Virginia Mason Medical Center, Otolaryngology, Seth Schwartz (Seattle, WA)

People are what make medicine so interesting. Forming relationships with patients and helping them through difficult times is what makes medicine so rewarding. Communication is what connects us to the world around us. It enriches our lives and keeps us in touch with the world. Hearing is a critical element of communication. Sadly, hearing loss is a common problem and severe hearing loss can leave people isolated from the world around them. Fortunately many diseases of the ear, and causes of hearing loss, can be corrected surgically. Additionally, cochlear implants provide an opportunity to restore hearing to people who only a few years ago had very limited options for communication.