He also did the first operation for complete removal of a cerebellopontine angle tumor, as well as being one of the first surgeons to perform a radical mastoidectomy with ligation of the jugular vein. Ballance is also remembered for successfully sectioning the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) as a remedy for intractable vertigo.
He made significant contributions by performing the initial surgery to completely remove a cerebellopontine angle tumor, and was among the first surgeons to perform a radical mastoidectomy with jugular vein ligation. Ballance is also notable for successfully severing the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) as a treatment for severe vertigo.