Otolaryngology 

Specialized care for your ear, nose and throat.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, at SSM Health provide consultation, diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders. Many of these disorders may affect hearing, speech and balance. Our ENTs work with patients of all ages and provide care at convenient locations near you.

At SSM Health we are committed to providing you with exceptional care. Our ENTs work closely with primary care physicians, audiologist, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

What does an otolaryngologist treat?

Otolaryngology, also known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, is the medical specialty that focuses on medical and surgical treatment for patients who have disorders of the:

Ear

• Balance disorders
• Congenital ear disorders
• Dizziness
• Hearing problems
• Ear infections
• Tinnitus
• Vestibular disorders

Nose

• Allergies
• Appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty)
• Problems with smelling
• Nasal obstruction
• Nasal polyps
• Sinusitis

Throat

• Diseases of the larynx
• Esophageal disorders
• Laryngeal reflux
• Sleep apnea / snoring
• Swallowing disorders
• Tonsil removal
• Voice disorders

In addition to treating disorders of the ear, nose, and throat an otolaryngologist can treat disorders related to the structures of the head and neck, including:

• Benign and malignant tumors
• Cosmetic / reconstructive plastic surgery
• Deformities of the face

• Infectious diseases
• Nerves of the ears, nose, throat, and face
• Trauma to the face

Could you be experiencing hearing loss?

Hearing loss is not uncommon, and despite some popular beliefs, hearing loss can occur in young people. More than 31 million Americans have some type of hearing problem. Hearing difficulties can be hard to diagnose unless they are evaluated by an audiologist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss. By using various assessments, an audiologist can determine an individual's hearing capacity and then fit hearing aids or other hearing devices if necessary.

What are the signs of hearing loss?

If you’re experiencing hearing loss symptoms and are concerned about your overall hearing health, please consult with an SSM Health audiologist today. Common hearing loss symptoms include:

• Difficulty understanding speech with background noise or with a group of people
• Increased volume on TV and/or radio
• Ringing or noises in the ears (tinnitus)
• Asking for frequent repetitions in conversation
• Answering or responding inappropriately in conversation
• Muffled sounds or unclear speech
• Avoiding activities or social gatherings you once enjoyed because you find it difficult to hear

What is an audiologist?

Audiologists work directly with otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists) in managing patients with hearing loss, balance concerns and tinnitus to provide the highest quality of care.

In addition, audiologists can provide balance testing and therapy, aural rehabilitation, central auditory processing disorder testing, and counseling for people of all ages.

How can an audiologist help me?

Our audiologists work individually with each patient to determine the correct diagnosis and needs. Assistive services may come in the form of hearing aids, tinnitus counseling, hearing protection and bone-anchored hearing systems. Not all services are offered at all locations, please talk to your audiologist about what services and devices are available.

Common services and devices offered to patients include:

• Assistive listening devices
• Communication accessories
• Comprehensive audiologic testing and vestibular testing (pediatric and adult)
• Custom hearing protection/earplugs for work and recreation
  • Including: swim plugs, hearing protection, custom ear mold earbuds/headphones and hands-free cell phone systems
• Electrophysiological testing (ABR, VNG/ENG, DPOAE)
• Hearing conservation consulting
• Hearing aid consultation and fitting
• Hearing aid repair/service/accessories
• Tinnitus management to help improve quality of life for patients with ringing in the ears

If you’re suffering from hearing loss, have been diagnosed with a hearing condition, or are experiencing symptoms that have you concerned, call an SSM Health audiologist today.