We are proud to announce that we are taking our services to the next step by offering ear, nose and throat providers at El Paso Hearing Aid and Audiology Center. In addition to our hearing aid and audiology services, El Paso Hearing Aid and Audiology Center now provides otolaryngology, or ear, nose and throat, services (ENT). If you are experiencing an issue related to these body areas, your primary care physician may refer you to our ENT specialist.
An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, is a doctor who can treat a variety of issues related to the ear, nose and throat. Unlike an audiologist, an ENT is capable of performing surgeries. As such, ENTs can provide additional care for their patients.
Common reasons to visit an ENT
Patients will often be referred to our ENTs for the following reasons:
- Lump in the neck
- Change in the voice, not related to puberty
- Growth in the mouth
- Changes in the skin around the ears, nose or throat
- Persistent earache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
- Recurrent sinusitis
- Loss of smells
- Hearing problems
- Deviated septum
What conditions do ENTs treat?
The ENTs at El Paso Hearing Aid and Audiology Center treat conditions as referred by our audiologists, including:
Head and neck
- Facial trauma and cosmetic reconstruction: Surgery performed on abnormal structures of the face, head and neck, typically caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infection, tumors or disease.
- Facial aesthetics, such as skin resurfacing, Botox and fillers
- Thyroid and parathyroid: Disorders with the thyroid gland can cause a number of different issues, causing a disturbance in how the body metabolizes fat, proteins, and carbohydrates.
- Parotid and other salivary glands: Anything from infections to salivary stones can cause problems to
- Throat and neck cancer and reconstruction: Depending on the stage of cancer, you may require throat reconstruction to help your body function more normally. Your ENT doctor will work with you to help you understand what you can expect during the surgery and recovery time.
Nose and mouth
- Sinus surgery: A procedure that opens the pathway of the sinuses; typically a last resort for individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis.
- Sleep apnea and airway reconstruction: Surgery for sleep apnea can help individuals suffering from the debilitating sleep issue finally get relief once and for all.
- Skin cancer and reconstruction: Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Once treated, your doctor may recommend reconstruction depending on the extent of your condition. The goals of skin cancer reconstruction are to minimize the appearance of scars from surgery and restore your regular aesthetics.
Pediatric ENT: We offer the utmost compassionate pediatric ear, nose and throat care for children and common conditions and treatments, including:
- Tonsillectomy: If your child experiences frequent sore throats and inflamed tonsils, an ENT specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy. This surgery removes the tonsils to prevent further sicknesses and complications from sore throats.
- Adenoid surgeries: Adenoid glands are located behind the nose at the roof of the mouth and are typically removed during a tonsillectomy. Removal is considered when they become inflamed or swollen during an illness and make it difficult to breathe.
- Ear tube surgery: Children who develop frequent ear infections may benefit from having tubes put in. These tubes help drain fluid better and can prevent recurrent ear infections.
- Congenital abnormalities: Conditions like microtia, canal stenosis and cleft palate are congenital abnormalities that can impact a child’s ability to hear or speak clearly. ENT doctors can assess these conditions and perform the surgeries needed to improve quality of life.
Hearing loss and ear surgery: For severe cases of hearing loss that might require surgical treatment, our ENT specialist can provide care.
Other medical conditions:
- Headache: Conditions like sinusitis and ear infections can cause an aching head. Depending on the cause behind your headaches or migraines, the ENT doctor may be able to recommend treatment to alleviate the pain you are experiencing.
- Difficulty swallowing: There are numerous problems that can cause you to have difficulty swallowing, a symptom known as dysphagia. This can be caused by something like a tumor or nerve problems.
- Balance issues: Balance issues can be caused by vertigo, a condition that makes you feel as though you are spinning or dizzy. An ENT specialist will evaluate the symptoms leading up to your vertigo and can recommend a host of treatments, ranging from therapies to surgery.
- Chronic cough: Chronic cough is typically seen in patients with undiagnosed sinus issues. This cough can cause difficulty catching your breath, as well as inability to take deep breaths.