Dr. Michael Joseph O'leary M.D.
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) | Otology & Neurotology
3590 Camino del Rio Norte 101 San Diego CA, 92108-1707About
Dr. Michael O’Leary is board-certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology – a subspecialist in ear diseases, imbalance and skull base tumors. He is recognized internationally and as a Neurotologist, treats all aspects of ear disease - from infections (“swimmers ears”) to blockage ("surfers' ears”) to tumors, such as acoustic neuromas and meningiomas. After his Navy career, he became a founding partner of Senta Clinic in San Diego - focused on providing the best in subspecialty care!
Education and Training
Georgetown Univ Sch of Med, Washington DC MD 1980
Georgetown Univ Sch of Med, Washington Dc 1980
Georgetown University School of Medicine 1980
Board Certification
OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of OtolaryngologyABOto- Neurotology
OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of OtolaryngologyABOto- 1987
Provider Details
Dr. Michael Joseph O'leary M.D.'s Expert Contributions
Is it safe to clean my ears with hydrogen peroxide?
This is a big mistake – the skin of the external ear canal is the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body and is actually thinner than the cornea of the eye. It is firmly and directly attached to the bone to help increase the resonance of sounds and thus improve hearing, much like a room with a marble floor and glass ceiling. As such, it cannot take a joke and peroxide will convert a waxy ear into an infected one by breaking down the protective skin barrier. Despite this objective anatomical feature, your local drugstore is loaded with peroxide-like rinses that will harm your ear and increase the possibility of needing a doctor's help. Save yourself the expense and hassle by instead cleaning your ears regularly with the lather from your shampoo every time you wash your hair. This is a fairly gentle and simple technique that will pay dividends (literally!). READ MORE
Is there any remedy for swimmer’s ears?
This is a very common experience and easily remedied in a safe manner – just use your hair blow dryer at a safe distance and within a few minutes, the small amount of water in the ear canal will evaporate. It feels like the ocean and yet it is less than 1 mL. Most importantly, don’t use alcohol to “dehydrate” the water as it is particularly toxic to the delicate skin that lines your ear canal, much like the cornea of the eye. In addition, to help prevent swimmers ear, it is worthwhile to immediately rinse your ears with clear, drinkable water on exiting the pool, ocean, or Jacuzzi. This will dilute any bacteria from the swimming water, but should be done immediately upon exiting (before you grab your towel). If you get any funny looks, just tell them you’re thirsty and see what they look like. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Chief, Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery Senta Clinic 2000 - 2017
- Chief, Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery Navy Med Center San Diego CA 1989 - 2000
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 1992 - 2000
Awards
- 2011 San Diego Super Doctors
Treatments
- Neurotology, Otolaryngology
- Hearing Loss
- Ear Infection
- Swimmer's Ear
- Deviated Septum
- Birth Defects
- Ear Wax
- Outer Ear Infection
Professional Memberships
- American Medical Association
- American College of Surgeons
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Fellowships
- Washington University, Head & Neck Surgery 1991
- St Vincent Medical Center, Neurotology 1990
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- CCHAT School for the Hearing-Impaired, Encinitas, CA (6/00 – 02) American Red Cross Fibrin Sealant Medical Advisory Board (3/00-02)
Areas of research
Surfer's Ear / Diving Medicine (Exostosis) / Fungal Ear Infections (OtoMycosis) / Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery / Rehabilitation of Radical Mastoid Defects / Deming Quality in Medicine / Covey EffectivenessDr. Michael Joseph O'leary M.D.'s Practice location
San Diego, CA 92120Get Direction
Dr. Michael Joseph O'leary M.D.'s reviews
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