Reasons to See an ENT Specialist or Audiologist

Primary care physicians can treat some ear, nose, and throat issues, such as laryngitis, but they may not have the knowledge to diagnose or treat other conditions that ENTs do. Patients with the following problems should consider visiting an otolaryngologist:

Chronic Ear, Nose, and Throat Discomfort

A patient may experience a sore throat or stuffy nose when they have a cold, but if symptoms persist, there might be an underlying issue. For instance, a chronic sore throat coupled with painful swallowing may suggest a person has tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils. Another example is chronic sinusitis, or a constant stuffy nose. Such a disorder may develop from allergies, a deviated septum, or other causes.

Ear infections are a common issue that affects people, particularly those between six months and two years old. They may stem from allergies, colds, and similar illnesses that cause congestion. When ear infections become constant, the patient should consult an otolaryngologist.

An ENT specialist can assess the best solution for each patient struggling with a chronic ear, nose, or throat issue. They can determine if the person needs surgery, such as ear tubes or tonsillectomy, or if antibiotics are sufficient treatment.

Unusual Sensations in the Ear

Vertigo, or dizziness, occurs when a person loses their balance. Most people know this feeling, as it often happens after standing up too fast. The inner ear is one part of the body that plays an integral role in maintaining equilibrium. When calcium crystals in the inner ear move from their regular position, it can lead to vertigo. ENT doctors can help patients manage their symptoms and overcome the bodily imbalance.

Another atypical sensation in the ears is tinnitus or ringing. Tinnitus has no external cause, happens more than once a week, and lingers for over five minutes with each occurrence. Currently, no cure is available for tinnitus, but an otolaryngologist can offer patients techniques for handling the ringing.

Sleep Apnea

People who struggle to breathe or stop breathing altogether throughout the night have sleep apnea. Some of the more conspicuous symptoms include loud snoring or choking. An ENT doctor may ask a patient with a sleeping issue to undergo a study that establishes how they sleep and how the body responds to these problems during slumber. This assessment enables the physician to offer a more effective treatment plan for the patient.

Hearing Loss

Trouble with hearing is the primary reason to visit an audiologist. These specialists know how to diagnose the issue and have numerous options to treat the patient. Some indications a person has a hearing problem include:

• Difficulty hearing voices during meetings, at public events, or in areas with background noise
• More trouble hearing women and children than men or those with low voices
• Frequently turning the volume on the television up to a level that others find too loud
• Constantly asking people to repeat themselves
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (rapid hearing loss that occurs within several days or all at once)

Seek Audiology and Otolaryngology Services at Memorial Healthcare

Patients throughout Michigan trust Memorial Healthcare to provide compassionate ENT and audiology services. Besides receiving care at the 161-bed facility in Owosso, MI, patients can visit one of the other locations throughout mid-Michigan. As a non-profit hospital governed by an independent Board of Trustees, Memorial Healthcare works collaboratively with patients, leaders, and residents in the community to constantly augment care services. Contact us today to learn more about otolaryngology and audiology.