The Ear and Balance Center of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is dedicated to excellence in the treatment of hearing and balance disorders. Evaluation of the patient begins with the detailed history of the patient complaints.  Examination of the patient is designed to evaluate hearing and balance. Testing of hearing and balance may be arranged. Testing is chosen carefully, so as not to subject the patient to an unnecessary time commitment or financial expense.

After the diagnostic work-up is completed the otologist and patient will discuss the diagnosis in detail.  Supplementary reading material is available for the patient concerning their specific diagnosis.

Based on the diagnosis a treatment plan will be recommended. This may include the administration of certain medications, the prescription of a hearing aid, or, in certain circumstances, the recommendation of surgical therapy. Patient should feel assured that any and all treatments recommended by physicians at The University of Tennessee Ear and Balance Center have been carefully reviewed for their scientific and clinical validity. Thus the patient can be secure in their knowledge that they will be offered the best treatment currently available.

Research is an important aspect of our activities at the University of Tennessee Ear and Balance Center.  Participation in scientific studies enables our physicians and scientists to remain up to date on the latest advancements. Additionally, it enables us to maintain our commitment to advance the practice of hearing and balance medicine and surgery.  Two basic science laboratories have been established at our centers dedicated to the study of hearing science. These laboratories receive both internal and external funding and are actively engaged in scientific research that is directly related to the clinical practice of our discipline.

Expertise in the practice of hearing and balance medicine and surgery has allowed us to become a leading center involved in the teaching of this discipline. We are heavily involved in the teaching of residents from the Departments of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics. In addition, we offer several refresher and update courses for practitioners in our field. We are very proud of our educational accomplishments, and hope that they are contributing to excellence in the practice of medicine.