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Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/gol/oh/gee) is the area of medicine that specializes in conditions of the ears, nose and throat. Otolaryngologists, or ENT specialists - as they are commonly known - train for six years in residency to become proficient in the medical and surgical treatments of the head and neck region, including the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, upper pharynx (mouth and throat), thyroid and ears. The unique skills learned in this specialty allow an ENT doctor to treat both children and adults.
The following explains in more detail what the ENT Physician does for the patient:
Hearing loss and Tinnitus
We can diagnosis the many causes of hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, and offer a full range of hearing aid dispensing services. Other causes of hearing loss, which we diagnose and treat, include cerumen (wax) impaction and conductive hearing loss such as otosclerosis. Tinnitus (noises heard in the ear) can be related to hearing loss or may arise from other sources. For more information on tinnitus, visit www.ata.org.
For more information on hearing loss and audiology, please visit: www.audiology.org and www.healthyhearing.com.
Ear infections
Ear infections can be found in the external (outer), middle or inner ear and may require special tools for treatment such as a binocular microscope. Eardrum perforations, chronic drainage or cholesteatoma are possible sequelae of chronic ear infections and may need a combined medical and surgical approach for treatment.
Dizziness
Disorders of the inner and middle ear can sometimes cause dizziness or the sensations of imbalance or vertigo. Careful examination of the ears and possible special testing may be required to determine the source of the problem and help us define the proper treatment necessary for the patient. For more information on vertigo, visit www.vertigoheel.com.
Ear Deformities
Protruding ears are best treated before children begin school so as to lessen psychological trauma from being labeled or teased. This disorder is easily treated with minor surgery and a little “TLC.” Many insurances will cover this type of surgery in childhood.
Nasal obstruction
Breathing problems are often caused by “mechanical” disorders leading to the obstruction of airflow. Such disorders include nasal septal deviations, polyps or enlarged adenoidal tissue. A combined medical and surgical approach may be used to give relief from nasal obstruction, including treatment of allergies.
Nasal deformities or fractures/Rhinoplasty
Sometimes patients are dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of their nose, whether or not they’ve experienced nasal trauma. An ENT specialist treats the nose as a complete unit and, therefore, both the functional as well as cosmetic issues of the nose are addressed. This means that not only should the nose look good but breathing problems should also be corrected. An individual “one–on-one” approach is taken in these cases, and preoperative photos are reviewed in detail with the patient. We believe in assuring the patient that his/her wishes are adhered to as we strive to help patients achieve the relief they need and the look they desire.
To see preop/postop photos, please click here.
Sinuses
Disorders of the sinuses are diagnosed and treated after a careful examination, which may include radiological imaging. Our conservative approach to the treatment of sinusitis will initially include medication, nasal rinses and possible allergy testing and treatment. If conservative measures fail to adequately treat a patient’s chronic condition, and the CT scan confirms mechanical obstruction to the sinus outflow tract, then minimally invasive outpatient surgery may be recommended. For more information on sinuses, visit www.sinucleanse.com.
Environmental allergies can produce a multitude of symptoms in the head and neck region, including nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, itchy throat, sinus pressure and headaches, itchy ears and ear pain. We provide skin testing for a wide variety of allergens common to the New England area and adhere to a safe and meticulous protocol for administering allergy shots. The goals of allergy immunotherapy are to alleviate symptoms, decrease the need for oral medications and nasal sprays and decrease the frequency of potential sinus infections.
Snoring and sleep apnea
Obstruction to breathing may result from the structures of the nose and throat and is a very common cause of snoring. This may also be a sign of a more serious problem called obstructive sleep apnea. This refers to a period of ten seconds or longer during which time the person stops breathing due to the mechanical obstruction. The diagnosis relies on a complete examination of the head and neck region and usually a sleep lab test to objectively quantify the patient’s problem. The treatment is geared towards correcting the cause of the problem, which may involve a combination of medical and surgical approaches. Snoring without apnea may be corrected by a minimally invasive office based procedure.
Tonsils
Children and adults may suffer from tonsillar disorders including recurrent infections and enlarged or obstructive tonsils. After medical therapy fails to adequately treat the problem, surgery is usually very successful in completely curing these disorders. Hospital-based surgery is undertaken with the greatest care and using the latest available technology.
Voice
ENT specialists are uniquely able to diagnose and treat problems of the larynx or voice box. Hoarseness is a symptom that may represent many different kinds of disorders of the larynx including vocal cord nodules, polyps or problems with the movement of the vocal cord. Fiberoptic and stroboscopic imaging allows for the diagnosis and guides the proper treatment. Video imaging allows the patient to visualize the vocal cord anatomy in order to gain a better understanding of the problem. Treatment may include medications, voice therapy or outpatient surgery using the latest in microsurgical technology and instrumentation.
Please visit www.asha.org for more information on speech, language and swallowing.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate many body functions. Sometimes, the thyroid may produce lumps, which need to be examined to evaluate for possible removal. A head and neck specialist best performs this assessment. The diagnosis may require fine needle aspiration, specialized tests to examine the larynx, as well as radiologic imaging. Surgery is undertaken with the greatest of care and skill to ensure a speedy recovery.
Neck masses
There are many causes of neck masses including congenital cysts and enlarged lymph nodes. In many cases, these are benign (noncancerous) masses, which are treated through careful surgery.
Throughout time people have always been searching for the fountain of youth. Thankfully today there are a number of more realistic ways to rejuvenate your appearance and keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. Our experts can help you determine which procedure is right for you.
Botox
Botox weakens the muscles in a particular area forcing them to relax and thereby eliminating wrinkles. For more information about botox, visit www.botox.com.
Laser Hair Removal
At Lexington ENT, we offer the latest in long-lasting hair removal techniques. Our experienced, medically trained professionals use a laser to emit a gentle beam of light through the skin to disable the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.
Restylane and Collagen
Restylane is a dermal filler made from non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. It is a natural substance found in the human body that, when injected, provides volume and fullness to the skin to correct deep wrinkles and folds. For more information on restylane, visit www.restylane.com.
Collagen is a natural protein that provides structural support throughout the body; it is injected to “plump up” an area and decrease fine lines and wrinkles. For more information on collagen treatment, visit www.inamedaesthetics.com.
For pretreatment and post treatment pictures, please click here.
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