ENT (ear, nose and throat) physicians are also known as otolaryngologists. As the name suggests, they address problems having to do with the ears, nose and throat, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, sinus infections, swallowing disorders and speech disorders. They also specialize in sleep disorders, and they can perform surgeries on the head, skull base and neck.
According to an otolaryngology workforce analysis published in 2016, “The top diagnoses consisted of otitis media, chronic sinusitis, and impacted cerumen.”
Otitis Media
Otitis media, more commonly referred to as a middle ear infection, is caused by fluid becoming trapped in the middle ear. This occurs when the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, become inflamed, usually due to a respiratory infection or allergies. Sometimes, bacteria can grow in this fluid.
In many cases, an ENT will take a wait-and-see approach with otitis media. However, in some cases antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic cases of otitis media may require ear tubes to be placed.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis, or sinus infections, are another common reason to see an ENT physician. The sinuses are air pockets located behind the cheeks, nose and forehead that are lined with mucus. When they become inflamed, mucus can become trapped, causing symptoms such as:
- Facial pain and pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Thick discharge from the nose
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Headache
- Toothache
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
When these symptoms persist 12 weeks or longer, the sinusitis is considered chronic. Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include corticosteroids, saline irrigation, antibiotics, endoscopic surgery or balloon sinuplasty.
Impacted Cerumen
Cerumen is the medical term for earwax. While some earwax in the ears is healthy, if you produce too much or if you wear hearing aids, it can become impacted. Symptoms of impacted earwax include:
- Earache
- Itchy ear
- Fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss at crowded places such as North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Odor or discharge from the ear
An ENT physician at Palmetto ENT & Allergy can safely remove impacted earwax. Never try to remove it with a cotton swab, hairpin or tweezers.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Palmetto ENT & Allergy today.