Patrick Slater, MD

I was recently referred to Dr. Slater by my ENT. I have nothing but high praise for Dr. Slater and his staff. Everyone was knowledgable, considerate and patient in explaining my medical needs and answering my questions. I never felt rushed or had to wait more than 5 minutes to see the doctor. Dr. Slater was very open, patient and thorough in communicating the details of my medical condition and the surgery that was needed. I felt totally confident in Dr. Slaters ability to perform the procedure. Surgery was performed at The Hospital at Westlake Medical Center. This is a great facility with excellent staff and accommodations. I would highly recommend Dr. Slater.

In July I had a cerebral angiogram to evaluate possible causes of my pulsatile tinnitus. The results were all clear, but at my follow-​up appointment the NIR recalled that Dr. Slater at Austin Ear Clinic was running a study to evaluate a surgical intervention for PT. I was desperate for relief, if not answers, so off I went to another specialist.
As the only otologist in Austin, Dr. Slater keeps a rather busy schedule. It took a few weeks to get in for an appointment, but once there I was seen quickly and had in-​depth discussions about my condition with both Dr. Slater and Mr. Clark, one of his PA’s. Dr. Slater discussed the surgical option, but wanted me first to be tested for intracranial hypertension since it’s a contraindication to cranial surgery. Meanwhile, he promised to look over the results of my previous scans.
So off I went to a neurologist for a lumbar puncture, where lo and behold I discovered that 1) I did have intracranial hypertension and 2) that was the root cause of my PT. Well cool, no surgery needed (hopefully).
At the follow-​up visit, we discussed the results and how it meant I couldn’t/shouldn’t have the surgery, but probably didn’t need to anyway. We chatted about surgical methodology a bit and I informed him further on some other cutting edge work being done on the East Coast to diagnose and treat causes of pulsatile tinnitus. It was very refreshing to have a doctor talk to me like an actual intelligent human being rather than just a know-​nothing layperson.
Reasons for only 4 stars:
1) Even after I got the intracranial hypertension diagnosis back, Dr. Slater (or at least his audiologists) insisted I still come in for extensive audiological/​balance testing. That was interesting in its own right, but was still 2 hours of my time and another specialist copay out of my pocketbook. So meh.
2) I didn’t get the impression that he’d looked at my imaging studies, just the reports. I was really hoping to have another trained eye take a look at them, since sometimes radiologists can miss something.
But, overall a good practice. Busy, but good.

Dr. Slater has saved my hearing twice. Once when he removed a growth from my inner ear and once when he repaired my perforated ear canal when another Dr. perforated it, trying to remove the same kind of growth. I realize now that one needs an Otologist who specializes in the workings of the ear. No other Dr. will get near my ear! My hearing is important to me and Dr. Slater’s calm and competent manner, always make me feel like I am in good hands. And I have been.
Even though he is the only ear specialist in Austin, I have never had to wait at his office.
His assistant Lisa is always on top of things and Dr. Andrew, Taryn, Dixie and Mindy make what would otherwise be a difficult experience a very smooth procedure. Austin is lucky to have Dr.Slater. He worked hard to be able to perform the procedures he makes so pain free.