Otology & Neurotology Specialists in Atlanta, GA

Vestibular Disorders (Balance Disorders)

The inner ear contains part of the body’s balance system. When this system is affected, it can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and motion sensitivity. Vestibular symptoms can come from several different conditions, so an accurate diagnosis is important.  

Our specialists diagnose and treat vestibular disorders such as:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Chronic dizziness and balance problems
• Other causes of vertigo and imbalance, including vestibular migraine

Your evaluation may include a detailed history, hearing and balance testing, and imaging when appropriate to help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide treatment. 

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

A vestibular schwannoma, also known as an acoustic neuroma, is a benign tumor that typically develops on the balance portion of the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. It may cause progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, imbalance, or dizziness/vertigo.

Because treatment depends on the size of the tumor, hearing status, symptoms, and rate of growth, careful evaluation is essential. Our neurotology specialist works with a multidisciplinary skull base team to recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient.  

Treatment options may include:

• Monitoring with MRI and hearing testing
• Microsurgical removal in selected cases
• Hearing-preservation approaches when appropriate
• Advanced skull base surgery techniques
• Radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery for selected patients  

Chronic Ear Disease

Chronic ear disease refers to long-term problems of the middle ear and eardrum that can lead to repeated infections, hearing loss, drainage, or damage to the structures of the ear. Common examples include chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, eardrum perforations, and mastoid disease.  

These conditions may cause persistent symptoms and, in some cases, can worsen over time if left untreated. Our otology and neurotology specialists evaluate the source of the problem and recommend treatment based on the extent of disease, hearing status, and whether the ear structures have been affected.  

Treatment may include:

• Medication or medicated ear drops
• Careful ear cleaning and monitoring
• Eardrum repair
• Surgery to remove cholesteatoma or chronic infection
• •Reconstruction of the middle ear to improve hearing and help prevent complications  

Treatment may involve medication, ear surgery, or reconstruction of the middle ear structures to restore hearing and prevent complications.

Advanced Otology & Neurotology Procedures 

Stapes Surgery for Otosclerosis

Stapes surgery, including stapedectomy and stapedotomy, is used to treat conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis. Otosclerosis occurs when abnormal bone remodeling fixes the stapes bone in place, preventing normal sound transmission to the inner ear.

During surgery, the fixed stapes is bypassed or partially replaced with a small prosthesis to improve hearing. For many appropriately selected patients, this procedure can provide significant hearing improvement.

Bone Conduction Hearing Devices

Bone conduction hearing devices bypass the outer and middle ear and send sound directly to the inner ear through the bone. They can help selected patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness.  

Our practice offers both traditional bone-anchored hearing systems and newer options such as the Osia implant. Because Osia is an under-the-skin implant rather than an abutment-based device, it may offer cosmetic advantages and fewer skin or wound-healing issues for some patients. 

Cochlear Implants 

A cochlear implant is an advanced hearing device for patients with significant sensorineural hearing loss who are not getting enough benefit from hearing aids. It works by bypassing damaged inner-ear structures and directly stimulating the auditory nerve, which can improve access to sound and speech.  

Our specialists provide cochlear implant evaluation and treatment for appropriately selected patients, with recommendations based on hearing test results, prior hearing-aid benefit, and individual communication needs.

Skull Base and Temporal Bone Surgery

Neurotology includes specialized surgical care for conditions involving the temporal bone and lateral skull base, areas that contain important structures for hearing, balance, and facial movement. Because these procedures involve delicate nerves and inner-ear structures, they require careful planning and highly specialized expertise.  

These procedures may be used to treat:

• Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
• Other skull base and temporal bone tumors
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
• Selected complex conditions affecting hearing, balance, or the facial nerve  

Our Atlanta specialists use advanced skull base and temporal bone surgical techniques with the goal of treating disease safely while preserving hearing, facial nerve function, and balance whenever possible. The best approach depends on the specific diagnosis, anatomy, hearing status, and overall treatment goals.  

Why Choose Our Atlanta Otology & Neurotology Specialists

Patients throughout Atlanta and the surrounding metro area trust our team for expert care of hearing, balance, and complex ear conditions. Our specialists provide advanced evaluation and treatment backed by fellowship training, modern technology, and a commitment to personalized care.

Our practice offers:

• Fellowship-trained expertise in otology and neurotology
• Advanced diagnostic testing for hearing and balance disorders
• Comprehensive medical and surgical treatment options
• Coordinated care with audiologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists when appropriate
• Individualized treatment plans designed to support long-term hearing and quality of life

Whether you are experiencing hearing loss, dizziness, chronic ear disease, or a complex skull base condition, we are committed to helping you find answers and the right treatment path.