Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

OTOLOGY, NEUROTOLOGY, & CRANIAL BASE SURGERY

When it comes to conditions that affect hearing and balance, you want the very best care provided by an experienced physician who specializes in ear medicine and surgery. At the University of Kentucky’s Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery, you’ll find fellowship-trained ear surgeons with extensive experience who perform complex ear surgery on a routine basis.

In partnership with the Division of Audiology, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services for disorders of the ear and skull base, the most complete source for ear care in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Ear diseases that we regularly provide care for include:

• Chronic ear infections
• Facial weakness or paralysis
• Hearing loss
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Perforated ear drums
• Repair of middle ear bones
• Cancer of the ear
• Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
• Inflammatory disease of the ear
• Temporal bone trauma

Surgical treatments for theses conditions are offered and include:

Rehabilitation of hearing loss: stapedectomy, ossicular chain reconstruction (middle ear implants), cochlear implants, and bone conduction implants (BAHA and Ponto)

Chronic ear infections: tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy

Cancers: Combined surgical management with Head and Neck Oncology

Tumors of the cranial base (such as vestibular schwannoma): We provide surgical management through different surgical approaches and offer hearing preservation surgery. Additionally, our surgeons have experience in Gamma Knife radiosurgery and collaborate with the Department of Neurosurgery.

Research within our division focuses on improving hearing function throughout the Bluegrass State, especially in children, and our team is making strides to improve access to hearing specialists. Additionally, tumors of the cranial base are a research focus within this division and our surgeons are working to provide new treatment options for patients.

Each patient is unique and we are committed to individualized care. The staff will address your needs in a welcoming environment. You’ll find that the Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery will provide the very best patient care for you and your loved ones. Caring for you is our profession and our passion.