Dr. Slater is an neurotologist and otologist. What is an Otologist? "OTO" is the Greek word-root for "ear". Therefore, microsurgery of the ear is often called, "Otomicrosurgery" or "Otologic" surgery. Specialists who perform ear surgery are called "Otologists". Otolaryngologists (also called ear-nose-and-throat, or ENT, doctors) are physicians who have advanced training in disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT) and head and neck.

NEUROTOLOGISTS are physicians who in addition to their ENT requirements continue their specialized training for an additional year or more in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear. Dr. Slater is currently the only board certified neurotologist in central Texas and Austin. Otolaryngologists, neurotologists and otologists are the physicians who typically treat disorders of the ear (or hearing mechanisms) requiring medical or surgical solutions.

There are a number of different types of ear problems which may require medical treatment. The general categories of ear problems would include infections, hearing disorders, inflammatory disorders, neurologic problems and various benign or malignant tumors. The Austin Ear Clinic offers treatment for a wide variety of ear problems.