Medical Resources

Oto-Neurology (Otoneurology, Medical Neuro-Otology) is a neurological (non-surgical) discipline which fuses neurology and medical otology/neurotology. Upon completion of medical school, oto-neurologists / medical neuro-otologists obtain formal residency training in neurology (4 years) and additional fellowship-training (1-2 years) in hearing, tinnitus and balance disorders - including a special focus on eye movement abnormalities and disorders of the brain and brainstem.

Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders arising from a broad spectrum of causes. There are approximately 42 highly-trained medical doctors specializing in otoneurology / medical neurotology in active clinical practice throughout the USA. [Also, there are approximately 30 medical doctors (non-surgical) in Europe, Australia and Asia working in the field of otoneurology.] They are clustered in twelve large cities mostly east of the Mississippi with a few specialists in California and Oregon. Arizona is fortunate to have two oto-neurologists serving the local community as well as the Southwest states: Dr. Terry D. Fife, mentor and collegial friend, and I.

An otoneurologist works closely with ear nose and throat surgeons - otolaryngologists, otologists/neurotologists/ear and skull base surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, pain specialists, rheumatologists, internists, endocrinologists, family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, audiologists, doctors of audiology, physical therapists, doctors of physical therapy, vestibular physiotherapists, and auditory neuroscientists in an effort to deliver customized and comprehensive care.