A broad general medical training allows appropriate investigation and medical management of the plethora of conditions of both peripheral (otological) and central nervous system origin, presenting with acute audio-vestibular symptoms. These include degenerative, infectious, inflammatory, vascular, traumatic and metabolic disorders.

Subspecialty areas include vestibular / neuro-otology, auditory processing disorders, tinnitus, hyperacusis, assessment of patients for suitability for cochlear implantation, bone anchored hearing aids and cleft palate as well as developmental disorders of speech and language. Both adult and paediatric audiovestibular services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams, in which the audiovestibular physician plays a key role, aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life of the individual concerned.

Training in the specialty (under the auspices of the Royal College of Physicians) includes aspects of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Developmental Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Medical Genetics and Psychiatry. This breadth of this training facilitates continuing research and development into the methods of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of two of the most common sensory disabilities.