About

Mana Espahbodi, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah Health and Primary Children’s Hospital. She is an expert in otology, neurotology, and pediatric otolaryngology. Dr. Espahbodi sees pediatric and adult patients with otologic and neurotologic conditions, including hearing loss, vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), paragangliomas (glomus tumors), and temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid leaks. She conducts research on cochlear implantation, paraganglioma, and vestibular schwannoma as part of her commitment to providing the best care of patients. Her dedication to research has resulted in 40 peer-reviewed publications, and she frequently participates in national and international conferences. Her research endeavors and educational interests are integral to her commitment to providing expert healthcare.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Pathology
• Internal medicine
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Gastroenterology
• Genetics

Selected publications

• A Unique Perspective: Intrapatient Comparison of Perimodiolar and Lateral Wall Cochlear Implant Electrodes

  Otology & Neurotology · 2026-02-13

  article

  OBJECTIVE: The debate regarding the optimal cochlear implant (CI) electrode array-perimodiolar (PM) versus lateral wall (LW)-has intensified with evolving technology. Comparing electrode designs is challenging due to variability in patient characteristics. This study compares PM versus LW electrodes placed in opposite ears of the same patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Individuals undergoing bilateral cochlear implantation with a LW electrode in one ear and a PM in the other from 2003 to 2023. INTERVENTION: Bilateral cochlear implantation with each electrode type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics and audiologic data (4-frequency pure tone average (PTA), consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) scores, and AzBio scores in quiet and noise). Outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with SPSS version 27. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Median age at PM and LW implantation was 64.5 (Q1-Q3: 46.8 to 71.9) and 69.6 (50.6 to 76.3) years, respectively. CNC scores were significantly higher in PM arrays: 66% (51 to 71) vs. 42% (26 to 70), P =0.008. AzBio scores in quiet (75% vs. 67%, P =0.082) and noise (59% vs. 63%, P =1.000) showed no significant differences. Battery life was longer in the PM group (33.5 vs. 30 hours), though not statistically significant ( P =0.819). CONCLUSION: PM arrays offer improved CNC word understanding when compared with LW arrays, but do not offer a significant improvement in battery life or AzBio scores. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these outcomes using each patient as their own control, thereby controlling for the majority of patient factors that could influence performance.

  PublisherDOI

• Multi‐Frequency Electrocochleography Results in Fewer Drop Alarms During Cochlear Implant Insertion

  The Laryngoscope · 2026-05-05

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) amplitude parameters during cochlear implantation (CI) using a novel multi-frequency ECochG algorithm. METHODS: A multi-institutional, prospective cohort study was performed at 18 high-volume CI centers. The inclusion criteria were adults with sensorineural hearing loss and audiometric thresholds of ≤ 90 dB hearing level at 500 Hz undergoing CI with Advanced Bionics (Valencia, CA) Ultra 3D devices between 2024 and 2025. ECochG recordings were performed with simultaneous multi-frequency stimulation of four frequencies between 125 and 4000 Hz during cochlear implant insertion. Concurrent multi-frequency recording allowed extraction of amplitude and phase of each frequency individually. Post hoc analysis was performed to determine the difference in the number of drop alarms between single- and multi-frequency ECochG. An ECochG amplitude drop of 6 dB was defined as a drop alarm. Insertion track patterns were compared between single- and multi-frequency ECochG. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-five ears were included. Mean number of drop alarms for the single-frequency algorithm was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.52, 1.92; median 1) compared to 0.42 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.53; median 0) for multi-frequency; p < 0.001. The number of Type C patterns (rise in amplitude during insertion followed by a drop) decreased with the multi-frequency ECochG algorithm compared to the single-frequency ECochG algorithm. The number of Type D patterns (no-response) decreased, indicating that multi-frequency ECochG generated more responses across the cochlea than single-frequency ECochG. CONCLUSIONS: A novel multi-frequency ECochG algorithm during CI is associated with fewer drop alarms and altered insertion track patterns, which may provide a more accurate assessment of the cochlear microenvironment.

  PublisherDOI

• Imaging and Pathologic Correlates of Vestibular Schwannomas

  Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base · 2026-02-27

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Current State of Temporal Bone Education: National Survey of U.S. Otolaryngology Residency Programs

  The Laryngoscope · 2026-04-02

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVES: To characterize the structure, resources, and educational practices of temporal bone laboratory training across ACGME-accredited U.S. otolaryngology residency programs. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was distributed to program directors and faculty responsible for temporal bone education. Survey domains included curriculum structure, training frequency, faculty involvement, assessment practices, and access to laboratory resources. Descriptive statistics and univariable regression analyses were performed to explore associations between program characteristics and neurotology fellowship pursuit. RESULTS: Thirty-seven programs responded (28.2%). Laboratory structure varied widely, including longitudinal (monthly or weekly) and condensed (annual or 2-3 courses/year) formats. Programs with longitudinal sessions reported more annual lab hours than condensed formats (median 42 vs. 16 h/year, p = 0.003). All programs had access to cadaveric temporal bones (mean 2.25 ± 1.13 bones per resident/year), though five reported fewer bones than residents. The mean drill-to-resident ratio was 0.59, with 10.8% reporting a 1:1 ratio. Formal performance evaluation was used by 43.2% of programs. On exploratory univariable analysis, longer otology rotation duration was associated with having at least one neurotology fellow within five years (p = 0.025). Larger resident cohort size (p = 0.048) and older laboratory instruments (p = 0.043) were associated with producing more than one fellow. CONCLUSION: There is substantial variability in temporal bone education across U.S. otolaryngology training programs. Programs differ in curricula, resources, and access to cadaveric and simulation-based training. Standardization of core components may improve educational equity and training consistency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

  PublisherDOI

• Succinate Dehydrogenase Pathogenic Variants Among Older Adults With Head and Neck Paragangliomas

  Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology · 2025-11-11

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Introduction The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of patients over the age of 50 who have HNPGL related to an SDH PV. Methods Patients seen at a single, tertiary‐care academic medical center diagnosed with a new HNPGL over the age of 50 were included and analyzed. Results One hundred and eleven individuals (155 tumors) were included. Eighty (72%) patients underwent genetic testing. Twenty‐one PVs of known significance were identified ( SDHA in 1, SDHB in 11, SDHC in 5, SDHD in 3, and FH in 1). The rate of SDH PVs in the tested group was 25%. The median age in patients with a PV was 60 years (IQR: 54–67) years, compared to 67 years (IQR: 59–71) in those without. Conclusions Patients diagnosed with a HNPGL over the age of 50 are still at risk for having an SDH PV. Older patients with HNPGL and their families should still be referred for genetic testing. Level of Evidence IV.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Frailty, Surgical Time, and Surgical Complications Increase Length of Stay Following Large Vestibular Schwannoma Resection

  Otolaryngology · 2025-10-31 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: Patients with large vestibular schwannomas (VS) are at higher risk for adverse outcomes following microsurgical resection. This study aims to identify clinical and radiographic factors that may be predictive of adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. METHODS: A chart review of patients with Koos III or IV VS from 2016 to 2020 was conducted. Demographics, preoperative 11-item modified frailty index (mFI-11), and surgical information were collected: preoperative Koos score and the total tumor volume (TV) on T2 MRI sequences. Preoperative and postoperative tumor characteristics, symptoms, and House-Brackmann (HB) facial nerve function were assessed. Outcomes included increased length of stay (LOS; defined as >4 days), nonhome discharge (NHD), and surgical complications. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 29. RESULTS: In total, 79 patients were identified; 54% were female and 86% were white. On univariable binary logistic regression analysis, factors associated with increased LOS included surgical time, TV, frailty (measured by mFI-11), and any surgical complication. On multivariable analysis, only increased frailty (odds ratio [OR]: 12.99; 95% CI: 2.06-81.91), surgical time (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), and having a surgical complication (OR: 5.95; 95% CI: 1.48-23.87) were independent predictors of LOS. The only independent predictor of NHD was VP shunt placement after surgery (OR: 9.71; 95% CI: 1.18-80.02). There were no other independent predictors of LOS, NHD, or surgical complications. CONCLUSION: Frailty, as measured by increased mFI-11, surgical time, and surgical complications were independent predictors of increased LOS. VP shunt placement after surgery was an independent predictor of NHD.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Transcanal Cochlear Implantation in X-linked Gusher Syndrome With Novel Technique of Securing the Electrode Lead and Preventing Receiver Stimulator Migration

  Otology & Neurotology · 2025-10-08

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Transmastoid Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair After Retrosigmoid Approach for Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma With Hearing Preservation

  Otology & Neurotology · 2025-02-24

  articleSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Hearing Benefits of Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Asymmetric Hearing Loss

  Otology & Neurotology · 2025-03-11 · 4 citations

  articleCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: To examine the benefit of cochlear implantation (CI) in older adults with single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center and tertiary referral center, 2019-2023. PATIENTS: Adults ≥60 years with either SSD or AHL who underwent unilateral CI. INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Audiometric testing (preoperative and postoperative pure-tone averages [PTA], sentence and word recognition), presence of hearing-related symptoms, CI utilization. RESULTS: Twelve subjects were identified who underwent CI for SSD or AHL after being determined to obtain limited benefit from an appropriately fitted unilateral hearing aid (mean age 72.6 yr, 91.7% male, 100% White). Mean duration of hearing loss was 13.7 years, and the most common etiology was idiopathic (25%). Subjects were followed for a median length of 9.1 months after implantation. Mean daily CI use was 9.3 hours per day.Preoperatively, median unaided PTAs of the implanted and contralateral ear were 103.1 and 41.3 dB, respectively; median aided AZBio sentence recognition values in quiet were 0.0 and 81.5%, respectively. In the implanted ear with the CI in use, median PTA improved from 103.1 to 28.1 dB ( p = 0.002), CNC word scores improved from 0.0 to 42.0% ( p = 0.027), CNC phoneme scores improved from 0.0 to 60.0% ( p = 0.043), and AZBio improved from 0.0 to 48.0% ( p = 0.012). Seventy-five percent preoperatively, compared to 33.3% postoperatively, experienced dizziness ( p = 0.063), whereas 83.3 and 33.3% experienced tinnitus ( p = 0.375). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of older adults with SSD or AHL, CI demonstrated significant benefits in hearing thresholds and speech recognition in the implanted ear. Moreover, the average of 9.3 hours of daily use suggests that patients' CI is tolerated and beneficial in this population.

  PublisherDOI

• Psychosocial Outcomes in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2: A Retrospective Database Analysis

  Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base · 2025-02-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Neil S. Patel

  University of Utah

  12 shared

• Robert H. Chun

  Medical College of Wisconsin

  10 shared

• Evan L. Tooker

  University of Utah

  9 shared

• Mayland Chang

  University of Notre Dame

  8 shared

• Michael E. McCormick

  Medical College of Wisconsin

  8 shared

• Shahriar Mobashery

  University of Notre Dame

  8 shared

• Anne Naumer

  Huntsman Cancer Institute

  8 shared

• Luke Buchmann

  Huntsman Cancer Institute

  8 shared

Education

• B.S., Biochemistry

  University of Notre Dame

• M.D.

  Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

• Other, Pediatric Otolaryngology

  Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

• Other, Otolaryngology/Neurotology

  University of Utah