Otology is a branch of medicine which studies normal and pathological anatomy and physiology of the ear (hearing and vestibular sensory systems and related structures and functions) as well its diseases, diagnosis and treatment.  Oto- is the greek root word for ear and -ology refers to the study of something.  The Otologist is primarily a surgeon, but many disorders of the ear are helped with only medical treatment.  The Otologist sees patients who have infections, deafness, dizziness or people who need ear reconstruction.

Neurotology is closely related to Otology but adds the training and skill to operate within the skull on the parts of the brain and neurvous system related to hearing and balance.  Neurotologists operate on acoustic neuromas, glomus tumors and other conditions found deep in the skull. Neurotologists also perform cochlear implantation surgery.

Of possible interest:

Inner Ear Anatomy and Cochlear Implantation:Morphological Observations Relevant to Implant Trauma~article by Drs. Gary Wright and Peter Roland
Acoustic Neuromas
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma~article by Dr. Peter Roland.
Glomus Tumors
Perilymph Fistula
Otosclerosis
Meniere's Disease
Cochlear Implants
Sudden Hearing Loss
The Resident Lecture Series

Thanks to the American Hearing Research Foundation and the Dallas Cochlear Implant Program for the above information.