Comprehensive Care for Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, diagnose and treat disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. But when exactly should you schedule an appointment with one?

Common Reasons to See an ENT Specialist:

• Persistent sinus problems: Chronic sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks despite treatment
• Hearing loss or ear issues: Sudden hearing loss, chronic ear infections, tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Balance disorders: Frequent dizziness or vertigo that affects daily activities
• Throat problems: Chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing, voice changes lasting more than 2 weeks
• Nasal obstruction: Difficulty breathing through your nose, especially if one-sided
• Snoring or sleep apnea: Loud snoring with breathing pauses during sleep
• Head and neck masses: Lumps in the neck, thyroid nodules, or facial pain

Many patients wait too long before seeking specialized care. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It's a specific type of dizziness that creates a false sense of spinning or motion.

Common Causes of Vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause, caused by tiny calcium particles in the inner ear
• Meniere's Disease: Inner ear disorder causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually from a viral infection
• Migraine-associated vertigo: Vertigo as a symptom of migraine headaches
• Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, hearing tests, and balance assessments. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley maneuver), medication, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or in rare cases, surgery.

If you experience recurrent episodes of vertigo, especially with hearing changes or neurological symptoms, consult an ENT specialist for proper evaluation.

While snoring is common and often harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder that requires medical attention.

Key Differences:

Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea:

• Loud snoring with gasping or choking sounds
• Observed pauses in breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• High blood pressure

Sleep apnea is associated with serious health risks including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you suspect sleep apnea, an ENT specialist can perform a sleep evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or surgical interventions.