Otology Neurotology

The ear is connected to the brain by an intricate series of nerves. In order to understand, diagnose, and treat the medical issues that arise in the ears, one must also comprehend the complexities of that part of the nervous system. Neuro-Otology focuses on the neurological components of the auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) systems within the ear.

In order to become a neurotologist, a physician must have completed a five-year residency program in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (also known as ear, nose, and throat surgery), and then an advanced fellowship training in otology/neuro-otology.

Dr. Joshua Light is a fellowship-trained neurotologist. He provides both medical and surgical care for adults with diseases affecting the ears, facial nerves, the base of the skull, as well as treat other head and neck issues.

A more extensive list of the medical problems and corresponding treatments includes:

• Evaluating and managing sounds in the ear, also known as tinnitus
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Conductive hearing loss
• Trauma-related hearing loss
• Otosclerosis and Stapedectomy Surgery to correct it
• Vertigo, Meniere’s disease, benign positional vertigo, vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis, and other disorders causing dizziness and/or imbalance
• Facial nerve disorders and conditions, such as Bell’s palsy or the presence of tumors
• Perforations of the eardrum
• Ear infections and inflammation
• Congenital malformations of the ear
• Surgical hearing reconstruction procedures, such as Tympanoplasty, Ossicular Chain Reconstruction, and Mastoidectomy
• Surgical restoration of hearing with cochlear implants or hearing aids
• Removal of benign and malignant tumors
• Correction of unsuccessful surgeries performed by other ear, nose, and throat physicians