Dr. Backous is an amazing and knowledgeable surgeon. While he often seems very rushed (as others pointed out) I have found that if you tell him you have some questions and get him to slow down, he is very good at answering your questions. The surgery he performed on my ear (a reconstructive one many years after a mastoidectomy I had as a child) significantly improved my ear's ability to self-maintain (as he promised it would). I decided after my surgery that even though he didn't make me feel all warm & fuzzy I would stick with him as long as I could because I knew he was excellent at what he did. Bottom line - If you want someone to discuss/consult/help you process your decisions, he may not be the one for you. But if you want someone who will be very straight forward and an excellent surgeon - look no further.

Submitted April 18, 2010

I had to come down from Alaska for emergency surgery. This doctor saved my life, literally! He was funny, witty, and made me feel a lot better. I wouldn't go to anyone else.

Submitted Feb. 17, 2010

On a positive note, my 9 year old son adores Dr. Backous. He's great with boys; he puts them at ease and makes lots of jokes; my son doesn't want to go anywhere else! It's impossible for me to evaluate Backous' surgery skills, since I have no basis for comparison: I don't know what another surgeon would have done differently. But I have not been impressed with this doctor. I enjoy his personality, but I have been very frustrated with his level of communicating. He seems to talk in circles and even outright contradict himself from visit to visit. I feel he's either not listening to my questions or doesn't know what he's talking about or changes his medical opinion frequently. My son ended up with a modified radical mastoidectomy, which I wasn't expecting, wasn't consulted on and am not sure he needed, with no hearing improvement in spite of prosthesis and now constant worry about complications. Feel Backous should use more tech to asses treatment. Wish had sought 2d opinion.

Submitted Aug. 8, 2007

He is the best in his field in the Pacific Northwest, which is why he's so hard to get into!

Submitted Dec. 6, 2006

Condescending doctor. Spent very little time trying to understand my concerns.

Submitted Nov. 7, 2006

I went to see this dr. for recurrent ear infections. At the beginning of the appt. I told him all the things I had already unsuccessfully tried for the problem. At the end of that discussion, he reommended a solution that I already said had not worked for me! When I pointed this out, he became very defensive and annoyed. You could tell he just couldn't wait to hustle me out of his office. He was smiling and nice and had a good demeanor when I first walked in, but beware if you ever disagree or question him. You will see a different side. His body language was that he was turning away from me as the conversation went on. He was very close to turning his back on me. If you are a patient who likes to be part of your care, and who expects to have some input into your own treatment, I would go somewhere else!

Submitted Aug. 25, 2005

Very arrogant. Did not listen when I had a conern and did not really answer any of my questions. I didn't feel comfortable at all.

Submitted July 12, 2005

I had constant earinfections for many years. this Dr. got rid of them.

Submitted July 3, 2005

My husband had tympanoplasty (ear drum repair) performed. He was not provided with comprehensive materials detailing the risks of this surgery. When my husband was left with permanent tinnitus as a result of this surgery, we asked Dr. Backous what the alternatives were in terms of treating the condition. He made a joke of my husband's situation by replying "Well, he can join the American Tinnitus Association. At least that will keep him from committing suicide." I would NOT recommend this doctor.

Submitted May 7, 2005