Stephen Hoff, MD, FACS, FAAP

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery)

Photo of Hoff, MD, FACS, FAAP

Location Information

Tahoe Forest MultiSpecialty Clinics

Otolaryngology
12313 Soaring Way, Unit 1C
Truckee, CA 96161
Phone: (530) 582-8300
  • Education: Rush University, Chicago - Doctor of Medicine
  • Residency: University of Illinois Medical Center - Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
  • Fellowship: Stanford University/Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital - Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Profile

Stephen Hoff is a Fellowship-trained and Board-Certified Otolaryngologist who comes to Tahoe Forest with over 20 years of experience in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

After completing his training at Stanford University and prior to joining Tahoe Forest, Dr. Hoff was an Attending Surgeon and Associate Professor at Northwestern Univesity Feinberg School of Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  He won multiple teaching awards at Northwestern, and was active in training over 25 fellows and 100+ residents in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery from Northwestern, the University of Illinois, and Rush University schools of medicine.

He was one of two surgeons on the Lurie Chicago Cochlear Implant team – one of the busiest pediatric cochlear implant centers in the world. He has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of otologic issues and hearing loss, and is a pioneer in minimally-invasive endoscopic ear surgery. He was the founder and director of the endoscopic ear surgery program and the microtia & auriclar reconstruction program at Lurie/Northwestern in Chicago, and has been invited to give talks on those topics around the world. He has been published dozens of times in medical journals and textbook chapters on topics ranging from cochlear implantation, hearing loss, minimally-invasive ear surgery, osseointegrated implants, microtia and auricular reconstruction, pediatric otolaryngology, vascular malformations, and head and neck tumors.

At Tahoe Forest, Dr. Hoff strives to provide comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat care to patients of all ages. This includes issues with the ears including hearing loss and cochlear implantation, pediatric ENT, masses/tumors of the head and neck, as well as endoscopic sinus surgery.

Originally from Chicago, he came to Truckee to pursue an active outdoor lifestyle and to bring specialized Ear, Nose and Throat care to the Truckee-Tahoe region. He lives in Truckee with his wife and three children, and when not at Tahoe Forest you will usually find him out skiing or mountain biking with his family and their dog, Luna.

Credentials

  • Board-certified – American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology – Stanford University/Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
  • American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • American Cochlear Implant Alliance
  • American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society

Education & Training

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Bachelor of Science – Molecular & Integrative Physiology
    • Bachelor of Science – Psychology – Cognitive Neuroscience focus
  • Doctor of Medicine – Rush University, Chicago
  • University of Illinois Medical Center
    • Residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • Stanford University & Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
    • Fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology

Patient Satisfaction Survey

Overall Satisfaction 4.8 stars out of 5 stars 4.8 out of 5 332 Ratings 83 Comments

Patient Ratings & Comments

Question breakdown

  • Rating: 4.9Provider showed concern
  • Rating: 4.9Provider explained things clearly
  • Rating: 4.8Provider included you in decisions
  • Rating: 4.8Provider discussed treatment options
  • Rating: 4.8Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr Hoff is great and always makes a connection with my kiddo!
June 19, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
I am the one that really felt the need for procedure and Dr agreed
June 14, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff is not only an excellent doctor he is also an excellent communicator. His demeanor was caring, compassionate and professional. He made me feel welcome and safe. He was not rushed and spoke to me like he actually cared about my questions and concerns and hearing loss. My experience with him was superior to " most" of the TTFH practitioners.
June 14, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff patiently answered all my questions and concerns. Dr. Hoff has excellent communication skills and he exudes confidence In his knowledge and abilities His confidence is reassuring, which is comforting to patients.
June 6, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hays was very friendly, listened very well and was thorough.
June 5, 2026
1 stars out of 5 stars
The ENT was dismissive and condescending from the start. Made me feel like I was wasting his time. Failed to ask specific questions or pause to allow me to fully explain what I was experiencing, referencing only the abbreviated notes in my chart. He even failed to explain my potential treatment options - I had to interrupt him and ask him to explain. He showed no concern that I have been suffering for over 6 months, relegating my symptoms to nothing more than a jaw issue and not needing his attention.
June 3, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff was engaged; explained the issue; and provided the treatment. All good.
May 23, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Excellent
May 22, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff is great about everything, explaining what's going on with me and addressing my concerns.
May 21, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff was extermely thorough in his examination with my son. He Is great with kids and explained everything he was going to do in such a way that made my son comfortable and confident even with a scope. We have been on a journey for years in trying to figure out breathing issues and he was able to identify the missing link. We felt heard, safe and resolved after the visit!
May 16, 2026
4.2 stars out of 5 stars
Very good
April 26, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Very efficient doctor.
April 24, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr Hoff and staff were absolutely amazing with my scared 6 yr old!!
April 8, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
We love Dr Hoff. We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND him to everyone.
April 8, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
I came for my second cochlear implant. My only regret is that I only have two ears and will not need to see Dr.Hoff and the staff again.
March 30, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
I felt cared about.
March 29, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
He's a good listener. Answers questions in a very understandable manner.
March 28, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr Hoff is fantastic! Had a great experience
March 18, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
Dr. Hoff really listened & seemed to understand what to do to help me.
February 22, 2026
5 stars out of 5 stars
The doctor was very easy to talk to and explained everything that he did and why he did it. Made it super easy to relax
February 13, 2026