Below is a list of common disorders evaluated and treated by an otolaryngologist. If you have one of these problems, please use our member list to contact an otolaryngologist near you.
Ear problems:
–Hearing loss: There are different types of hearing loss. Some types of hearing loss may require a hearing aid, but some hearing can be made better by surgical procedures.
–Tinnitus: This is a common term for ringing in the ears. There are different causes of tinnitus and management options.
–Dizziness: Some types of dizziness are due to inner ear disorders that are treatable.
–Ear infections: Ear infections can often be managed with medications, but patients may also be candidates for procedures to prevent ear infections.
Mouth and Throat:
–Trouble swallowing: Contact an otolaryngologist if you have difficulty swallowing, are coughing up blood, or have a chronic sore throat.
–Infections: Mouth sores, mouth pain, tonsillitis are common problems.
–Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Awareness of sleep apnea and the medical problems it causes are increasing. Otolaryngologist diagnose and treat sleep disordered breathing.
–Hoarseness: Voice changes or pain with speaking.
–Breathing difficulties: Upper airway problems can cause shortness of breath, often associated with stridor, which is a high pitched sound from turbulent airflow.
–Acid Reflux: GERD, or heartburn symptoms.
Nose and Sinuses:
–Infections: Sinusitis can be treated with medications, or sometimes surgery.
–Nasal obstruction: Sometimes caused by polyps, deviated septum, or congestion. Otolaryngologists can improve nasal breathing, either with medications or surgery.
–Epistaxis: Nosebleeds may require packing or cauterization.
–Allergy: Testing for allergies is important for treating the allergies with avoidance techniques, medications, and allergy shots or sublingual drops.
–Loss of sense of smell or taste: Should be evaluated to look for treatable causes.
Neck:
–Salivary gland disorders: Salivary gland infections, excess saliva (drooling), or growths in salivary glands.
–Thyroid disorders: Thyroid nodules or growths should be evaluated. Some need to be removed because of concern for cancer or compressive symptoms.
–Parathyroid disorders: Overactive parathyroid glands that cause high calcium levels can be removed by otolaryngologists.
–Neck masses: Abnormal growths and cancers in the head and neck should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist.
Facial Trauma and Plastic Surgery:
–Cosmetic surgery: Some otolaryngologists are trained to perform facial plastic surgery.
–Skin cancers or growths: Skin abnormalities on the face and neck can be removed and closed using plastic surgery techniques.
–Facial trauma: Broken facial bones or lacerations.