Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States and one of the broadest in the medical profession. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

As Board Certified Otolaryngologists, our physicians have completed five years of specialized training, including four years specializing in the head and neck region. They are surgeons as well as physicians, and manage pediatric and adult head and neck conditions using the latest medical and surgical methods.

Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face, and many ENT primary care problems in both children and adults.

Ears – Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

Nose – About  35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of otolaryngologists’ expertise.

Throat – Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

Head and Neck – This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Areas of Expertise :

• Otology/Neurotology – Diseases of the ear, including trauma (injury), cancer, and nerve pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance.
• Pediatric Otolaryngology – Diseases in children with special ENT problems including birth defects in the head and neck and developmental delays.
• Head and Neck– Cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the head and neck, including the thyroid and parathyroid.
• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive surgical treatment of abnormalities of the face and neck.
• Rhinology – Disorders of the nose and sinuses.
• Laryngology–Disorders of the throat, including voice and swallowing problems.
• Allergy –Treatment by medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or avoidance of pollen, dust, mold, food, and other sensitivities that affect the ear, nose, and throat.