Neurotology is the study and practice of medical and surgical disorders that involve the ear, adjacent brain, and the nerve connections within this region (known as the lateral skull base). In addition to all disorders of hearing and balance, Neurotologists also treat disorders of the facial nerve, tumors of the inner ear and skull base, and abnormal connections between the brain and temporal bone. In actuality, the meanings of the terms [intlink id=”1348″ type=”post”]Otology[/intlink] and Neurotology overlap quite a bit. Nevertheless, a Neurotologist’s training provides the ability to treat disorders, ranging from simple to complex, that involve the area of the temporal bone and lateral skull base.
What Is a Cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, noncancerous growth of skin cells. They commonly develop when the eardrum retracts inward creating a pocket which allows skin cells to accumulate in the middle ear. This can occur due to chronic eustachian tube dysfunction, repeated ear infections, or chronic negative middle ear pressure. Common symptoms include, persistent or recurrent…