Varun Varadarajan, M.D.

Varun Varadarajan

Neurotologist / Otologist / Skull Base Surgeon

Dr. Varun Varadarajan is a neurotologist, otologist and skull base surgeon with dual board certifications in otolaryngology and neurotology. He specializes in the management of ear and hearing-related disorders. As a lifelong musician, Dr. Varadarajan obtained a degree in music before pursuing his medical career. He fostered his passion for auditory perception by pursuing subspecialty training in otology, neurotology and skull base surgery after completing his otolaryngology residency.

A Wisconsin native, Dr. Varadarajan grew up in Milwaukee before attending Washington University in St. Louis for his undergraduate studies. He received his bachelor’s degree with a double major in Music and Biology. Dr. Varadarajan attended medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed his otolaryngology residency at the University of Florida. To further subspecialize in ear, hearing and skull base conditions, he completed his neurotology fellowship at the Ohio State University.

Dr. Varadarajan’s professional aim is to provide cutting-edge care for the full spectrum of conditions related to the ear and temporal bone, including cochlear implantation, medical and surgical options for hearing rehabilitation and the comprehensive management of acoustic neuromas. He is active in the otolaryngology community, provides educational lectures, has served on multiple committees within the American Academy of Otolaryngology and has authored numerous publications in the fields of otolaryngology and neurotology.

Click here to watch Dr. Varun Varadarajan’s video about hearing rehabilitation and implantable devices.

Specialties:

  • Cochlear Implants
  • Implantable Hearing Devices
  • Hearing Loss
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Chronic Ear Disease
  • Acoustic Neuromas
  • Skull Base Surgery

Undergraduate Degree:

Washington University in St. Louis, Bachelor of Arts in Music and Biology

Medical Degree(s):

Medical College of Wisconsin, Doctor of Medicine

Residency:

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl.

Fellowship:

Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Certifications & Affiliations

  • Dual Board Certified in Neurotology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology Member
  • American Neurotology Society Member

Publications

Original Articles:

  • Andersen, S.A., Hittle, B., Varendh M., Lee, J., Varadarajan, V.V., Powell, K.A., Wiet, G.J. Further Validity Evidence for Patient-Specific Virtual Reality Temporal Bone Surgical Simulation. In Press in The Laryngoscope.
  • Moberly, A.C., Varadarajan, V.V., Tamati, T.N. Noise-Vocoded Sentence Recognition and the Use of Context in Older and Younger Adult Listeners. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research: JSLR. 2023;66(1):365-381.
  • Riggs, W.J., Fontenot, T.E., Hiss, M.M., Varadarajan, V.V., Moberly, A.C., Adunka, O.F., Fitzpatrick, D.C. Lack of neural contributions to the summating potential in humans with Meniere’s disease. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2022;7;16:1039986.
  • Ngombu, S., Moberly, A.C., Ray, C., Vasil, K. Varadarajan V.V. Screening tool for adult cochlear implant referral: predicting candidacy using a logistic regression model. In Press in The Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2021;6(6):1406-1413.
  • Li, M.M., Moberly, A.C., Adunka, O.F. Varadarajan, V.V. What is new in bone conduction implant technology. Accepted to American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s (AAO-HNSF) Bulletin. August 2021.
  • Naik, A.N., Varadarajan, V.V., Malhotra, P.S. Early Pediatric Cochlear Implantation: An Update. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2021;12;6(3):512-521
  • Anderson, S.A., Varadarajan, V.V., Moberly, A.C., Hittle, B., Powell, K.A., Wiet, G.J. Patient-specific virtual temporal bone simulation based on clinical cone-beam computed tomography. The Laryngoscope. 2021;131(8):1855-1862.
  • Agarwal, R., Moberly, A.C., Varadarajan, V.V. When should adults with bilateral hearing loss be referred for cochlear implantation? American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s (AAO-HNSF) Bulletin. March 2021.
  • Rengifo, D.A., Varadarajan, V.V., Lai, J., Justice, J.M. Transformation of nasal seromucinous hamartoma to non-intestinal adenocarcinoma. Journal of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2021;83(6):478-480.
  • Snoap, A., Collins, Varadarajan, V.V., Mowitz, M.E., Islam, S., Collins, W.O. Airway management protocol for conjoined twins delivery. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2021;140:110477.
  • Breslin, N., Varadarajan, V.V., Sobel, E., Haberman, R.S. Autoimmune inner ear disease and steroid responsiveness: systematic review of management. Manuscript in press in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2020;5(6), 1217-1226.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Dayton, O.L., DeJesus, R.O., Antonelli, P.J. Prevalence of Occult Radiographic Cochlear Basal Turn Patency. Manuscript in press in Acta Otolaryngologica. April 2020.
  • Rengifo, D.A. Varadarajan, V.V. Vestibular Migraine. Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s ENThealth.org patient resource center. 2020.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Sydlowski, S.A., Li, M.M., Anne, S., Adunka, O.F. Evolving criteria for adult and pediatric cochlear implantation. Ear Nose and Throat Journal. 2021;100(1).
  • Batjargal, M., Varadarajan, V.V., Adunka O.F. Vestibular Migraines and Vestibular Therapy. Manuscript in press in American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s (AAO-HNSF) Bulletin. April 2020.
  • Varadarajan V.V., Harris M.S., Moberly A.C. Triological Society Best Practice: When should adults with bilateral hearing loss be referred for cochlear implant evaluation? Article in press in The Laryngoscope. 2020.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Riggs, W.J., Hiss, M.M., Moberly, A.C., Dodson, E.E., Adunka O.F., Mattingly J.K. Intraoperative electrocochleography of posterior fossa tumors producing Meniere’s syndrome. Otology & Neurotology. 2020;41(10):e1237-e1242.
  • Varadarajan, V.V. Antonelli, P.J. Triological Society Best Practice: Is preoperative CT useful or necessary for patients undergoing primary stapes surgery? The Laryngoscope. 2021;131(4):703-704.
  • Riggs, W.J., Hiss, Varadarajan, V.V., Mattingly, J.K., Adunka, O.F. Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct: Intraoperative Electrocochleography Findings During Cochlear Implantation. Article in press in International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Adunka, O.F.. Labyrinthitis. Article accepted for the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s ENThealth.org patient resource center.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Adunka. O.F. Transition to In-Office Treatment: Menière’s Disease. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation’s (AAO-HNSF) Bulletin. April 2020.
  • Riggs, W.J., Hiss, M.M., Skidmore, J., Varadarajan, V.V., Mattingly, J.K., Moberly, A.C., Adunka, O.F. Utilizing Electrocochleography as a Microphone for Fully Implantable Cochlear Implants. Nature: Scientific Reports. 2020;10(1), 3714.
  • Varadarajan V.V., Nasri E., Dziegielewski P.T. Basal cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a case report. Otolaryngology Case Reports. February 2020. 100159.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Antonelli, P. Diagnosis of cochlear implant infection with Gallium SPECT. Otology & Neurotology. 2020;41(4), e526-e528.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Antonelli, P.J. Efficacy of the Mini-Meatoplasty. The Laryngoscope. 2020;130(5), 1294-1298.
  • Balamohan, S.M., Sawhney R., Lang, D.M., Cheradbuddi, K., Varadarajan, V.V., Bernard, S.H., MacKinnon, L., Boyce, B.J., Antonelli, P.J., Efron, P.A., Dziegielewski, P.T. Prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck free flap surgery: does decreasing duration increase infection rates? A novel protocol put to the test. American Journal of Otolaryngology. 2019;40(6), 102276.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Dayton, O.L., DeJesus R., Sarntinoranont, M., Antonelli, P.J. Cochlear basal turn patency in unrecognized perilymph gushers. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2019;126, 109601.
  • Stoddard, T.J., Varadarajan, V.V., Justice, J.M. Detection of Microbial Flora in Post-Radiation Sinusitis. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. 2019;128(12), 1116-1121.
  • Lang D.M., Danan D., Sawhney R., Silver, N.L. Varadarajan V.V., Balamohan S., Bernard S.H., Boyce B.J., Dziegielewski P.T. Delayed Discharge in Head and Neck Free Flap Surgery: Causes, Risk Factors, and Strategies to Minimize Unnecessary Hospital Days. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2019;160(5), 829-838.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., DeJesus R., Antonelli, P.J. Novel CT Findings Suggestive of Perilymphatic Gusher. Otology and Neurotology. 2018;39(8), 1066-1069.
  • Dobson, B.C., Bernard, S.H., Varadarajan, V.V., Wang, G.P., Justice, J.M. The Role of Achromobacter xylosoxidans Positive Nasal Cultures in Patients with Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngology Online Journal. 2018;8(2).
  • Bernard, S.H., Dobson, B.C., Varadarajan, V.V., Justice, J.M. The Role of Serratia Marcescens Positive Nasal Cultures in Patients with Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngology Online Journal. 2018;8(1).
  • Varadarajan, V.V. Arshad, H., Dziegielewski, P.T. Head and neck free flap reconstruction: What is the appropriate post-operative level of care? Oral Oncology. 2017;75, 61-66
  • Bock, J. M., Varadarajan, V., Brawley, M. C., & Blumin, J. H. Evaluation of the natural history of patients who aspirate. The Laryngoscope. 2017;127 Suppl, S1-S10. Study received 2017 Harris P. Mosher Award.
  • Varadarajan, V., Collins, W., Sawhney, R. Atypical Spindle Cell Neoplasm of the Nasal Sidewall. Otolaryngology Case Reports. 2017;3, 18-20.
  • Varadarajan, V., Bernard, S., Sawhney, R., Boyce, B., Lang, D., Balamohan, S., Baskin, R., Dziegielewski, P. Improving Quality Outcomes in Head and Neck Free Flap Surgery with the use of a Physician Inpatient Coordinator. Laryngoscope. 2017;128(2), 336-342. Study findings led to the allocation of Shands hospital (Gainesville, FL) funding to hire an inpatient physician extender for the head and neck oncology division.
  • Varadarajan, V., Pace, E., Patel, V., Sawhney R., Amdur, R., Dziegielewski, P. Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Metastasis to the Facial Skeleton: A Systematic Review. BMC Cancer. 2017;17(1), 225.
  • Varadarajan, V. V., Dirain, C. O., & Antonelli, P. J. Microflora of Retained Intracochlear Electrodes from Infected Cochlear Implants. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2017;157(1), 85-91.
  • Varadarajan, V. V., & Justice, J. M. Angioleiomyoma of nasal septum: Case report and literature review. Otolaryngology Case Reports. 2016;1(1), 1–4.
  • Nichols B.G., Varadarajan V., Bock J.M., Blumin J.H. Dysphonia in nursing home and assisted living residents: prevalence and association with frailty. Journal of Voice. 2015;29(1), 79-82.
  • Varadarajan, V., Blumin, J., & Bock, J. State of the Art of Laryngeal Electromyography. Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports. 2013;1(3), 171–177.

Book Chapters:

  • Varadarajan, V.V., Raymond, M.J., Dodson, E.E., Lambert, P.R. Aural Atresia. In  Rosen, C. (Ed.), 6th Edition of Bailey’s Head and Neck Surgery: Otolaryngology. 2021. In Press. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
  • Varadarajan, V.V., Antonelli, P. Complex Dizziness. In Babu, S. and Schutt, C. (Ed.), Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders (1st ed. pp 311-329). 2019. Springer Publishing.
  • Varadarajan, V., & Dziegielewski, P. Surgical Management of Salivary Gland Disease. In S. Cha (Ed.), Salivary Gland Development and Regeneration (1st ed., pp. 229–263). 2017. Cham: Springer International Publishing. Varadarajan, V.V., O’Malley, M.R. Temporal Bone Osteomyelitis. In Haynes, D. (Ed.), Glasscock-Shambaugh Surgery of the Ear. 7th edition. People’s Medical Publishing House. 2018. Under Review.

Community/Organization Involvement

  • 2022–2023 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Implantable Hearing Devices Committee 2019–2020 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Imaging Committee
  • Ad Hoc Journal Reviewer for: Otology & Neurotology, The Laryngoscope, Ear and Hearing

Hobbies/Activities:

Dr. Varadarajan enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He is musically trained in the violin, guitar and sitar. He continues to perform original instrumental fingerstyle compositions on the 6-string and 12-string acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Dr. Varadarajan also enjoys hiking, trail biking, jogging, nature photography, cooking and caring for marine aquariums.

Locations

  • Sacramento, CA