Ear, Nose, and Throat

Allergies

Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system reacts to a substance that has entered the body. These reactions often involve the production of inflammatory substances, blood vessel dilation, and tissue destruction, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, scratchy throat, watery eyes, and headaches. Allergies are rarely life-threatening but can have a negative effect on quality of life. Our allergy specialist can help identify what is causing your symptoms, and develop a management plan.

Head and Neck Tumors

Our team specializes in the treatment of head, neck and thyroid tumors. From diagnosis and treatment to speech and swallowing rehabilitation, our team is prepared to help you every step of the way. Our focus is reaching an accurate diagnosis through comprehensive testing and providing the best treatment options for each patient. We are constantly evaluating latest research findings with newest techniques and therapies to offer our patients the best care possible.

Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation

We treat the full spectrum of hearing disorders in children and adults using sophisticated diagnostic techniques and innovative technology. Our team of ENT physicians and audiologists develop an individualized plan for each person. Some types of hearing loss can be corrected with surgery. At DHR Health we are proud to offer a new "incision-less" technique in ear surgery known as endoscopic ear surgery.

Many types of hearing loss can also be ameliorated with the use of conventional hearing aids. In addition, many implantable hearing devices, such as Cochlear implants, are available for various types of hearing loss. Your otolaryngologist can determine the specific cause of the hearing loss, advise treatment and rehabilitative options, and help patients achieve the best possible outcome.

Septal Deviation

When the thin wall between your nasal passages is displaced, it is referred to as a deviated septum. A deviated septum can cause one nasal passage to be smaller than the other, and when severe, it can reduce airflow and cause breathing difficulties. A deviated septum may also cause nasal bleeding, facial pain, obstruction of the nostrils, and snoring. Surgery for a deviated septum may be recommended if other treatment options have failed, and your symptoms persist.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen, which causes mucus buildup and drainage problems. If the symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks despite treatment attempts, the condition is referred to as chronic sinusitis. Because the symptoms of sinusitis are similar to that of a cold or allergies, you may not realize you need to see a doctor. We can evaluate your symptoms, and if a diagnosis is made, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs. At the DHR ENT institute we offer balloon sinuplasty as well as endoscopic sinus surgery. Both procedures have minimal down time and offer excellent results.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring may be a sign of obstructed breathing and an underlying medical condition. Persistent snoring can deprive you of the rest you need, and it may be cause of obstructive sleep apnea, which can cause long-term health problems. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. We can help you determine the source of snoring, and offer solutions to improve your health.

Thyroid

Imbalance of Thyroid disorders can create a disturbance in the functions that regulate how the body metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as in how it uses energy, consumes oxygen, and produces heat. A diagnosis will indicate recommended Thyroid treatment to restore hormone levels to their proper balance.

Tonsils and Adenoid

Tonsils and adenoids are often removed when they become enlarged and lead to breathing or swallowing difficulty. Tonsils are also removed when infections or strep throat frequently occur and cannot be successfully treated with antibiotics. The surgery to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy; the removal of adenoids is called an adenoidectomy.

Voice and Swallowing Problems

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, occurs in all age groups but more frequently among the elderly. Dysphagia is defined as the feeling of difficulty passing liquid or food from the mouth to the stomach. Difficulty swallowing can by many factors, such as poor dental health, gastro esophageal reflux, diabetes, stroke, thyroid disease, or, most rarely, a tumor or progressive neurological disorder.

Voice problems include having a pitch, loudness or vocal quality that draws attention to itself rather than to what the speaker is saying. A voice problem may also include pain, discomfort or fatigue when voicing. Voice Disorders range from a mild laryngitis to severe life-threatening diseases that may require extensive treatments. Any hoarseness or voice change that persists for longer than two weeks should be medically evaluated.