Adam Politzer (1835–1920) was a Hungarian surgeon and medical scientist who is widely regarded as the father of modern otology. He transformed the scientific and clinical understanding of ear disease during the nineteenth century. At a time when disorders of hearing were poorly understood and inconsistently managed, Politzer introduced rigorous anatomical, physiological, and experimental principles into the study of the ear. His pioneering work on middle ear physiology clarified the function of the Eustachian tube and led to the development of Politzerisation, a non-invasive method of middle ear inflation that remains in modified use today. Politzer also played a central role in establishing otology as a distinct medical discipline, founding one of the first dedicated ear clinics in Vienna and training generations of otologists from across Europe and beyond. His seminal textbook, Lehrbuch der Ohrenheilkunde, became the authoritative reference of its era, standardising diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to ear disease. Beyond technical innovations, Politzer emphasised meticulous clinical examination and correlation with pathology, principles that continue to underpin current ENT practice. This historical review highlights Politzer’s enduring legacy and illustrates how his integration of science, education, and clinical care laid the foundations for modern otology.