What’s Neurotology?

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Neurotology is a type of specialized medicine that studies and treats neurological disorders affecting the ears and other head structures. Neurotologists are otolaryngologists, commonly referred to as “ear, nose, and throat doctors,” who specialize in the effects of the brain and nervous system on the ears, face, and throat. Conditions treated by the specialty include hearing loss, balance problems, and facial paralysis.

Those who want to major in neurotology usually go to a premedical program or pursue a biology degree and then go to medical school to become an otolaryngologist. Once their medical training is complete, they spend another two to three years studying neurology. In many cases, they are required to write an extensive research paper in their field before becoming certified. Completing all the requirements to become a neurotologist can take up to 15 years.

While hearing loss can have many external causes, including excessive exposure to very loud noise and physical damage to the structure of the ears, it can also be caused by conditions of the brain or nervous system. For example, damage to the temporal lobe of the brain or to the nerves that carry sound signals can significantly impact hearing. The damage can also work in reverse, with even mild hearing loss at an early age negatively impacting the development of the parts of the brain responsible for hearing processes. Neurologists are trained to recognize disorders of the brain and nervous system that can cause hearing loss.

Dizziness, or lightheadedness often accompanied by a feeling of imbalance, is usually caused by an inner ear disorder. Dizziness can have many potential causes, from a bacterial infection to a head injury. In some cases, the symptom is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve or by a tumor pressing against the nerve responsible for transmitting acoustics. A doctor who specializes in neurotology can diagnose these causes and decide on the best treatment options for patients.

In addition to treating neurological disorders of the ears, neurotologists also treat conditions caused by nerve damage in the face. Such damage can result in a number of different ailments, from temporary partial paralysis to permanent permanent facial paralysis. One of the most common conditions is Bell’s palsy, a temporary disorder that results from swelling or damage to the facial nerve responsible for transmitting the signals that allow movement in the muscles of the face.

Neurotologists can also treat damage to the base of the skull caused by tumors or nerve damage. Because many neurologists are trained in surgical procedures related to their specialty, in many cases a patient can see the same doctor from the diagnostic stage through to any surgical procedures that may be necessary. Additionally, because neurotologists begin their careers by becoming expert ear, nose, and throat physicians, patients can also utilize their services for conditions that are unrelated to neurological disorders.

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