Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

You rely on your ears, nose and throat for many things every day. Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat care) is the pediatric and adult surgical and medical care for conditions that affect these areas. Audiology is the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. You might need these services if you have severe or constant symptoms such as chronic earaches, loss of taste or smell, sinus problems, hearing loss or trouble swallowing.

Otolaryngologists, audiologists and speech language therapists offer a full range of services including comprehensive audiometric testing and hearing aid fitting and follow up. We use modern and less-invasive methods, such as endoscopic sinus surgery, intra operative nerve monitoring, coblator tonsillectomies and image guidance technology.

Common problems we see include chronic ear infections and chronic tonsil infections that require surgery, chronic or severe sinus infections, head and neck endocrine problems including thyroid nodules and cancers and hyperparathyroidism.

Ear, nose and throat at PeaceHealth

Convenient for you

Specialists at PeaceHealth provide care close to home. With convenient locations, easy scheduling and specialties under one roof, you don’t have to go far for care. PeaceHealth has a Sleep Disorder Center and a comprehensive Cancer Center on site to support your care needs.

Surgical experience

PeaceHealth is a community leader in surgery for the ears, nose and throat. Surgeons at PeaceHealth offer methods that aren’t found anywhere else in the community, including transoral laser microsurgery.

Integrated care

Providers at PeaceHealth work with specialists from many areas to design your treatment plan. They work with doctors who specialize in surgery, cancer care, sleep medicine, gastroenterology, neurology and more. You can benefit from a dedicated, integrated team.

Personal attention

At PeaceHealth, your care team uses many advanced therapies to tailor treatment to your needs. You’ll have help from the team of experts at PeaceHealth who will work together to offer you complete care.

Conditions We Treat

Balance and vestibular problems

Your vestibular system, or the link between your inner ear and brain, is what helps you keep your balance. Problems with this system can lead to Meniere’s disease, vertigo or dizziness.

Ear Problems

Ear problems can lead to pain, swelling and hearing loss. Infections, diseases and structural problems with the outer ear, bones of the inner ear or eardrum can cause these issues.

ENT Cancer

A number of cancers can affect the ears, nose and throat. These include head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, tonsil cancer and cancer of the mouth.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen for many reasons, including infections, tumors and injuries. Age-related hearing loss can also happen. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, can be a symptom of hearing loss or other problems.

Nasal and Sinus problems

Nasal passage issues can include chronic sinus infections, a deviated septum that doesn’t respond to medications, severe nosebleeds, nasal polyps and more. A deviated septum — displacement of the layer of cartilage that separates your nostrils — can cause breathing problems. Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths on the nasal passage.

Sleep Conditions

Your nose and throat can affect your sleep and disturb those who are sleeping around you. Snoring is caused when your airway is partly blocked. Sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition, causes you to stop breathing while sleeping. Young children and teens can experience sleep problems which can often be treated by a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

Tonsillitis

Your tonsils are two masses of tissue at the back of your throat. Tonsillitis occurs when these masses become inflamed, which leads to a sore throat and trouble swallowing.

Tumors and nodules

Noncancerous growths can take place on your thyroid, vocal cords or other places. If found in the throat, these growths can cause hoarseness.

Voice and larynx disorders

Disease and injury can affect the voice box, which may lead to vocal cord dysfunction, swallowing disorders or growths.

Treatments Provided

Audiology and hearing services

Audiologists provide custom ear molding for hearing aids and earplugs. They also provide hearing aid fittings and assistive listening devices.

Diagnostics/laboratory services

On-site blood draws, urinalysis, strep tests, X-rays and more.

ENT Surgery

Surgery is a way to treat many ear, nose and throat(ENT) problems. If surgery is needed to treat your condition, your doctor will use the least invasive method possible. Common ear and throat surgeries include:

Balloon sinuplasty – Uses a catheter (tiny tube) and a balloon to clear nasal passages, pain-free
Turbinate reduction – Reduces the size of an enlarged structure in your nose by cutting it away or using radiofrequency (heat) ablation (remove tissue)
Septoplasty – Repairs the bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils
Ear tubes – Relieve fluid buildup or prevent infection in the inner ear
Tonsillectomy – Removes infected tonsils
Endoscopic sinus surgery – Treats chronic sinus infections and polyps using the latest in image guidance, balloon sinuplasty techniques and steroid implants.

In the case of head and neck cancer, your surgeon may recommend a thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy or minimally-invasive transoral laser microsurgery.

Hearing tests

To evaluate hearing and diagnose potential issues, audiologists conduct a variety of specialized and comprehensive hearing tests for patients of all ages.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

If you have osteoporosis, you may work with a physical therapist to help strengthen your bones with weight-bearing exercises. Your therapist will also help you improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility to prevent falls.