Re: Otology versus Otolaryngology

[Guest guest]

Hello,Hope this helps:When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors basically have three levels of "ear expertise." They are from least to most—primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP) Often your first contact with the medical community is with a standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors have no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you often need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to an ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist. Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer

ear and ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the ear canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist. 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT) The middle level of "ear expertise" is the Ear, Nose & Throat doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or sometimes by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-noe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is easier to understand and pronounce. Oto—ear, rhino—nose and larynx—throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes, ears, nose and throat doctors). ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and specialized in problems of the ears, nose

and throat. Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems. ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle ear—typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas. They may also perform CI surgery. 3. Otologists (Neurotologists) At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists

and neurotologists are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or neurotology). These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the most about inner ear problems. If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many otologists/neurotologists in the country. Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist) Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist or neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

it's just another way to say it.....

tom hansen

--- Gerry <gerrydel@...> wrote:

> Hi all, first I'm a new member so thanks for having

> me here. I'm

> about to undergo a mastoidectemy, and my doctor is

> listed as a

> Otolaryngology Specialist. Now, I've heard a couple

> people say that I

> should seek an Otologist. What's the difference, if

> any?

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Ok, great. That's what I suspected but wanted to be sure.

Thanks,

Gerry

>

> > Hi all, first I'm a new member so thanks for having

> > me here. I'm

> > about to undergo a mastoidectemy, and my doctor is

> > listed as a

> > Otolaryngology Specialist. Now, I've heard a couple

> > people say that I

> > should seek an Otologist. What's the difference, if

> > any?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

My father in law is a physician and he explained that otology is a sub-

specialy of otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat). Once they obtain

their otolaryngology specialty, they train further to become an

otologist. So yes, if there's a reputable otologist available, I'd

recommend a second opinion at least.

Our otolaryngologist just referred us to an otologist.

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, they are different then. I guess I'm going to go back to my

primary care physician and ask for help. They should be able to tell

me whether they think this ENT is okay or if they can get me an

Otologist. It's so confusing to try to make these decisions. I

don't want to tick off my ENT, but then again, I want to pick the

right doctor.

Gerry

>

> Hello,

>

> Hope this helps:

>

> When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors

basically have three levels of " ear expertise. " They are from least

to most†" primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors

(ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.

>

> 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)

> Often your first contact with the medical community is with a

standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician

(PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors have

no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you often

need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to an

ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.

> Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear and

ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the ear

canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should

immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.

> 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)

> The middle level of " ear expertise " is the Ear, Nose & Throat

doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these

doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or sometimes

by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-noe-

lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is easier to

understand and pronounce. Oto†" ear, rhino†" nose and

larynx†" throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes,

ears, nose and throat doctors).

> ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and

specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.

> Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working

with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT

only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect

them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.

> ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle

ear†" typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the

middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like

otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas.

They may also perform CI surgery.

> 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)

> At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and

neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and neurotologists

are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed

additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or neurotology).

These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the most

about inner ear problems.

> If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious

reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help

you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a

whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden

hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many

otologists/neurotologists in the country.

> Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)

> Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist or

neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an

important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or

neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of

Otolaryngology†" Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Ugh, the Primary Care acted like they had never heard of an otologist

and said the ENT was fine for this type of surgery. Who has had

surgery with an ENT here on this site? How were they?

Thanks,

Gerry

> >

> > Hello,

> >

> > Hope this helps:

> >

> > When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors

> basically have three levels of " ear expertise. " They are from least

> to most†" primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors

> (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.

> >

> > 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)

> > Often your first contact with the medical community is with a

> standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician

> (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors

have

> no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you

often

> need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to an

> ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.

> > Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear

and

> ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the

ear

> canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should

> immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.

> > 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)

> > The middle level of " ear expertise " is the Ear, Nose & Throat

> doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these

> doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or

sometimes

> by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-

noe-

> lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is easier

to

> understand and pronounce. Oto†" ear, rhino†" nose and

> larynx†" throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes,

> ears, nose and throat doctors).

> > ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and

> specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.

> > Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working

> with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT

> only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect

> them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.

> > ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle

> ear†" typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the

> middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like

> otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas.

> They may also perform CI surgery.

> > 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)

> > At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and

> neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and

neurotologists

> are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed

> additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or

neurotology).

> These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the

most

> about inner ear problems.

> > If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious

> reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help

> you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a

> whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden

> hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many

> otologists/neurotologists in the country.

> > Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)

> > Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist

or

> neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an

> important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

> probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or

> neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of

> Otolaryngology†" Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

> >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Gerry, In the polls section of the group site, there is a poll asking what type of doctor performed the surgery. You might find it of interest. ilona Gerry <gerrydel@...> wrote: Ugh, the Primary Care acted like they had never heard of an otologist and said the ENT was fine for this type of surgery. Who has had surgery with an ENT here on this site? How were they?Thanks,Gerry> >> > Hello,> > > > Hope this helps:> > > > When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors > basically have three levels of "ear expertise." They are from least > to mostâ€"primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors > (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.> > > > 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)> > Often your first contact with the

medical community is with a > standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician > (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors have > no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you often > need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to an > ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.> > Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear and > ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the ear > canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should > immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.> > 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)> > The middle level of "ear expertise" is the Ear, Nose & Throat > doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these > doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or

sometimes > by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-noe-> lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is easier to > understand and pronounce. Otoâ€"ear, rhinoâ€"nose and > larynxâ€"throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes, > ears, nose and throat doctors).> > ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and > specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.> > Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working > with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT > only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect > them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.> > ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle > earâ€"typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the > middle ear. This may include surgical

procedures for things like > otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas. > They may also perform CI surgery.> > 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)> > At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and > neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and neurotologists > are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed > additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or neurotology). > These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the most > about inner ear problems.> > If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious > reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help > you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a > whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden > hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not

very many > otologists/neurotologists in the country.> > Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)> > Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist or > neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an > important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada, > probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or > neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of > Otolaryngologyâ€"Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).> > > > __________________________________________________> >

[Guest guest]

Ilona,

That puts my mind more at ease. It appears quite a few have used

ENTs. My ENT talked like he did the surgeries all the time. Then, I

was surprised to hear that there was another sub specialty that did

the surgeries. I guess I'm just freaking myself out. I spent last

night buying a report on my doctor from healthgrades to see if he had

any disciplinary action or anything like that. No disciplinary

actions and he has all his certifications in his specialty.

Gerry

> > >

> > > Hello,

> > >

> > > Hope this helps:

> > >

> > > When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors

> > basically have three levels of " ear expertise. " They are from

least

> > to most†" primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat

doctors

> > (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.

> > >

> > > 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)

> > > Often your first contact with the medical community is with a

> > standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care

Physician

> > (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors

> have

> > no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you

> often

> > need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to

an

> > ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.

> > > Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear

> and

> > ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the

> ear

> > canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should

> > immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.

> > > 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)

> > > The middle level of " ear expertise " is the Ear, Nose & Throat

> > doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these

> > doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or

> sometimes

> > by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-

> noe-

> > lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is

easier

> to

> > understand and pronounce. Oto†" ear, rhino†" nose and

> > larynx†" throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes,

> > ears, nose and throat doctors).

> > > ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and

> > specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.

> > > Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time

working

> > with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average

ENT

> > only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect

> > them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.

> > > ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle

> > ear†" typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the

> > middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like

> > otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as

cholesteatomas.

> > They may also perform CI surgery.

> > > 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)

> > > At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and

> > neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and

> neurotologists

> > are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed

> > additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or

> neurotology).

> > These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the

> most

> > about inner ear problems.

> > > If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious

> > reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to

help

> > you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as

a

> > whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden

> > hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many

> > otologists/neurotologists in the country.

> > > Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)

> > > Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist

> or

> > neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an

> > important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

> > probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or

> > neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of

> > Otolaryngology†" Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

> > >

> > > __________________________________________________

> > >

[Guest guest]

Gerry, That was a good idea to get a report on your doctor. Yes, alot of list members have used ENT's and had good results. I believe the problems arises when an ENT is not familiar with c-toma and doesn't perform the surgery very often if at all. Some of us were mis-diagnosed for years because our PCP and/or ENT did not see the signs of c-toma. Ilona Gerry <gerrydel@...> wrote: Ilona,That puts my mind more at ease. It appears quite a few have used ENTs. My ENT talked like he did the surgeries all the time. Then, I was

surprised to hear that there was another sub specialty that did the surgeries. I guess I'm just freaking myself out. I spent last night buying a report on my doctor from healthgrades to see if he had any disciplinary action or anything like that. No disciplinary actions and he has all his certifications in his specialty. Gerry> > >> > > Hello,> > > > > > Hope this helps:> > > > > > When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors > >

basically have three levels of "ear expertise." They are from least > > to mostâ€"primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors > > (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.> > > > > > 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)> > > Often your first contact with the medical community is with a > > standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician > > (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors > have > > no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you > often > > need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral to an > > ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.> > > Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear > and > > ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating

infections in the > ear > > canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should > > immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.> > > 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)> > > The middle level of "ear expertise" is the Ear, Nose & Throat > > doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these > > doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or > sometimes > > by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-RYE-> noe-> > lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is easier > to > > understand and pronounce. Otoâ€"ear, rhinoâ€"nose and > > larynxâ€"throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes, > > ears, nose and throat doctors).> > > ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and > >

specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.> > > Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working > > with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT > > only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect > > them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.> > > ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle > > earâ€"typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the > > middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like > > otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas. > > They may also perform CI surgery.> > > 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)> > > At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and > > neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and > neurotologists > > are

medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed > > additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or > neurotology). > > These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know the > most > > about inner ear problems.> > > If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious > > reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help > > you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a > > whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden > > hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many > > otologists/neurotologists in the country.> > > Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)> > > Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist > or > > neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an >

> important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada, > > probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or > > neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of > > Otolaryngologyâ€"Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).> > > > > > __________________________________________________> > >

[Guest guest]

Ilona,

Oh, I fit into that group. I've had problems with my right ear for

several years and changed doctors 3 times. I finally kept going back

to the same primary care (made a nuisance of myself) until they

referred me to the ENT. The ENT picked it up very quickly.

Gerry

> > > >

> > > > Hello,

> > > >

> > > > Hope this helps:

> > > >

> > > > When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems,

doctors

> > > basically have three levels of " ear expertise. " They are from

> least

> > > to most†" primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat

> doctors

> > > (ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.

> > > >

> > > > 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)

> > > > Often your first contact with the medical community is with

a

> > > standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care

> Physician

> > > (PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These

doctors

> > have

> > > no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you

> > often

> > > need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral

to

> an

> > > ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.

> > > > Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer

ear

> > and

> > > ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in

the

> > ear

> > > canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should

> > > immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.

> > > > 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)

> > > > The middle level of " ear expertise " is the Ear, Nose &

Throat

> > > doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for

these

> > > doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or

> > sometimes

> > > by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-toe-

RYE-

> > noe-

> > > lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it is

> easier

> > to

> > > understand and pronounce. Oto†" ear, rhino†" nose and

> > > larynx†" throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs

(eyes,

> > > ears, nose and throat doctors).

> > > > ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training

and

> > > specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.

> > > > Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time

> working

> > > with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average

> ENT

> > > only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot

expect

> > > them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.

> > > > ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle

> > > ear†" typically middle ear infections and medical problems of

the

> > > middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things

like

> > > otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as

> cholesteatomas.

> > > They may also perform CI surgery.

> > > > 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)

> > > > At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and

> > > neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and

> > neurotologists

> > > are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then completed

> > > additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or

> > neurotology).

> > > These are the real ear experts and are the doctors that know

the

> > most

> > > about inner ear problems.

> > > > If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no

obvious

> > > reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to

> help

> > > you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors

(as

> a

> > > whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of

sudden

> > > hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many

> > > otologists/neurotologists in the country.

> > > > Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)

> > > > Since otologists are few and far between, finding an

otologist

> > or

> > > neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is

an

> > > important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

> > > probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or

> > > neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy

of

> > > Otolaryngology†" Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

> > > >

> > > > __________________________________________________

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Gerry!

Sounds like you're going through something similar to what I went

through a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with ctoma. At the

time, the way my ENT reacted was different than what I had read about

on this group. I asked for a referral to a very well known otologist,

and my PCP gave me the same " I've never heard of an otologist " line.

So after I found the Chicago Otology group, I was able to see them and

they had a much more urgent reaction as to what needed to be done.

After fighting with my HMO Medical Group, who didn't approve for the

otologist to perform the surgery, I changed Medical Groups to one that

the otologist is associated with. (The ENT/Otologist survey was done

at my request in case I needed information to fight the Medical Group

with.) The surgery went very well, and I am very happy and can hear

out of my ear pretty much normally.

I think the main question to ask your ENT is how often he/she performs

this kind of surgery. My otologist performs 3 or 4 a week, and

teaches at a university and gives lectures on the subject. So I felt

very comfortable with him.

Good luck!

Dave

> >

> > Ugh, the Primary Care acted like they had never heard of an

> otologist

> > and said the ENT was fine for this type of surgery. Who has had

> > surgery with an ENT here on this site? How were they?

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Gerry

> >

[Guest guest]

Dave,

It's amazing that we can find these otologists in a matter of hours

by asking around on the web but the Primary Care people don't even

know what they are. I wonder how hard the insurance company slaps

them every time they make a referral to an otologist. :-)

Gerry

> > >

> > > Ugh, the Primary Care acted like they had never heard of an

> > otologist

> > > and said the ENT was fine for this type of surgery. Who has

had

> > > surgery with an ENT here on this site? How were they?

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > > Gerry

> > >

>

[Guest guest]

I called the ENT and asked for numbers on how many mastoidectemies

they had done. They said there was no way to know. They just said

that they did them regularly and that they had done one last week.

Gerry

> > >

> > > Ugh, the Primary Care acted like they had never heard of an

> > otologist

> > > and said the ENT was fine for this type of surgery. Who has

had

> > > surgery with an ENT here on this site? How were they?

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > > Gerry

> > >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Please do yourself a favor: Get an Otologist. No offense to ENT's, or MD's. It's your ear, your head, your balance and taste and facial expressions. For me, I went with an otologist, and I have no water restrictions other than no scuba diving. My hearing grows better every day. I might not need further reconstruction because he lowered my newly grafted eardrum onto my stapes and guided it as it healed. When I asked him how many mastoidectomies he had done he said "Thousands , look at me..Thousands" (he is in his early 50's im guessing) An otologist does surgeries that are much more complicated than cholesteatomas (like cochlear implants), and if your ENT runs into complications during surgery you know they will be calling an otologist. I say don't mess around and get the best you can to begin with. I was fortunate, my surgeon is

fellowship trained and was published in American Family Physician as one of the formost experts on cholesteatomas, and this was back in 1991. He had, and has been doing them a few times a week (mon wed fri) since long before then. I had utmost confidence in him. Im sure many people have had great results with ENT's who have done the surgery often, but again with me and my ear/skull I want the best. Just my 2 cents. If you live in some remote area that doesnt have an otologist, and you can't travel to one, please make sure he's the most experienced person you can find.

Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with .

[Guest guest]

I totally agree. I adored my ENT, but after 2 failed

surgeries he told me " I want to refer you to someone

else, this is what I would do for my daughter " . I was

his first C-toma, and I think it scared him a bit. I

have had such better results this go-around, and the

optimism of my otologist is just amazing.

I have to just through this out there...I am AMAZED

that when I wake up from surgery...everyone wants to

sit and talk to me on my operation side...even my

doctors! I can't HEAR on that side..hehe! It's not

like they don't make it obvious with a huge bandage on

your ear.

--- <lobolocojo@...> wrote:

> Hi,

>

> Please do yourself a favor: Get an Otologist.

> No offense to ENT's, or MD's. It's your ear, your

> head, your balance and taste and facial expressions.

> For me, I went with an otologist, and I have no

> water restrictions other than no scuba diving. My

> hearing grows better every day. I might not need

> further reconstruction because he lowered my newly

> grafted eardrum onto my stapes and guided it as it

> healed. When I asked him how many mastoidectomies

> he had done he said " Thousands , look at

> me..Thousands " (he is in his early 50's im guessing)

> An otologist does surgeries that are much more

> complicated than cholesteatomas (like cochlear

> implants), and if your ENT runs into complications

> during surgery you know they will be calling an

> otologist. I say don't mess around and get the best

> you can to begin with. I was fortunate, my surgeon

> is fellowship trained and was published in American

> Family Physician as one of the formost experts on

> cholesteatomas, and this was back in 1991. He had,

> and has been doing them a few times a week (mon wed

> fri) since long before then. I had utmost

> confidence in him.

> Im sure many people have had great results with

> ENT's who have done the surgery often, but again

> with me and my ear/skull I want the best. Just my 2

> cents. If you live in some remote area that doesnt

> have an otologist, and you can't travel to one,

> please make sure he's the most experienced person

> you can find.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Brings words and photos together (easily) with

> PhotoMail - it's free and works with .

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

Do you know of any resources for finding otologists? I looked for

them in Texas and only found 4 out on WebMD, none in my area. Ilona

had given me her doctors name but my insurance apparently doesn't

cover him. Does anyone know if there is a Texas otology group for

patient support, or even a regional group for the southwest U.S.?

Thanks,

Gerry

>

> Hi,

>

> Please do yourself a favor: Get an Otologist. No offense to

ENT's, or MD's. It's your ear, your head, your balance and taste and

facial expressions. For me, I went with an otologist, and I have no

water restrictions other than no scuba diving. My hearing grows

better every day. I might not need further reconstruction because he

lowered my newly grafted eardrum onto my stapes and guided it as it

healed. When I asked him how many mastoidectomies he had done he

said " Thousands , look at me..Thousands " (he is in his early

50's im guessing)

> An otologist does surgeries that are much more complicated

than cholesteatomas (like cochlear implants), and if your ENT runs

into complications during surgery you know they will be calling an

otologist. I say don't mess around and get the best you can to begin

with. I was fortunate, my surgeon is fellowship trained and was

published in American Family Physician as one of the formost experts

on cholesteatomas, and this was back in 1991. He had, and has been

doing them a few times a week (mon wed fri) since long before then.

I had utmost confidence in him.

> Im sure many people have had great results with ENT's who have

done the surgery often, but again with me and my ear/skull I want the

best. Just my 2 cents. If you live in some remote area that doesnt

have an otologist, and you can't travel to one, please make sure he's

the most experienced person you can find.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Brings words and photos together (easily) with

> PhotoMail - it's free and works with .

>

[Guest guest]

Woops, I meant to ask if anyone knew of a Texas or Southwest

Cholesteatoma group.

Gerry

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Please do yourself a favor: Get an Otologist. No offense

to

> ENT's, or MD's. It's your ear, your head, your balance and taste

and

> facial expressions. For me, I went with an otologist, and I have

no

> water restrictions other than no scuba diving. My hearing grows

> better every day. I might not need further reconstruction because

he

> lowered my newly grafted eardrum onto my stapes and guided it as it

> healed. When I asked him how many mastoidectomies he had done he

> said " Thousands , look at me..Thousands " (he is in his early

> 50's im guessing)

> > An otologist does surgeries that are much more complicated

> than cholesteatomas (like cochlear implants), and if your ENT runs

> into complications during surgery you know they will be calling an

> otologist. I say don't mess around and get the best you can to

begin

> with. I was fortunate, my surgeon is fellowship trained and was

> published in American Family Physician as one of the formost

experts

> on cholesteatomas, and this was back in 1991. He had, and has been

> doing them a few times a week (mon wed fri) since long before

then.

> I had utmost confidence in him.

> > Im sure many people have had great results with ENT's who

have

> done the surgery often, but again with me and my ear/skull I want

the

> best. Just my 2 cents. If you live in some remote area that doesnt

> have an otologist, and you can't travel to one, please make sure

he's

> the most experienced person you can find.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Brings words and photos together (easily) with

> > PhotoMail - it's free and works with .

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My son's had 5 surgeries with an ENT, who is very good and well

respected as the best in our city. However, we're now going to an

otologist for surgery #6. I think it depends on the surgical skill of

the ENT and how many cholesteatoma's they've treated. In a smaller

city, like ours, with only one otologist, the ENT's may treat a lot of

ctomas. Our ENT and otologist are recommending two different, very

radical procedures to put an end to these endless surgeries for my 10

year old son. I really don't know what to do.

Good Luck to you!

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear that your son has had such difficulties. I imagine it's

tough as a parent to watch your child go through that type of thing. I

hope his hearing is intact and will remain so. How did you find the

otolgist? It seems so hit and miss and very frustrating. Did the ENT

recommend the otologist?

Gerry

>

> My son's had 5 surgeries with an ENT, who is very good and well

> respected as the best in our city. However, we're now going to an

> otologist for surgery #6. I think it depends on the surgical skill

of

> the ENT and how many cholesteatoma's they've treated. In a smaller

> city, like ours, with only one otologist, the ENT's may treat a lot

of

> ctomas. Our ENT and otologist are recommending two different, very

> radical procedures to put an end to these endless surgeries for my 10

> year old son. I really don't know what to do.

>

> Good Luck to you!

>

[Guest guest]

I called off the surgery with the ENT and asked them if they could

refer me to an otologist. I'm waiting the hear back. I don't think

they were very happy with me. :-)

Gerry

> >

> > My son's had 5 surgeries with an ENT, who is very good and well

> > respected as the best in our city. However, we're now going to

an

> > otologist for surgery #6. I think it depends on the surgical

skill

> of

> > the ENT and how many cholesteatoma's they've treated. In a

smaller

> > city, like ours, with only one otologist, the ENT's may treat a

lot

> of

> > ctomas. Our ENT and otologist are recommending two different,

very

> > radical procedures to put an end to these endless surgeries for

my 10

> > year old son. I really don't know what to do.

> >

> > Good Luck to you!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Gerry, You have to do what you think is best for you and your situation. Even though the doctor I recommended isn't covered by your health plan, you might call their office and see if they could recommend another otologist/neurotologist. As a side note, even though Dr. Owens wasn't listed as an approved provider in my health plan, since my ENT referred me to him, my insurance covered all expenses. ilona Gerry <gerrydel@...> wrote: I called off the surgery with the ENT and asked them if they could refer me to an otologist. I'm waiting the hear back. I don't think they were very happy with me. :-)Gerry> >> > My son's had 5 surgeries with an ENT, who is very good and well > > respected as the best in our city. However, we're now going to an > > otologist for surgery #6. I think it depends on the surgical skill > of > > the ENT and how many cholesteatoma's they've treated. In a smaller > > city, like ours, with only one otologist, the

ENT's may treat a lot > of > > ctomas. Our ENT and otologist are recommending two different, very > > radical procedures to put an end to these endless surgeries for my 10 > > year old son. I really don't know what to do.> > > > Good Luck to you!> >>

- Helps protect you from nasty viruses.

[Guest guest]

Ilona,

Yes, it's not like I don't like the ENT. He seems like a great guy

and is probably very confident, but when I started questioning his

staff about how many c-tomas he had done all I could get were vague

answers. They couldn't tell me how long he had been doing them, and

just said he does a few a month.

I have a very odd genetic syndrome in which all my internal organs

are displaced opposite of how other people's are, plus I was born

without a spleen, and I have several congenital heart defects. So, I

take any type of surgery very seriously. I need the most qualified

person tending to me.

Gerry

> > >

> > > My son's had 5 surgeries with an ENT, who is very good and well

> > > respected as the best in our city. However, we're now going to

> an

> > > otologist for surgery #6. I think it depends on the surgical

> skill

> > of

> > > the ENT and how many cholesteatoma's they've treated. In a

> smaller

> > > city, like ours, with only one otologist, the ENT's may treat a

> lot

> > of

> > > ctomas. Our ENT and otologist are recommending two different,

> very

> > > radical procedures to put an end to these endless surgeries for

> my 10

> > > year old son. I really don't know what to do.

> > >

> > > Good Luck to you!

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hiya,Try this link: http://www.entnet.org/ent_otolaryngologist.cfmI found 41 otologists in Texas with just a brief search. Hope it helps, and don't feel guilty at all for getting the best person for the job.

- Helps protect you from nasty viruses.

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks a lot. I'll check it out.

Gerry

>

> Hiya,

>

> Try this link:

>

> http://www.entnet.org/ent_otolaryngologist.cfm

>

> I found 41 otologists in Texas with just a brief search. Hope it

helps, and don't feel guilty at all for getting the best person for

the job.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi jason,

I am a new member, my daughter had cholesteatoma removed from her

ears by a ENT doctor, and your information in this message has

helped me understand a little more. Being in the U.K we don't seem

to be as advanced on medicine as the United States, and my daughters

ENT doctor hasnt had many cholesteatoma removals to be honest he has

removed three, my daughter being one of those,I have a appointment

with him in a weeks time to discuss many questions I have including

refering me to a otologist to ensure my daughter can get the best

care possible.

>

> Hello,

>

> Hope this helps:

>

> When it comes to diagnosing and treating ear problems, doctors

basically have three levels of " ear expertise. " They are from least

to most†" primary care physicians (PCP), ear, nose & throat doctors

(ENTs) and otologists/neurotologists. Each has their own niche.

>

> 1. Medical Doctors/Primary Care Physicians (MD/PCP)

> Often your first contact with the medical community is with a

standard Medical Doctor (MD), often called a Primary Care Physician

(PCP), General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor. These doctors

have no specialized training in treating ear problems. However, you

often need to go to one of these doctors in order to get a referral

to an ear specialist such as an ENT or otologist.

> Family doctors normally treat ear conditions of the outer ear and

ear canal such as removing ear wax or treating infections in the ear

canal. For problems in the middle and inner ear, they should

immediately refer you to the appropriate ear specialist.

> 2. Ears, Nose & Throat Doctors (ENT)

> The middle level of " ear expertise " is the Ear, Nose & Throat

doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT. The fancy term for these

doctors is otolaryngologist (OH-toe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist) or

sometimes by the tongue-twisting name of otorhinolaryngologist (OH-

toe-RYE-noe-lar-ing-JOL-uh-jist). (When you break this name down, it

is easier to understand and pronounce. Oto†" ear, rhino†" nose and

larynx†" throat). Sometimes these doctors are called EENTs (eyes,

ears, nose and throat doctors).

> ENTs are medical doctors that have taken further training and

specialized in problems of the ears, nose and throat.

> Despite the name, ENTs do not spend a lot of their time working

with ears. One otologist told me that he estimated the average ENT

only spent about 5% of his time with ears. Thus you cannot expect

them to be experts on many kinds of ear problems.

> ENTs generally specialize in problems of the middle

ear†" typically middle ear infections and medical problems of the

middle ear. This may include surgical procedures for things like

otosclerosis, or removing middle ear tumors such as cholesteatomas.

They may also perform CI surgery.

> 3. Otologists (Neurotologists)

> At the top of the pile is the otologist (oh-TOL-uh-jist) and

neurotologist (NEU-roe-oh-TOL-uh-jist). Otologists and

neurotologists are medical doctors who have trained as ENTs and then

completed additional studies is the sub-specialty of otology (or

neurotology). These are the real ear experts and are the doctors

that know the most about inner ear problems.

> If you experience sudden hearing loss and there is no obvious

reason, these are the doctors that most likely will be able to help

you. In fact, otologists/neurotologists are the only doctors (as a

whole) that seem to recognize the true emergency nature of sudden

hearing loss. Unfortunately, there are not very many

otologists/neurotologists in the country.

> Finding an Otologist (Neurotologist)

> Since otologists are few and far between, finding an otologist or

neurotologist near you may be difficult, especially if time is an

important factor. If you live in the United States or Canada,

probably the quickest and easiest way to find an otologist or

neurotologist is to go to the website of the American Academy of

Otolaryngology†" Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

>

> __________________________________________________

>