Otology
Otology is the branch of medicine that focuses on diseases and disorders of the ear, hearing, balance problems, and injuries or diseases of the skull base. A neurotologist provides surgical care to the nerves that connect the ear and brain, including treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ear, facial nerve disorders, congenital malformations of the ear, and tumors of the ear, hearing nerve, and skull base.
Conditions We Treat
When surgery is necessary, the latest technologies are used, including lasers and minimally invasive endoscopes. We treat several conditions includes
Better view of the treatment area
An endoscope provides a wide field of view, allowing surgeons to see into tiny recesses within the middle ear. In traditional ear surgery with a microscope, surgeons have only a straight-line field of view, which limits the ability to see all areas for proper treatment.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a cyst-like skin growth that occurs in an abnormal location, usually in the middle ear behind the eardrum, most commonly in response to repeated infection. Our surgeons are highly skilled in removing these growths and associated infections using sophisticated microsurgery techniques (mastoidectomy). Some patients require repeated surgeries and bone reconstruction of the middle ear.
Chronic Otitis Media
Our doctors offer treatment for these middle ear infections, including microsurgery when medical approaches are not sufficiently effective for eliminating the infection.
Ear Canal DisordersExternal ear
Ear Canal Disorders External ear canal disorders include otitis externa (swimmer's ear), narrowing of the ear canal (which can cause wax buildup and recurring infections), and tumors.
Facial Nerve Disorders
The facial nerve, which moves the facial muscles, travels through the temporal bone and ear. Neurotologists specialize in treating facial nerve disorders, including Bell's palsy and nerve tumors.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be divided into two types: Conductive (a mechanical blockage of sound) and Sensorineural (an inner ear or nerve problem). We offer a wide variety of treatments, from hearing aids to implantable devices, such as cochlear implants.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is characterized by abnormal bone deposits near one of the tiny bones in the middle ear called the stapes. If a patient with otosclerosis begins to experience hearing loss, our surgeons perform stapedectomy to remove all or part of the base of the stapes bone and replace it with a microprosthesis. Surgery on the base of the stapes is now performed with a laser, minimizing trauma to the delicate inner ear structures.
Perforation of The Eardrum
When the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is perforated due to trauma or chronic infection, it can lead to middle ear infection and hearing loss if it does not heal spontaneously.
No visible incision
The surgeon inserts an endoscope (a very thin tube tipped with a light) through the patient's ear into the ear canal to access the middle ear. Using an endoscope to visualize the surgical area, the surgeon uses tiny instruments to perform the operation. Avoiding incisions can help reduce pain in patients during recovery.
Balance Disorders and Vertigo
Many problems can result in poor balance, vertigo (the feeling of spinning), or dizziness. Our center can help determine and treat the underlying causes.
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