Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngology)
Conditions We Treat
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux happens when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (tube that carries food to the stomach from the mouth), called the esophageal sphincter (LES), does not close properly and stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest area. Acid reflux is caused by a number of things, including certain foods like citrus foods and onions, alcohol, and conditions like pregnancy and being overweight.
Go to Detail PageAging and Swallowing
Swallowing is a complex process that changes over time, and swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) can be associated with aging.
Go to Detail PageAnkyloglossia (Tongue-tie)
Ankyloglossia, which is also referred to as tongue-tie, is a condition where the tongue cannot move normally because it is attached to the floor of the mouth by the frenulum, which is too tight.
Go to Detail PageAspiration
Aspiration is a medical term for accidentally inhaling your food or liquid through your vocal cords into your airway, instead of swallowing through your food pipe, or esophagus, and into your stomach.
Go to Detail PageAutoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED)
Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an inflammatory condition of the inner ear. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the inner ear that are mistaken for a virus or bacteria. AIED is a rare disease occurring in less than one percent of the 28 million Americans with a hearing loss.
Go to Detail PageBalance Disorders
The brain, inner ear, muscles, joints, central nervous system, senses and blood vessels/heart all work together for normal balance. These links are called the vestibular system. Sometimes a disease or injury can damage this system causing dizziness, vertigo, trouble with walking or balancing, and sometimes difficulty with hearing and vision
Go to Detail PageBell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy occurs when the facial nerve is damaged by pressure or swelling and does not work properly, resulting in paralysis (weakness) and distortions of the face.
Go to Detail PageBenign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV (commonly known as “having rocks in the head”) is the most common inner ear problem and cause of vertigo, or false sense of spinning.
Go to Detail PageChildren’s Hearing Loss
As the parent of a child with newly diagnosed hearing loss, you will have many questions and concerns regarding the nature of this problem, its effects on your child’s future, treatment options, and resources. This brief guide will give you necessary initial information, and provide guidance about the availability of resources, and the respective roles of different care providers.
Go to Detail PageCholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This condition usually results from poor Eustachian tube function concurrent with middle ear infection (otitis media), but can also be present at birth. The condition is treatable, but can only be diagnosed by medical examination. Over time, untreated cholesteatoma can lead to bone erosion and spread of the ear infection to localized areas such as the inner ear and brain. If untreated, deafness, brain abscess, meningitis, and death can occur.
Go to Detail PageChronic Sinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis, or sinusitis, is a common medical condition affecting about 10-15% of people.
Go to Detail PageConductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss results when there is any problem in delivering sound energy to your cochlea, the hearing part in the inner ear.
Go to Detail PageCricopharyngeal Muscle Dysfunction
If the cricopharyngeal muscle (CPM) in your throat malfunctions or is impaired, this can cause you to have difficulty swallowing.
Go to Detail PageDeviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline. The most common symptom from a badly deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through the nose.
Go to Detail PageDysgeusia
Dysgeusia is a condition where a person’s perception of taste is altered; everything seems sweet, sour, bitter, or metallic. Taste disorders are common in adults.
Go to Detail PageDysphagia
Dysphagia means that you can’t swallow well. Many factors may cause dysphagia, and most are temporary and non-life-threatening.
Go to Detail PageEar Infection and Hearing Loss
Otitis media refers to inflammation of the middle ear. When an abrupt infection occurs, the condition is called "acute otitis media." Acute otitis media occurs when a cold, allergy, and the presence of bacteria or viruses lead to the accumulation of pus and mucus behind the eardrum, blocking the Eustachian tube. This can cause earache and fever.
Go to Detail PageEaraches
Earache, or pain in the ear, is common and can occur in both children and adults. Earaches can be due to a problem with the ear or structures close to the ear.
Go to Detail PageEars and Altitude (Barotrauma)
When the eustachian tube in your middle ear is blocked due to altitude or pressure changes (barotrauma), air cannot be equalized, and a vacuum occurs.
Go to Detail PageEarwax (Cerumen Impaction)
Earwax (also known as cerumen) is produced by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal and is designed to trap dust and dirt particles keeping them from reaching the eardrum. Usually the wax accumulates, dries, and then falls out of the ear on its own or is wiped away. One of the most common and easily treatable causes of hearing loss is accumulated earwax. Using cotton swabs or other small objects to remove earwax is not recommended as it pushes the earwax deeper into the ear, increasing buildup and affecting hearing. Excessive earwax can be a chronic condition best treated by a physician.
Go to Detail Page