Professor Michael Gluth holds the Gordon McLaren Chair in Ear Science Surgery & Research at UWA.  His work integrates clinical outcomes research, otopathology, and translational innovation to improve understanding and treatment of complex ear and hearing disorders with a particular focus on developing new surgical devices and therapies.   He is a lead surgeon scientist at Ear Science Institute Australia.

Prior to joining UWA, he was Professor of Surgery & Director of the Comprehensive Ear & Hearing Center at the University of Chicago, where he led a major academic unit focused on ear disease and hearing loss treatment and research.  He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Zoology (minor in History), followed by a Doctorate of Medicine (M.D.) at the University of Texas (USA).  He completed postgraduate training in surgery, including specialst training in otolaryngology-head & neck surgery, at the Mayo Clinic (USA).  He also completed further advanced subspecialty training in otology & skull base surgery at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.  

Professor Gluth’s research spans the interface of clinical otology, temporal bone pathology, and device innovation, with a focus on translating laboratory and clinical findings into improved outcomes for patients with ear disease.  Ongoing efforts include the development of targeted biologic and light-based treatments for cholesteatoma, creation and design of novel acoustically optimised ossicular replacement prostheses, algorithmic frameworks for medical and surgical decision-making related to hearing loss, and tissue-based studies that clarify cellular mechanisms of epithelial and inner-ear pathology.

• Chronic Otitis Media and Cholesteatoma: Studying disease mechanisms and surgical outcomes.  Developing novel adjuvant therapies, including targeted photodynamic therapy, for cholesteatoma.
• Middle Ear Reconstruction and Ossiculoplasty: Investigating surgical outcomes and developing innovative ossicular replacement prostheses that are acoustically optimised.
• Cochlear and Other Implantable Hearing Devices: Evaluating surgical outcomes and creating new innovative techniques to surgically engage the inner ear. 
• Inner Ear and Vestibular Disorders: Exploring the treatment and pathophysiology of endolymphatic hydrops and Ménière’s disease through human temporal bone analysis and translational models.
• Mechanisms of Chronic Otitis Externa: Investigating epithelial migration and barrier dysfunction as a foundation for new therapeutic approaches

Professor Gluth's teaching and scholarship philosophy is grounded in respect for human dignity and the pursuit of human thriving.  He is committed to fostering curiosity, compassion, and excellence in future surgeons and scientists, while promoting inclusivity.  He is committed to fostering an environment that respects diversity of thought and open respectful exchange of ideas for the advancement of science and humanity.  

Professor Gluth respectfully recognises the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which he currently lives and works; he pays respect to their Elders past and present.  As a guest in Australia, he recognises the deep connection that Aboriginal peoples have sustained to this land and these waters since ancient times, and he is committed to ensure that his work in ear and hearing health contributes, however modestly, to the wellbeing, dignity, and self-determinatation of all.