Otology
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Otologyis a branch ofmedicinewhich studies normal,pathologicalanatomyandphysiologyof theear(hearing.Otology also studiesvestibularsensory systems,related structures and functions), as well as theirdiseases,diagnosisand treatment.[1][2]Otologic surgery generally refers to surgery of themiddle earandmastoidrelated to chronicotitis media,such astympanoplasty,or ear drum surgery, ossiculoplasty, or surgery of the hearing bones, andmastoidectomy.Otology also includes surgical treatment of conductive hearing loss, such asstapedectomysurgery forotosclerosis.
Neurotology(a related field of medicine and subspecialty ofotolaryngology) is the study of diseases of the inner ear, which can lead to hearing and balance disorders. Neurotologic surgery generally refers to surgery of the inner ear, or surgery that involves entering the inner ear with risk to the hearing and balance organs, including:labyrinthectomy,cochlear implant surgery, and surgery for tumors of the temporal bone, such as intracanalicularacoustic neuromas.Neurotology is expanded to include surgery of the lateral skull base to treat intracranial tumors related to the ear and surrounding nerve and vascular structures, such as large cerebellar pontine angleacoustic neuromas,glomus jugularetumors and facial nerve tumors.
Some of the concerns of otology include:
- identifying the underlying mechanisms ofMénière's disease,
- finding the causes oftinnitusand developing treatment methods,
- defining the development and progression ofotitis media
Related concerns of neurotology include:
- studying signal processing in thecochlear implantpatient,
- investigating postural control areas andvestibulo-ocularmechanisms.
- studying the genetics ofacoustic neuromasin patients withneurofibromatosis,to better understanding how to treat these tumors and prevent their growth.
See also
[edit]- Audiology– Branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders
- Ear Research Foundation– Research institute in USA
- Neurotology– Head and neck surgery (otorhinolaryngology) subspecialty
- Stenvers projection– Radiological technique
- TWJ Foundation– UK health charity
References
[edit]- ^Pappas, Dennis G. (1 February 1996). "Otology Through the Ages".Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.114(2): 173–196.doi:10.1016/s0194-5998(96)70162-6.ISSN0194-5998.PMID8637729.
- ^"Otolaryngology (ENT)/Head and Neck Surgery".Mayo Clinic.Retrieved18 Sep2020.
