Ms Emma Stapleton

I’m a Consultant ENT Surgeon working at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, where I am the lead surgeon and clinical lead for the Manchester Cochlear Implant Programme. I am one of the busiest sub-specialist ear surgeons in the UK.

My surgical practice incorporates all types of ear conditions including hearing loss, tinnitus, hearing implants including cochlear implants, middle ear implants and bone conduction implants; stapedectomy for otosclerosis, tympanoplasty and myringoplasty (eardrum repair) as well as ossiculoplasty and cholesteatoma surgery.

I receive referrals for second opinions and revision surgery from colleagues, and I run a complex dizziness and balance service with my audiology colleagues. Communication and respect are at the centre of everything I do, and I pride myself in providing respectful, personalised, patient-centred care.

I was appointed to my Consultant post in 2018. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh medical school in 2000 and have undertaken sub-specialist ear surgery fellowship training in Glasgow, Manchester, USA, Canada and Australia. My current research interests include hearing loss, cochlear implants, ear infections, deaf awareness, and mentorship in surgery.

I’m an enthusiastic educator, regularly invited to teach and lecture nationally and internationally. I’m a Regional Surgical Adviser for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Council of Younger Fellows. I’m also Patron of the Manchester Foundation Surgical Society. I’m currently President of the North of England Otolaryngology Society, and Past-Chair of Women in ENT (WENTS UK) where I lead the national mentoring programme in ENT. I’m also Associate Editor of ENT and Audiology News magazine, and a Trustee of The TWJ Foundation.

I am widely published, and I'm an active researcher and research supervisor. I am on the Editorial Boards of several journals, and I'm a Director and Trustee of the Journal of Laryngology and Otology.

My commitment to providing excellent clinical care, as well as high quality education, research and leadership has been recognised with an NHS National Clinical Excellence award.

I was awarded the Hunter-Doig Medal by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2022, which is offered once every two years to a female surgeon who demonstrates outstanding career potential.