You should consider consulting an ENT specialist if you experience persistent symptoms such as hearing loss or ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), recurring ear infections, dizziness or balance problems, chronic nasal congestion or sinus pressure, frequent nosebleeds, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of smell or taste, persistent sore throat, hoarseness lasting more than 2-3 weeks, difficulty swallowing, snoring or sleep apnea, or a lump in the neck. Early evaluation of these symptoms can lead to more effective treatment and prevent potential complications.

Hearing loss diagnosis begins with a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist, including pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition tests, and tympanometry to assess eardrum function. Treatment depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss (affecting the outer or middle ear) may be treated with medication, ear wax removal, or surgical procedures. Sensorineural hearing loss (affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve) is typically managed with hearing aids, cochlear implants for severe cases, or assistive listening devices. Mixed hearing loss requires a combined approach. Our ENT specialists work closely with audiologists to create personalized treatment plans that address each patient's specific hearing needs and lifestyle considerations.

Chronic sinusitis treatment follows a stepped approach. Initial management includes saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, and antibiotics for bacterial infections. For allergy-related sinusitis, antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, or immunotherapy may be recommended. If medical therapy fails to provide relief, minimally invasive surgical options include Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to remove blockages and improve drainage, or Balloon Sinuplasty, which dilates sinus openings with less tissue removal. Our ENT specialists also address contributing factors such as nasal polyps, deviated septum, or environmental irritants. Treatment plans are customized based on symptom severity, underlying causes, and previous treatment responses.

Snoring and sleep apnea are often caused by airway obstruction during sleep. Common factors include obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, nasal congestion, deviated septum, aging-related muscle relaxation, alcohol consumption before bedtime, and certain medications. Treatment begins with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before sleep, and changing sleeping position. Medical interventions include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, oral appliances that reposition the jaw, and surgical options such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or procedures to address nasal obstruction. For mild cases, nasal strips or dilators may provide relief. Our ENT specialists work with sleep medicine experts to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the condition and underlying causes.

Treatment for recurrent tonsillitis depends on frequency, severity, and impact on quality of life. For acute episodes, we typically prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, along with pain management and hydration. For recurrent cases, we consider tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) when a patient experiences: seven or more episodes in one year, five or more episodes per year for two consecutive years, three or more episodes per year for three consecutive years, or complications such as peritonsillar abscess or airway obstruction. Modern tonsillectomy techniques have improved recovery times and reduced post-operative pain. For children, we carefully weigh the benefits against risks, considering factors like missed school days, sleep disturbances, and impact on eating. Each case is evaluated individually to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Recent advances in treating balance disorders include improved diagnostic technologies such as video nystagmography (VNG), rotary chair testing, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) that allow for more precise identification of the source of balance problems. For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common vestibular disorder, we use specialized repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver with high success rates. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy has evolved to include customized exercise programs and sometimes virtual reality-based rehabilitation to retrain the brain's ability to process balance information. For Ménière's disease, intratympanic steroid or gentamicin injections provide targeted treatment with fewer side effects than systemic medications. Surgical options have become less invasive, including endolymphatic sac procedures and vestibular nerve section when appropriate. Our comprehensive approach includes addressing underlying causes such as medication side effects, cardiovascular issues, or neurological conditions.