Start with what you need treated.

Hearing loss treatment is individualized based on whether the loss is conductive (affecting sound transmission through the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed, determined through detailed audiological testing. Conductive hearing loss may be treated with medication, ear wax removal, or surgical procedures such as tympanoplasty to repair the eardrum or ossicular chain. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically managed with hearing aids for mild to moderate cases, while severe to profound loss unresponsive to hearing aids may require cochlear implantation. Non-surgical treatments involve outpatient fitting and adjustment sessions, while surgical options require anesthesia and a short hospital stay. Regular audiology follow-up ensures the chosen treatment continues to provide optimal hearing benefit. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, particularly in children for speech and language development.

Hemiglossectomy is a major surgical procedure performed to remove cancerous tumors affecting one half of the tongue, aiming to achieve complete removal with clear margins while preserving as much remaining tongue function as possible. Depending on the extent of the tumor, the surgery may be combined with removal of nearby lymph nodes in the neck (neck dissection) and reconstructive surgery using tissue from another part of the body to restore tongue shape and function. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and can take three to six hours depending on complexity and whether reconstruction is needed. Patients typically require a temporary feeding tube and intensive speech and swallowing therapy during recovery to relearn these functions with the remaining tongue tissue. Recovery of clear speech and safe swallowing can take several weeks to months with dedicated rehabilitation. A multidisciplinary team approach involving oncology, surgery, and speech therapy supports the best possible functional outcome.

Hypernasal speech treatment addresses excessive airflow into the nasal cavity during speech, often resulting from velopharyngeal insufficiency where the soft palate does not adequately close off the nasal passage, commonly seen after cleft palate repair or due to neurological conditions. Treatment begins with a thorough speech and resonance evaluation, sometimes including nasoendoscopy or videofluoroscopy, to determine the cause and severity. Mild cases may improve with dedicated speech therapy focused on articulation and resonance techniques, while more significant velopharyngeal insufficiency often requires surgical correction, such as pharyngeal flap surgery or sphincter pharyngoplasty, performed under general anesthesia. Surgical procedures typically take one to two hours, with recovery involving a modified diet for a couple of weeks. Speech therapy is usually continued after surgery to optimize final speech outcomes. Most patients achieve significant improvement in speech clarity and reduced nasal resonance with appropriate combined treatment.

Laryngectomy involves removing part (partial) or all (total) of the larynx, primarily performed to treat laryngeal cancer that has not responded adequately to less invasive treatments like radiation or cannot be treated with organ-preserving surgery. In a total laryngectomy, the surgeon separates the airway from the throat entirely, creating a permanent opening (stoma) in the neck through which the patient breathes, since the connection between the mouth, nose, and lungs is surgically separated. This is a major operation performed under general anesthesia, typically taking four to six hours, often combined with neck lymph node removal. Patients require extensive rehabilitation after surgery, including learning alternative methods of communication such as an electrolarynx, esophageal speech, or a voice prosthesis, along with stoma care education. Recovery and adjustment take several weeks to months, with ongoing support from speech-language pathologists. Most patients successfully adapt to their new way of breathing and communicating with dedicated rehabilitation support.

Mastoidectomy removes diseased air cells within the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, which is typically performed to treat chronic middle ear infections that have spread to the mastoid, or to remove a cholesteatoma that has invaded this area. The surgeon accesses the mastoid bone through an incision behind the ear and carefully removes infected or damaged tissue using specialized drilling instruments, taking care to protect nearby structures including the facial nerve and inner ear. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours depending on the extent of disease. Patients are monitored after surgery for balance, hearing, and facial nerve function. A course of antibiotics and regular ear cleaning follow-up visits support healing over the following weeks. Most patients experience resolution of chronic infection, though hearing outcomes vary depending on the extent of pre-existing damage.

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer treatment is planned based on the tumor's location, size, and stage, generally involving surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes using endoscopic or open approaches depending on how extensively the cancer has spread into surrounding structures. Radiation therapy is frequently used either before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, with chemotherapy added for more advanced disease. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can range from one to several hours depending on complexity, sometimes requiring reconstruction if significant tissue is removed. Recovery involves close monitoring of breathing, vision, and facial function, given the proximity of these structures to the eyes and brain. A multidisciplinary team of head and neck surgeons, oncologists, and radiation specialists coordinates the overall treatment plan. Regular follow-up imaging and examinations monitor for recurrence after treatment completion.

Nasal endoscopy allows direct visualization of the nasal cavity and sinus openings using a thin, lighted endoscope, providing much more detailed information than a standard visual examination. The doctor applies a topical decongestant and anesthetic spray to the nose before gently passing the endoscope through the nostril to examine the nasal passages, turbinates, and sinus drainage areas. The procedure is quick, typically taking five to ten minutes, and causes only mild, transient discomfort for most patients. There is no need for sedation or recovery time, and patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward. Findings help diagnose conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, or tumors, guiding further treatment decisions. It is a valuable, well-tolerated diagnostic tool used routinely in ENT practice.

Nasopharyngoscopy involves passing a thin, flexible fiber-optic scope through the nose to directly visualize the nasopharynx, the region connecting the nasal cavity to the throat, which is difficult to examine by other means. After applying a topical anesthetic spray to minimize discomfort, the doctor gently guides the scope through the nasal passage to inspect the nasopharynx, adenoids, and surrounding structures. The procedure is brief, usually taking just a few minutes, with only mild, temporary discomfort experienced by most patients. No sedation is required, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the examination. It is commonly used to evaluate causes of nasal obstruction, hearing problems related to Eustachian tube function, or suspected growths in this hard-to-reach area. Findings guide further diagnostic testing or treatment as needed.

Pharyngectomy is performed to remove cancer affecting the pharynx, the muscular tube connecting the nose and mouth to the esophagus, with the extent of removal depending on the tumor's size and location. Because the pharynx plays a critical role in swallowing and speech, reconstructive surgery using tissue flaps from other areas of the body is often performed simultaneously to restore as much function as possible. This is major surgery performed under general anesthesia, typically taking several hours, frequently combined with removal of nearby lymph nodes if cancer has spread. Patients usually require a temporary feeding tube during initial healing and undergo intensive swallowing and speech therapy as part of recovery. Rehabilitation can take several weeks to months to regain safe swallowing function. A coordinated team of head and neck surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, and speech therapists supports the recovery process.

Phonosurgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at improving voice function by correcting structural or functional abnormalities of the vocal cords, such as removing benign growths like nodules or polyps, or repositioning a paralyzed vocal cord to improve voice strength. Using microsurgical instruments or laser technology under an operating microscope, the surgeon works through the mouth without any external incision to precisely treat the affected area of the vocal cords. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the specific technique used. Voice rest is usually recommended for several days to two weeks following surgery to allow the vocal cords to heal properly. Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist often follows surgery to optimize vocal technique and outcomes. Most patients experience significant improvement in voice quality and reduced vocal strain.

Sinusitis treatment depends on whether the condition is acute, typically triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, or chronic, lasting more than 12 weeks despite treatment. Acute sinusitis is usually managed with decongestants, saline nasal irrigation, and antibiotics if a bacterial cause is suspected, generally resolving within one to two weeks. Chronic sinusitis that does not respond to prolonged medical therapy, including nasal steroid sprays and repeated antibiotic courses, may require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to physically open blocked sinus passages and improve drainage. Surgical treatment is performed under general anesthesia and requires a short recovery period with saline rinses and follow-up visits to monitor healing. Identifying and addressing underlying contributing factors, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, improves long-term outcomes. Most patients achieve significant symptom relief with appropriately tailored treatment.

Thyroplasty, also known as laryngeal framework surgery, is performed to correct vocal cord paralysis or weakness, most commonly by inserting a small implant through the neck to push the affected vocal cord toward the midline, allowing it to meet the opposite, healthy cord more effectively during speech. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, which allows the surgeon to have the patient speak during the operation to fine-tune the implant position for optimal voice quality. The surgery generally takes one to two hours through a small incision in the neck. Patients experience improvement in voice strength, reduced breathiness, and often better swallowing function, since vocal cord closure also helps protect the airway during swallowing. Voice therapy is frequently recommended after surgery to maximize functional outcomes. Most patients notice significant improvement in voice quality within weeks of the procedure.