Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear, Hearing, and Balance Disorders
What Is Otology?
Otology involves the diagnosis and treatment of ear diseases, as well as hearing and balance disorders, including:
- Tinnitus
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Hearing loss
- Meniere’s disease
- And others
These conditions may cause symptoms such as
ear pain, headaches, fever, dizziness, hearing loss, and discharge.
Many ear conditions are especially common in children, who may require special care for their
condition.
Expert Care for Inner Ear Conditions
Our doctors are specially trained to handle many inner ear conditions, which play a major role in the functioning of the eyes, bones, and joints to help maintain balance.
Otology Treatment Options
Treatment for these conditions often involves:
Hearing Aids
Ear Tubes
Medication
Surgery
Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Otology
When should I see an otologist for hearing loss?
You should seek evaluation if you experience sudden hearing loss, gradual hearing decline affecting your daily life, or hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, or ear pain. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, especially for sudden hearing loss, which is considered a medical emergency.
Are ear tubes necessary for my child's recurrent ear infections?
Ear tubes are typically recommended when children have frequent infections (4+ in 6 months), persistent fluid for 3+ months, or hearing loss due to fluid buildup. The procedure is very safe and effective, with most children experiencing significant improvement in infection frequency and hearing. We'll discuss all options and help you make the best decision for your child.
Can tinnitus be cured?
While there's currently no universal cure for tinnitus, many patients experience significant relief with proper treatment. Management options include hearing aids, sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, and treatment of underlying conditions. Our comprehensive approach helps most patients reduce their tinnitus impact and improve their quality of life.
How do I know if my dizziness is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe dizziness with hearing loss, severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. For ongoing balance issues, an evaluation is warranted if dizziness interferes with daily activities, causes falls, or is accompanied by hearing changes. Our specialized testing can identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Will I need surgery for my ear condition?
Most ear conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments initially. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments haven't provided adequate relief, or for certain conditions where surgery offers the best outcome. We always explore all options and will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of any recommended procedures.
Schedule Your Ear Health Evaluation
Don't let ear problems diminish your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with hearing loss, chronic ear infections, balance disorders, or any other ear-related concern, our expert team is here to help.