Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in treating a range of conditions, including tonsil infections, mouth breathing, snoring in children, sinus disease, allergic cold, nose fracture, cosmetic nose issues, deviated nasal septum, nose block, ear wax, and thyroid swelling.
Additionally, we offer services such as endoscopy of the ear, nasal endoscopy, laryngoscopy, audiology services, hearing aids, speech therapy, and more.

Common symptoms of ENT disorders may include ear pain, ear wax buildup, ear blockage, hearing issues such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), throat pain or sore throat, frequent colds, allergic rhinitis, snoring in children, mouth breathing, nasal congestion or blockage, runny nose, headaches, and changes in voice quality.

You should consider seeing an ENT specialist if you experience sudden hearing loss that was normal previously, ear blockage or discharge following a cold episode, recurrent and long-lasting cold episodes (4-5 times a year), frequent sore throats after consuming cold items, if your child snores or frequently breathes through their mouth, even outside of cold episodes, severe ear pain, persistent ear discharge or voice changes lasting more than a week, or if your nasal congestion worsens or causes breathing difficulties, particularly while sleeping. These symptoms may indicate underlying ear, nose, or throat issues that require professional evaluation and treatment.

Diagnostic tests commonly performed for ENT-related issues include ear endoscopy to examine the ear canal and eardrum, nasal endoscopy to assess nasal passages and sinuses, laryngoscopy to examine the throat and voice box, audiometry to evaluate hearing abilities, impedance testing to assess middle ear function, and BERA (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing to diagnose hearing disorders affecting the auditory nerve and brainstem. These tests help ENT specialists accurately diagnose and treat various ear, nose, and throat conditions.

We offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for ear, nose, and throat conditions, including ear cleaning and wax removal, ear piercing, closure of ear lobe tears, insertion of grommets (ventilation tubes) for middle ear ventilation, tympanoplasty (eardrum repair), septoplasty (nasal septum correction), adenoidectomy (adenoid removal), tonsillectomy (tonsil removal), rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery), treatment for voice disorders, cochlear implant surgery for severe hearing loss, sinus surgery for sinusitis, and specialized treatment for sudden hearing loss. These treatments are tailored to address specific ENT issues and promote optimal health and function of the ear, nose, and throat.

A cochlear implant is a device designed to provide hearing sensations to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit significantly from traditional hearing aids. It works by bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear and stimulating the auditory nerve directly, allowing users to perceive sound signals. Candidates for cochlear implants typically include adults with acquired severe hearing loss over time due to various factors, as well as children born with profound deafness who struggle to understand and develop speech. These individuals often find limited benefit from hearing aids and may benefit more from the advanced technology of cochlear implants to improve their ability to hear and communicate effectively.

• Evaluation: The first step is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist and audiologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant. This evaluation may include hearing tests, medical history reviews, imaging studies, and discussions about your expectations and goals.
• Pre-surgery preparation: If you are deemed a candidate for a cochlear implant, you will undergo pre-surgery preparations, which may include additional medical assessments, counseling, and discussions about the implantation process, potential risks, and benefits.
• Surgery: The next step involves undergoing surgery to implant the cochlear device. The surgical procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision behind the ear, placing the internal component of the implant into the inner ear, and securing it in place. The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients can return home on the same day.
• Activation and programming: After the surgical site has healed, typically a few weeks later, the external component of the cochlear implant, including the speech processor and microphone, is attached. The audiologist then activates and programs the device, customizing settings to optimize sound perception based on individual needs and preferences.
• Rehabilitation and adjustment: Once the cochlear implant is activated, rehabilitation and adjustment are essential for adapting to the new way of hearing. This may involve auditory training, speech therapy, and regular follow-up appointments with the audiologist and ENT specialist to monitor progress, make adjustments to device settings, and address any concerns or challenges.

When considering cochlear implant surgery, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits:

Risks: Like any surgery requiring general anesthesia, there are inherent risks, although they are minimal for cochlear implant surgery. Around 5% of patients may experience surgical complications such as bleeding or infection at the surgical site.

Benefits: Cochlear implants can offer significant improvements in hearing and speech understanding. For children implanted at a young age, they have the potential to develop speech and hearing skills comparable to their peers with normal hearing. Research suggests that the earlier a child born deaf receives an implant, the greater the benefits in speech development and hearing abilities. Ultimately, the potential benefits of improved hearing and quality of life often outweigh the risks associated with cochlear implant surgery.

During the recovery period after cochlear implant surgery, you can expect the following:

• Healing: Initially, you'll need time for the surgical incision to heal. This typically takes a few weeks.
• Device activation: The cochlear implant device is usually switched on about 2-3 weeks after surgery. However, during this time, you won't be able to hear through the implanted ear as the device isn't activated yet.
• Switch-on: Once the healing period is over, the implant and processor are programmed and mapped in a process known as "switch-on." This is when the device is activated, allowing you to begin experiencing sound through the cochlear implant.

Overall, the recovery period involves patience as you wait for the surgical site to heal and the device to be activated, but it marks the beginning of your journey toward improved hearing and communication abilities.

Caring for your ears and preventing ENT-related problems involves ongoing commitment and maintenance, especially for those with cochlear implants:

• Regular follow-ups: After receiving a cochlear implant, it's essential to attend regular hospital appointments for fitting of external components, programming, and mapping of the processor and transmitter.
• Aural rehabilitation: Cochlear implant recipients require ongoing aural rehabilitation services to optimize their hearing outcomes. Children born with deafness may need more extensive rehabilitation, while adults with acquired deafness may require fewer sessions.
• Annual check-ups: Regular annual check-ups are important to monitor the function of the cochlear implant and address any concerns or adjustments needed for optimal performance.