Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat as well as head and neck disorders. Waco Ear, Nose & Throat is prepared to treat all of your otolaryngology needs, as well as providing audiology and speech pathology services.
Among the services provided at Waco Ear, Nose & Throat are:
Ear
Trauma
Infections
Swimmer's Ear |
Head / Neck
Thyroid
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Lumps in Neck
Adenoids
Tonsils |
Nose
Deviated Septum
Sinus Disorders
Polyps
Nose Bleeds |
Throat
Snoring / Sleep Apnea
Acid Reflux Disease
Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders) |
Audiology
Hearing Problems
Ringing in Ears
Swimmer's Plugs
Hearing Aids |
Speech Pathology |
Support Group
Waco ENT hosts a monthly support group for patients and family, friends or anyone needing to know more about surviving throat cancer, post-surgical voice prosthetics and to offer a way to share experiences and successes with each other. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the conference room at Six West Medical Center and is facilitated by a speech pathologist experienced in the area of communication post-layngectomy. To be placed on the mailing list, individuals or physician’s offices should call Waco ENT at 254-776-7744.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions are normally treated at Waco Ear, Nose & Throat?
Our specialized practice involves the diagnosis and treatment of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck is known as Otolaryngology. Otolaryngologists are often referred to as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors. Regarding the ears, ENT physicians assess the outer, middle and inner ear conditions. Medical and surgical treatments are available depending on the type of problem. Nasal (nose) problems are often related to sinus and allergy problems. Breathing, snoring, sleep apnea and voice difficulties make up the throat portion of the practice. Head and neck problems include tumors and thyroid problems. Medical and surgical treatments are available depending on the type of problem.
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What is the most common type of hearing loss?
With thorough testing, we will be able to inform you of the type and cause of your hearing loss in most cases. Hearing loss can be related to noise exposure, hereditary factors, medical pathologies, congenital problems and others. The most common type of hearing loss is aged related and can most often be helped with quality digital hearing aids.
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Does Waco Ear, Nose & Throat dispense hearing aids?
Yes. Our Audiologists are eminently qualified to assist you in selecting the appropriate device that will most completely meet your specific lifestyle needs. We offer a broad range of brands and levels of hearing aids, and are committed to helping you transition to their use in the smoothest and most stress free way possible.
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Can I have my allergies tested and treated at Waco Ear, Nose & Throat?
Our facility is equipped to test for all common and general allergies. We also provide a full allergy clinic, which will administer prescribed allergy treatments for your convenience.
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Why do I cough?
The three most common reasons that people cough who are nonsmokers are postnasal drip syndrome, asthma and acid reflux disease. With postnasal drip syndrome, there is frequent nasal discharge and throat clearing. On examination, the back of the throat looks “rough” and may be associated with sinusitis. Your ENT physician will recommend the appropriate tests and medication for treatment. Asthma, which is nonsymptomatic except for cough, can be difficult to diagnose and may be caused by cold air, fumes, fragrances, or exercise. The third most common reason that people cough is acid reflux disease. Some people have classic symptoms such as heartburn or sour taste in the mouth while others have no classic symptoms at all. Medication and lifestyle changes are the treatment. If you are a smoker, it is strongly recommended that you stop smoking. Get help with cessation if necessary.
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What causes hoarseness?
Abnormal voice changes that case the voice to sound breathy, raspy or strained is hoarseness.
These changes are usually due to disorders related to the vocal folds. The most common causes are acute laryngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, or irritation caused by excessive voice use or prolonged misuse of the voice. Vocal abuse can lead to vocal nodules that are callous-like growths, or may lead to polyps. Vocal nodules are frequently seen in children who raise t heir voices in play and in adults who speak loudly or with strain such as coaches, teachers, preachers, and cheerleaders. People who must speak over machinery at work are also at risk.
Reflux disease can cause hoarseness when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus and/or pharynx causing irritation to the vocal folds. Smoking is another cause of hoarseness and or throat cancer. If smokers become hoarse, they should see an ENT physician. Other causes include allergies, thyroid problems, neurological disorders, trauma and advanced age.
Problems with the voice are best managed by a team of professionals who understand how the voice functions. These professionals are ENT physicians, speech pathologists and teacher or singing, acting or public speaking.
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It is difficult to swallow when I eat or drink. What can Waco ENT do to help me?
People of all ages can have difficulty swallowing, but it usually occurs in the elderly, those with neurological disorders and those who have reflux disease. Complaints of having a lump in the throat, pain, or coughing/choking-like symptoms are often reported. Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can become a serious problem because it can lead to aspiration of foods and liquids into the windpipe and can contribute to malnutrition and dehydration.
There are tests that can be performed to determine what type of swallowing disorder is present and what treatments are necessary. An ENT physician will usually listen to your case history and determine the appropriate instrumental assessment. These may include a test where a flexible endoscope is inserted through the nose and just above t he larynx (voice box) or a barium swallow test which is modified by presenting various textures of barium to asses the function of swallowing through its various stages. Based on the results of these tests, recommendations are usually made to either make some changes in food presentation, an instructed method of swallowing or rehabilitation techniques administered by a speech pathologist.
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