate peer recognition and academic leadership.
Education and Training
- MD, Doctor of Medicine – Saint Joseph University of Beirut (1992–1999)
- Residency, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery – Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (2002–2007)
- Fellowship in Neurotology and Lateral Skull Base Surgery – University of Southern California (dates unspecified)
- Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Organizational Development (Business Administration, Management and Operations) – Saint Joseph’s University (2021–2024)
Affiliations and Professional Memberships
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (clinical and leadership roles since 2009)
- American University of Beirut (academic appointment)
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (affiliated otolaryngologist)
Public and Professional Recognition
- Holds an excellent clinical reputation with patient ratings averaging 4.9/5 (156 patient reviews) and academic peer rating of 5/5 (39 reviews).
- Featured in multiple University Hospitals publications and media discussing pioneering auditory brainstem implant technology and innovations in otolaryngology.
- Recognized as a strategic clinical leader within University Hospitals, contributing to cutting-edge clinical programs and innovations in head and neck surgical techniques.
- Frequently cited in media and professional conferences highlighting advances in auditory prosthetics and neurotological surgery.
Contact and Institutional Context
- Based primarily at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, a leading academic and clinical medical center with a strong focus on integrated healthcare delivery and medical innovation.
- University Hospitals is engaged in expanding otolaryngology services with increasing integration of robotics and advanced hearing restoration technologies, placing Dr. Semaan at the forefront of these developments.
Actionable Insights
Dr. Maroun Semaan’s dual expertise in clinical practice and healthcare administration, combined with his leadership role as Associate Chief Medical Officer, indicates a strong influence on clinical program development and decision-making at University Hospitals. His research focus on advanced hearing restoration technologies and involvement in pioneering auditory brainstem implant surgeries suggest a high degree of openness to innovative medical technologies and surgical devices. His ongoing active research involvement and academic appointments reinforce a profile of a thought leader and key opinion former within otolaryngology and neurotology. This profile positions Dr. Semaan as a critical contact for initiatives related to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic devices addressing hearing loss, neurotologic surgery, or healthcare operational improvements in otolaryngology services.
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