Patient Resources

Information and support for individuals with neurotological conditions

Resources for Patients and Families

Living with a neurotological condition can be challenging, but you're not alone. This page provides resources to help you better understand your condition, find support, and navigate your healthcare journey.

We've compiled information in several categories to address common needs:

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about neurotological conditions and treatments.

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Patient Education

Educational materials to help you understand your condition and treatment options.

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Support Groups

Information about organizations and communities that provide support and advocacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is the difference between an otolaryngologist, an otologist, and a neurotologist?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. An otologist is an otolaryngologist who has additional training in disorders of the ear. A neurotologist has even more specialized training, focusing on disorders of the inner ear and related neurological structures, including complex ear surgeries and skull base tumors.

When should I see a neurotologist instead of a general ENT doctor?

You might be referred to a neurotologist if you have a complex ear condition such as Meniere's disease, an acoustic neuroma, severe or sudden hearing loss, complicated balance disorders, facial nerve disorders, or if you're a candidate for a cochlear implant. Your primary care physician or general ENT can help determine if you need this specialized care.

Will my insurance cover a visit to a neurotologist?

Most insurance plans cover visits to specialists when referred by your primary care physician. However, coverage varies by plan, so it's best to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. Many neurotology practices have staff who can help navigate insurance questions.

Hearing Loss Questions

What are the warning signs of hearing loss?

Common signs include: frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, turning up the volume on TV or radio louder than others prefer, feeling that others are mumbling, difficulty hearing on the telephone, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). If you experience these symptoms, consider getting your hearing evaluated.

Can hearing loss be prevented?

Some types of hearing loss can be prevented or their progression slowed. Protect your hearing by avoiding excessive noise exposure or using hearing protection when in noisy environments. Have regular hearing check-ups, especially if you work in a noisy environment. Prompt treatment of ear infections can prevent complications that may lead to hearing loss.

Will a hearing aid restore my hearing to normal?

Hearing aids don't restore normal hearing, but they can significantly improve your ability to hear by making sounds louder and clearer. Modern hearing aids are sophisticated devices that can be programmed to your specific hearing loss pattern and can help in various listening environments. The benefit you receive depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss.

Am I a candidate for a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants are typically considered for people with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids. Candidacy is determined through a comprehensive evaluation by a cochlear implant team, which includes audiological testing, medical evaluation, and sometimes psychological assessment. Age, duration of hearing loss, and other factors are considered, but criteria have expanded over time.

Balance and Dizziness Questions

What's the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a general term that can refer to various sensations including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. Vertigo often indicates an issue with the inner ear balance system.

Can stress cause dizziness?

Yes, stress and anxiety can cause dizziness or make existing balance problems worse. The balance system has connections to areas of the brain involved in emotional responses. Additionally, anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which can cause lightheadedness. However, it's important not to assume dizziness is always stress-related, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition.

How is BPPV treated?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is typically treated with repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver. These procedures, performed by a healthcare provider, help move displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear back to their proper location. The maneuvers are often effective immediately or within a few treatments. In some cases, home exercises may be recommended.

Will I need to take medication for my dizziness forever?

Not necessarily. Many vestibular disorders improve with time as the brain compensates for inner ear dysfunction. Medications for dizziness and vertigo are often used for symptom management during acute episodes or early in treatment. Long-term medication use depends on your specific diagnosis and response to treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is often more effective than medication for long-term management of many balance disorders.

Tinnitus Questions

Can tinnitus be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for most forms of tinnitus. However, many people find significant relief through various management strategies. If your tinnitus is related to an underlying condition such as earwax blockage, medication side effects, or certain types of hearing loss, treating the underlying condition may eliminate or reduce the tinnitus.

What treatments are available for tinnitus?

Treatment approaches include: hearing aids (if hearing loss is present), sound therapy (using external sounds to mask or distract from tinnitus), cognitive behavioral therapy (to change reactions to tinnitus), tinnitus retraining therapy (combining sound therapy and counseling), relaxation techniques, and in some cases, medications. The effectiveness of treatments varies by individual.

Why is my tinnitus worse at night?

Tinnitus often seems worse at night because there are fewer environmental sounds to mask it, and you have fewer distractions. Additionally, fatigue and stress that accumulate throughout the day can make tinnitus more noticeable. Many people find that using a sound machine, fan, or other source of background noise at night helps make tinnitus less noticeable.

Patient Education Materials

Understanding your condition is an important part of managing it effectively. The following resources provide reliable information about various neurotological conditions and treatments.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Preparing for Tests and Procedures

Living with Neurotological Conditions

Videos and Interactive Resources

Support Groups and Organizations

Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice. The following organizations offer resources, support groups, and advocacy for people with neurotological conditions.

Hearing Loss Organizations

Balance and Vestibular Organizations

  • Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA)

    Provides information, support, and advocacy for people with vestibular disorders. Offers resources for patients and healthcare providers.

  • Meniere's Society

    Dedicated to supporting people with Meniere's disease and other vestibular disorders. Provides information, funds research, and raises awareness.

  • BPPV Support Group

    Online community for people with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, offering support and information sharing.

Tinnitus Organizations

Tumor and Facial Nerve Organizations

  • Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA)

    Provides information, support, and networking opportunities for people with acoustic neuromas.

  • Facial Palsy UK

    Provides support and information for people affected by facial palsy, promotes better understanding of the condition, and works to improve treatments.

  • Bell's Palsy Association

    Offers support and information for people with Bell's palsy and their families.

Glossary of Terms

Medical terminology can be confusing. This glossary explains common terms related to neurotology to help you better understand your condition and communicate with healthcare providers.

Common Neurotological Terms

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
A benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain.
Audiogram
A graph that shows the results of a hearing test, displaying the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
A test that measures the electrical activity in the auditory pathway from the inner ear to the brainstem in response to sound.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
A common vestibular disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific changes in head position.
Cochlea
The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that contains the sensory organ for hearing.
Cochlear Implant
An electronic device that bypasses damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, providing a sense of sound to people with severe to profound hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that occurs when sound cannot effectively travel through the outer and middle ear to reach the inner ear.
Electronystagmography (ENG) / Videonystagmography (VNG)
Tests that record eye movements to evaluate the vestibular system and its connections to the brain.
Endolymphatic Hydrops
Excessive fluid buildup in the inner ear, associated with Meniere's disease.
Labyrinth
The system of interconnected fluid-filled channels in the inner ear, including the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance).
Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth, often caused by viral or bacterial infection, resulting in vertigo and hearing loss.
Meniere's Disease
A chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness.
Nystagmus
Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements that can be a sign of vestibular dysfunction.
Ossicles
The three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Otosclerosis
A condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss by preventing the stapes bone from moving properly.
Presbycusis
Age-related hearing loss that gradually occurs in most people as they grow older.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.
Stapedectomy
A surgical procedure to treat otosclerosis by removing all or part of the stapes bone and replacing it with a prosthesis.
Superior Canal Dehiscence
A condition caused by an opening (dehiscence) in the bone covering the superior semicircular canal of the inner ear.
Tinnitus
The perception of sound (often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing) when no external sound is present.
Vestibular Neuritis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection, resulting in vertigo and balance problems without hearing loss.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
A specialized form of physical therapy aimed at reducing dizziness, improving balance, and preventing falls in patients with vestibular disorders.
Vestibular System
The balance system of the inner ear, consisting of the semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule, which detect head position and movement.
Vertigo
A specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.