At Endeavor Health, fellowship-trained otologists lead medical and surgical care for chronic ear disease, dizziness and complex neurotology conditions.
They treat disorders of the ear, inner ear and lateral skull base and work closely with audiologists and other specialists to ensure coordinated, personalized care.
Ear or balance issues may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Symptoms of an otology or neurotology condition may include:
- Ear pain, irritation or ear drainage
- Chronic ear infections
- Hearing loss, especially if worse in one ear
- Ringing in one or both ears
- Dizziness, vertigo or unsteadiness
- Facial weakness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our otology specialists can provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Our experts offer care for a variety of conditions:
- Acoustic neuroma/vestibular schwannoma
- Cholesteatoma
- Ear infections (e.g., chronic otitis media, or middle ear infection)
- Ear tumors (benign and malignant)
- Glomus jugulare tumors
- Meniere’s disease
- Otosclerosis
- Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
- Tympanic membrane perforation
- Atresia of the ear canal
- Other lateral skull base tumors
- Pediatric otology
Our otology specialists perform a thorough evaluation that may include a detailed history, physical examination and microscopic ear exam. Audiologic testing is often completed during the same visit to assess hearing function.
Advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI scans, may be ordered to evaluate inner ear disorders or lateral skull base tumors. Many skull base tumors, including acoustic neuromas, are benign growths that require careful monitoring and individualized treatment planning.
Our team collaborates closely with neurosurgery, radiation oncology and other specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your condition, symptoms and personal preferences.
Our fellowship-trained otology specialists collaborate across multiple disciplines, combining advanced diagnostics with medical and surgical expertise, to restore hearing, improve balance and optimize quality of life. We offer:
- Balance care: Evaluation and treatment for vertigo, dizziness, and Meniere’s disease
- Cochlear implants: Surgical placement for severe or profound hearing loss
- Mastoidectomy: A procedure to remove infected or damaged cells from the bone behind the ear
- Osseointegrated implants: Implantable hearing solutions for certain types of conductive or mixed hearing loss
- Ossiculoplasty: Surgery to repair or replace the tiny bones in the middle ear
- Skull base surgery: Advanced approaches for acoustic neuroma, vestibular schwannoma and other tumors
- Stapedectomy: A procedure to replace a stiff or damaged stirrup bone in the middle ear with a tiny prosthetic
- Tympanoplasty: Surgery to repair a hole or damage in the eardrum
Cochlear implants
For adults with severe or profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants may provide access to sound and speech that amplification alone cannot deliver.
A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that bypasses damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that the brain learns to interpret.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have significant hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand speech, even with hearing aids
- Have word recognition scores that remain limited despite amplification
- Are medically able to undergo surgery
Candidacy is determined through a comprehensive evaluation that includes hearing testing, speech understanding assessment and medical review.
Your care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team that includes otology surgeons and audiologists.
The process typically includes:
- Comprehensive hearing evaluation
- Imaging, such as CT or MRI, when needed
- Surgical placement of the implant (typically outpatient)
- Device activation and programming several weeks after surgery, once the implant site has healed
- Ongoing follow-up and auditory rehabilitation
Hearing with a cochlear implant is a learning process. With consistent use and follow-up care, many patients experience improved speech understanding, greater awareness of environmental sounds and increased independence.
Cochlear implants do not restore natural hearing, but they can significantly improve communication for the right candidate.
If hearing aids are no longer helping you hear clearly or follow conversations, a cochlear implant evaluation may help determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Most patients begin with a comprehensive hearing test. If testing shows significant hearing loss and limited speech understanding, your care team may recommend a cochlear implant evaluation.
During the evaluation, specialists review your hearing history, conduct detailed hearing and speech testing, and determine whether a cochlear implant may improve your ability to hear and communicate.
If appropriate, imaging such as a CT or MRI may also be recommended to evaluate the inner ear before surgery.
To schedule a cochlear implant evaluation, call (847) 504-3300.
Why Endeavor Health?
Our specialists combine advanced diagnostics and surgical expertise to deliver comprehensive care for complex ear and skull base conditions.
You benefit from a collaborative approach, as our otology specialists consult neurosurgery, radiation oncology, audiology, oncology and rehabilitation specialists when needed.
Our otology and neurotology specialists are board-certified physicians with advanced training in complex ear and skull base surgery.
Make an appointment
If you are experiencing ear conditions or balance problems, our otology specialists can help. We offer comprehensive testing, advanced treatments and collaborative care for both children and adults.
Clinical trials & research
Our otology specialists participate in clinical trials and research projects aimed at improving hearing restoration, implantable hearing devices and skull base surgery. Our patients may have opportunities to participate in innovative studies that shape the future of care.
