There are three types of ear infections. In children middle ear infections with fluid behind the ear drum are the most common. External ear infection or swimmer's ear is an infection of the skin of the ear canal and usually does not involve the middle ear space. The third type of infection is an inner ear infection or labyrinthitis which is usually associated with severe dizziness or vertigo. Each of these types of infection has specific treatments and possible complications. The treatment can include topical ear drops, oral medications as well as placement of ear wicks and drainage of the middle ear with a myringotomy tube.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Kids Health U.S. National Library of MedicineDizziness encompasses multiple types of balance problems including vertigo. The balance system in the ear, the visual system and the neurologic system together make up our balance. Diseases of the ear often are responsible for balance problems as well as for vertigo. The diagnoses of balance disorders is difficult and requires a detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate tests. There are many ear related causes of dizziness that can be treated.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery U. S. National Library of MedicineThe causes of hearing loss vary depending on age. In children it usually due to middle ear fluid while in the elderly it is due to weakening of the hearing nerves. Evaluation of hearing loss begins with a complete history, physical examination and a hearing test. Depending on the etiology of the hearing loss different treatments may be available ranging from medical therapy to microscopic reconstruction of the ear drum and middle ear bones. In certain situations hearing aids may be required or patients may need to be considered for cochlear implantation. Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is generally due to hearing loss but other causes, including brain tumors, can be identified. It is important for people with tinnitus to undergo a complete examination as well as audiologic evaluation. There are multiple treatment choices for tinnitus.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery U.S. National Library of Medicine American Tinnitus Association Kids HealthOur office provides comprehensive hearing assessments by a doctor of audiology who works in association with a board certified ENT physician. Sale and service for most nationally recognized brands of hearing aids is available.
Sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the nasal and sinus cavities. Patients may experience sinus pressure, headaches, purulent nasal drainage, nasal obstruction as well as other symptoms. The patient is evaluated through a detailed history and physical examination. The nasal-sinus passages can be evaluated with in-office flexible fiberoptic endoscopy to assess the extent of disease and check for polyps. CT scan can be obtained to visualize the inside of the sinus cavities. A frequent contributing factor to sinus disease is allergic disease and allergic testing can be done. Once the patient is fully evaluated the treatment options including oral and intranasal medications, allergy therapy, or image-guided surgery can be discussed.
We also offer in office balloon sinuplasty treatment.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery National Institutes of HealthSnoring is a common problem which is often due to excess tissue in the throat as well as nasal airway obstruction. Patients who actually stop breathing at night may have sleep apnea which contributes to multiple health problems. Each person with these complaints undergoes a physical examination and may need to have a sleep study done to check for sleep apnea. There are many treatment options both medical and surgical depending on severity and cause of the problem.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck SurgeryPeople can experience many problems due to the tonsil disease. Some people are bothered with recurrent tonsil infections and if these are unresponsive to medical therapy, tonsillectomy may be necessary. Tonsil enlargement or hyperthrophy can cause breathing problems, snoring, or even contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. The tonsils have small pockets or crypts and debris can accumulate in them causing persistent infection and halitosis. If a patient has persistent pain, bleeding, or abnormal appearing tonsil, then imaging studies as well as biopsy may need to be performed to rule out serious medical problems.
U.S. National Library of Medicine Kids HealthCough can be related to nasal-sinus disease, laryngeal abnormalities, lung disease and to other problems including neurologic etiologies. The evaluation of cough requires a detailed history as well as a complete physical examination. Occasionally further testing including imaging studies, breathing tests, and direct visualization of the voice box may be necessary.
U.S. National Library of Medicine American Family Physician Pulmonology ChannelMasses encountered in head and neck area can be either benign or malignant. An abnormal growth needs to be evaluated. Often a diagnoses can be made with history and physical examination and medical treatment can be utilized. Some patients may need further evaluation with ultrasonography, MRI and/or CT scan as well as other possible imaging studies. A biopsy may be done either through a fine needle usually without scaring or occasionally an open biopsy with an incision is required.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery U.S. National Library of Medicine (salivary tumors) U.S. National Library of Medicine (head and neck cancer)Hoarseness and other voice changes can be due to anatomic abnormalities within the voice box or due to neurologic problems. After the patient's history is obtained, the voice box can be visualized using a mirror or with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. Depending on the cause, patients can be treated with medications or speech therapy, and some may require surgical biopsy to rule out serious medical conditions.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery U.S. National Library of MedicineHoarseness and other voice changes can be due to anatomic abnormalities within the voice box or due to neurologic problems. After the patient's history is obtained, the voice box can be visualized using a mirror or with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. Depending on the cause, patients can be treated with medications or speech therapy, and some may require surgical biopsy to rule out serious medical conditions.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery U.S. National Library of Medicine EndocrinewebAllergies are a significant medical problem for many children and adults. Seasonal as well as perennial allergies can contribute to persistent sinusitis, bronchitis, as well as ear problems. Allergies are diagnosed through the patient's history, physical examination as well as allergy testing. Once the specific allergens are identified avoidance techniques as well as immunotherapy can be utilized in addition to antihistamines in order to obtain optimal results.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Allergy & Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AANMA) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)One of our main goals is make the office visit least stressful and as pleasant as possible for both the child and the parent.
American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery