Otology is the
study, diagnosis and treatment of ear disorders and diseases
. Patients may be referred to an otologist by their primary care doctor if they are experiencing problems with the ear, hearing loss or balance related disorders.
When should I see an otologist?
- Changes in your hearing (they may direct you to an audiologist or HIS)
- Ear pain or discharge.
- Balance problems.
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
- Concerns about your child’s ears or hearing.
- Middle ear infections.
What does an otologist do?
An otologist or neurotologist is a highly specialized ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who may be able to find the root of your problem and recommend procedures to treat your:
Complex ear disease
.
Hearing loss
that could be improved with an implantable hearing device.
What is the difference between an audiologist and an otologist?
Careers as either an audiologist or otologist require strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. An audiologist focuses solely on treating issues. In contrast, an otologist
has additional education that allows
them to administer more complete medical services to people.
What is the difference between an otologist and an ENT?
In other words,
there is no difference between an otolaryngologist and ENT
. They are one and the same, with the latter being the shorthand version that’s much easier to recall and pronounce.
Why would you see an audiologist?
Sudden hearing loss
can occur for a variety of reasons: earwax buildup, perforation of the eardrum, damage to the ear, and damage to the brain from a traumatic injury. Seeing an audiologist is vital in these situations. Visiting an audiologist, however, is also crucial for sudden hearing loss with no immediate cause.
Do audiologists perform surgery?
Audiologists do not perform surgery
, and do not prescribe medications (prescription drugs). They may recommend over-the-counter medications. In Pennsylvania, anyone who has registered as a “Hearing Aid Fitter” (dealer) with the state may legally sell hearing aids.
How do I become an otologist?
To become an otologist, at
least 11 years of school beyond undergraduate education
are required. Four years of medical school, five years of residency training and a two-year fellowship in neurotology is the general course of study to receive an ontology degree. Neurotologists and otologists work closely together.
Does stress cause tinnitus?
Background: Emotional stress is frequently associated with otologic symptoms as tinnitus and dizziness.
Stress can contribute to the beginning or worsening of tinnitus
.
What are Otological symptoms?
Otological symptoms (otalgia,
subjective hearing loss, blocked ear sensation, tinnitus and vertigo
) associated with temporomandibular disorders are documented features of Costen’s syndrome. However, the origin of these symptoms and the causes of hearing loss are unknown.
Is a doctor of audiology a real doctor?
The short answer is no,
audiologists are not medical doctors
. … Some audiologists go on to earn a doctor of audiology degree, which is the equivalent of a PhD, but it is not a medical degree. They are a doctor in the sense that they have a doctorate. But, they do not undergo full medical training.
Will an audiologist remove ear wax?
How Audiologists Remove Ear Wax. Audiologists generally have two main way of removing ear wax. They prefer to send patients home with an ear wax removal kit, but will do an in-office procedure if needed. Your audiologist
will assess the seriousness of the ear wax
buildup before deciding what actions to take.
What type of doctor should I see for tinnitus?
Early stages of tinnitus
consult your doctor,
an audiologist (hearing scientist)
or an ear, nose and throat specialist to check that you do not have an underlying medical condition. learn all you can about tinnitus.
What does an ENT do at first appointment?
During the visit
Depending on the reason for the visit, the ENT will
perform a physical and visual examination
. This may include looking in your ears, your nose and your throat. Your neck, throat, cheekbones and other areas of your face and head may be palpitated.
Which condition would an otolaryngologist treat?
What do Otolaryngologists Treat? Ear: Otolaryngologists are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of
hearing loss
, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. They also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
Do ENT doctors do surgery?
For an ENT physician, the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and the sinuses are in the scope of treatment areas. Unlike physicians who can only medically treat conditions involving these areas and structures, ENT doctors
can treat and also perform surgery on the structures involved
, if necessary.
