Dr. Joe Walter Kutz
Otolaryngologist
13 Podcasts on BackTable
Dr. Joe Walter Kutz is a neurotologist and Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
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Episode # 282 • 14 Jul 2026
Awake Cochlear Implantation: An Expert Guide
Have you considered performing a cochlear implant while your patient is awake? In this episode of the Backtable ENT & Allergy Podcast, Dr. Walter Kutz and Dr. Brandon Isaacson sit down with Dr. Sarah Mowry to explore her protocol for cochlear implants under local anesthesia, an approach especially relevant for older adults concerned about the cognitive risks of general anesthesia. Dr. Mowry shares her criteria for patient selection, preoperative counseling strategies, and how she adapts the OR setup to maximize comfort and communication during awake surgery.
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About
J. Walter Kutz Jr., M.D., is a Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kutz is also Co-director of UT Southwestern Medical Center's Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) program.
His clinical interests include diseases of the skull base, acoustic neuroma, cochlear implants, otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, and chronic otitis media.
After his initial medical education and otolaryngology residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. Kutz completed a two-year fellowship in otology and neurotology at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles. Because the cochlear implant was first developed at the House Ear Clinic, he had a unique opportunity to be active in a busy implantation program during his training.
Dr. Kutz has multiple clinical research interests, including cochlear implants, acoustic neuroma outcomes, neurofibromatosis type 2, and implantable hearing devices. He is also actively involved in resident and fellow education and is the Director of the Neurotology Fellowship and Associate Director of the Otolaryngology Residency Program.
Dr. Kutz is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with a certificate of added qualification in Neurotology. He was recognized as a Best Doctor in Dallas by D Magazine. Dr. Kutz frequently lectures at both national and international meeting on endoscopic ear surgery, acoustic neuroma, skull base surgery, and chronic otitis media.
Visit UT Southwestern Medical Center to learn more about Dr. Joe Walter Kutz.
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