Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor

An ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) is highly educated in medical conditions that focus primarily on the neck up. Patients see ENTs for a variety of reasons ranging from hearing disorders to allergies to acid reflux. The doctors in our office see patients of all ages.

Training and Experience

Ear, nose, and throat doctors specialize in a branch of medicine called otolaryngology. These types of medical professionals are required to undergo extensive training and complete rigorous hours of schooling to become certified. Ultimately, they have to complete at least five years of surgical training following college and medical school. Some otolaryngologists complete advanced training after undergoing their surgical training, so they gain another two years or more learning about their subspecialty. Some ear, nose, and throat doctors specifically treat and focus on only certain areas, such as pediatric otolaryngology, otology, neurotology/audiology, allergies, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck injuries, laryngology, and rhinology. However, at The University of California Irvine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, we have a group of outstanding professionals and researchers that can provide attention for all of these subspecialty categories. When you schedule an appointment with our offices, you will find that you have access to a top ear, nose, and throat doctor in the area.

Our professionals regularly teach and train medical students and physicians who are training to work in the field. Our faculty is also regularly invited to present lectures and research at the regional, national, and international levels.

Conditions

There are a great number of issues that can surface relating to the ear, nose, and throat. All of these areas are connected to the upper respiratory system. Some of the most common conditions that we see include:

• Chronic ear infections
• Throat infections
• Acid reflux
• Balance problems
• Allergies
• Ear, nose, and throat injuries
• Asthma
• Sinus problems
• Deviated septum
• Nasal congestion

One of the other special services that an ear, nose, and throat doctor can provide is a sleep evaluation. It is not uncommon to be unaware of many different kinds of sleep issues, like snoring or sleep apnea. If you find that you feel unrested during the day, it might be best to schedule an appointment so we can determine if there are any hindrances to your sleep. For example, sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing off and on in your sleep.

There are many other conditions that we treat in our offices. We take great care to evaluate your symptoms and your medical history to determine an accurate diagnosis. We also may choose to perform diagnostic tests, like x-rays, to rule out other conditions or to get a better picture of the situation. After a thorough diagnosis, we can begin to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Treatments

The best treatment for your ear, nose, and throat condition depends on many factors, including the severity of your condition and your medical history. We are careful to explain all treatment options and go over what you can expect from the treatment and your symptoms afterward. For some patients, conservative treatments are all that is required. An example of a conservative treatment would be the ear, nose, and throat doctor cleaning earwax out of the ear to relieve pain and restore slight hearing loss.

For other patients, surgery is necessary. Your doctor may need to surgically place tubes in yours or your child’s ear to allow for proper fluid draining and prevent recurring ear infections. If you have sleep apnea, you may need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to keep the airway open while you sleep.

We also treat malignant and benign cancers of the face and neck, as well as perform complete aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery in cases of deformity or injury.

Do I need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor?

You should schedule an appointment with our offices if you experience any symptoms related to your ear, nose, throat, head, or neck. This includes pain, discomfort, loss of sensation, numbness, or lumps, for example. Contact our office with any concerns so that we can help you to resolve your symptoms. There are many conditions related to this area of the body that respond best to early treatment methods.

In some cases, your primary care doctor may recommend that you see an ear, nose, and throat doctor for an issue that requires specialized attention. Take advantage of our exclusive concentration and areas of expertise by contacting our offices today.