The human ear is a miraculous and complex organ, responsible for many functions that are vital to a person’s quality of life. Hearing is the most recognized of these functions. However, the ear is also responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Otology and Restorative Hearing at Osborne Head and Neck Institute is focused on the care of medical and surgical problems of the ear. Our goal is to restore lost hearing and balance in those who have suffered a loss.

Otology and Restorative Hearing is directed by Dr. Ronen Nazarian, a fellowship-trained otologist and skull base surgeon skilled in treating problems of the ear, medically and surgically.

What is an Otologist or Neurotologist?

Ronen Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat physician who has completed additional fellowship training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. Otology is the specific study of medical and surgical management of the ear and base of skull. Fellowship training enables him to be proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of complex otologic problems. He specializes in medical and surgical care of ear disorders.

While general ENTs may treat basic ear problems, they lack the training to establish diagnosis and implement the most current treatment modalities in the management of ear disease. An otologist specializes in the care of:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Otosclerosis
• Meniere’s disease
• Vertigo / Dizziness
• Chronic ear infection
• Cholesteatoma
• Surfer’s Ear (Exostosis)
• Tympanic membrane perforation
• Acoustic neuroma (vestibular Schwannoma)

Do I need an otologist or an audiologist?

An otologist is a physician who is skilled in the evaluation and treatment of ear disorders and problems with hearing or balance. An audiologist is a care provider who helps the otologist diagnose, monitor, and treat issues such as hearing loss and dizziness. The audiologist also dispenses hearing aids. An audiologist is an important team member to incorporate once diagnosis has been established by the otologist. Diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and non-surgical, are established by the otologist, who is the physician specialized in the care of ear disorders.