Mr Robert Grounds is a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon with a specialist interest in ear conditions, hearing loss and balance disorders. He provides private consultations and treatment for adults at Goring Hall Hospital, Worthing.

Mr Grounds is recognised for his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of complex ear conditions. Towards the end of his specialist training, he was ranked among the top ear surgeons in the UK and was awarded the prestigious TWJ Scholarship. This highly competitive award is granted to one outstanding UK ear surgeon every three years and supports advanced international training in ear and hearing surgery.

His approach combines specialist clinical expertise with clear communication, compassionate care and a commitment to helping patients understand their condition and treatment options. Having undergone extensive ear surgery himself as a child, he has a personal understanding of the impact that hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems can have on everyday life.
Whether patients require reassurance, further investigation or specialist surgical treatment, Mr Grounds aims to provide expert advice and personalised care in a professional and supportive environment.

Conditions Treated
Mr Grounds treats a wide range of adult ENT conditions, with a particular focus on disorders affecting the ear, hearing and balance system.
His specialist areas of practice include:

Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect communication, confidence and quality of life. Mr Grounds provides assessment and investigation of hearing problems and advises on the most appropriate treatment options based on each patient's individual circumstances.

Ear Infections
Persistent or recurring ear infections can lead to discomfort, hearing problems and complications if left untreated. Mr Grounds specialises in diagnosing and managing both common and complex ear infections.

Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells within the ear that can damage surrounding structures and affect hearing. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent long-term complications.

Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds such as ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears. Mr Grounds offers specialist assessment to identify possible causes and help patients manage symptoms effectively.

Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Problems affecting the balance system can lead to dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness. Mr Grounds has extensive experience in assessing and treating conditions affecting balance and the inner ear.

Hearing Implants
For patients with more significant hearing loss, implantable hearing technologies may be an option. As a member of specialist hearing implant multidisciplinary teams, Mr Grounds has expertise in assessing patients for advanced hearing rehabilitation.

Tumours Affecting the Ear and Hearing Nerve
Mr Grounds has specialist experience in the investigation and management of conditions affecting the hearing and balance organs, including tumours involving the ear and hearing nerve.
As a tertiary-level ear specialist, he regularly assesses patients with complex ear conditions that require advanced investigation, treatment planning or surgery.

Training and Experience
Mr Grounds completed his higher surgical training in Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery across leading hospitals in London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Cardiff.
His training included rotations in major teaching centres and specialist units, giving him broad experience in all aspects of ENT care before developing a particular subspecialist interest in ear surgery.

In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious TWJ Scholarship, enabling him to undertake additional advanced training in Vancouver, Canada. During this fellowship, he worked alongside internationally recognised experts in ear surgery, hearing implants and skull base surgery.

This experience provided exposure to some of the most advanced techniques in:

• Complex ear surgery
• Cochlear implantation
• Hearing rehabilitation
• Balance and dizziness disorders
• Lateral skull base surgery

The skills and knowledge gained through this specialist training continue to inform his practice and help deliver high-quality care for patients with complex ear conditions.

Research and Teaching
Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Grounds has a strong interest in research, education and surgical training.
His research has been published in leading medical journals, including the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Clinical Otolaryngology, The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, and the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

His published work includes research into:

• Hearing loss
• Cochlear implantation
• Ear surgery
• Surgical outcomes
• ENT education
• Clinical decision-making

He has received awards from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, a scholarship to undertake a Master's degree at Imperial College London and several national awards for presenting research and clinical work.

Mr Grounds is also actively involved in training future ENT surgeons and currently serves as the ENT Training Lead at Worthing Hospital. He regularly teaches on courses and educational programmes for doctors throughout the UK.

Procedures Performed
Mr Grounds performs a broad range of ENT and specialist ear procedures.

Common ENT Procedures

• Ear wax removal by microsuction
• Flexible nasendoscopy

Specialist Ear Surgery

• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Mastoidectomy
• Stapedectomy
• Ear canal reconstruction
• Hearing implant surgery
• Surgery for tumours affecting the ear and hearing nerve
• Complex ear and skull base procedures

Each patient receives an individual assessment, and treatment plans are tailored according to their symptoms, diagnosis and personal goals.

Private Consultations at Goring Hall Hospital
Mr Grounds provides private consultations for adults at Goring Hall Hospital in Worthing.

Patients commonly seek advice for:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Balance disorders
• Persistent ear infections
• Ear pain
• Cholesteatoma
• Hearing implant assessment
• Ear wax problems
• Complex ear conditions

Consultations focus on understanding each patient's symptoms, explaining potential causes and developing a clear treatment plan. Where appropriate, further investigations, hearing tests or surgical options can be discussed.

A Patient-Centred Approach
Mr Grounds believes that good medical care starts with listening to patients and understanding how their symptoms affect daily life.

He takes time to explain diagnoses and treatment options in clear, straightforward language, helping patients make informed decisions about their care. His aim is to ensure every patient feels supported throughout their treatment journey.

Having experienced major ear surgery himself, he understands many of the concerns patients may have when facing hearing problems, dizziness or the possibility of surgery. This personal insight helps shape a compassionate and empathetic approach to care.

His philosophy is simple: to provide the same standard of treatment, attention and support that he would want for his own family.

Clinical interests

 Dr Grounds is trained to undertake common ENT Procedures including:

• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Grommet insertion
• Microsuction and Clearance of ear wax
• Flexible nasendoscopy

His advanced training in ear allows him to specialise in:

• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Mastoidectomy
• Stapedectomy
• Ear Canal reconstruction
• Implantation of a variety of Hearing Implants
• Resection of tumours in the ear / hearing nerve
• Other highly complex operations of the ear

His current registrations and positions include:

• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Member of the Royal Society of Medicine
• Member of ENT UK
• Member of the British Skull Base Society
• Elected Council member of the British Society of Otology (Ear Surgeons)