Ear, nose & throat (ENT) services in Winchester

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery, also referred to as otolaryngology or otorhinolaryngology, encompasses the medical field concerned with conditions affecting your head and neck, in particular the ears, nose, and throat. ENT surgeons, also known as otolaryngologists, are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing issues related to these areas.

Common ENT problems include hearing and balance issues, as well as conditions in your head and neck that affect breathing, swallowing, or speech. ENT surgeons are skilled in treating people with cancer affecting these regions and may also perform plastic and reconstructive procedures.

If you require assistance with diagnosing, treating, or managing conditions related to the ear, nose, or throat, our team of experienced specialists is readily available to support you. 

At Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester, we offer fast access to ENT surgeons without extensive waiting periods. By simply calling or booking online, you can typically secure an appointment within 48 hours and you have the flexibility to select the consultant of your preference.

All our ENT patients benefit from consultant-led treatment from the start to finish. Your specialist will promptly diagnose your condition and discuss the available treatment options with you. Together, you'll determine the most suitable course of action based on your individual circumstances.

ENT as a specialty covers a wide range of conditions and operations. Individuals from across Winchester and the surrounding areas visit the consultant ENT surgeons at Sarum Road Hospital for help with a number of symptoms, including:

Ears

• Decreased hearing
• Noises in your ears (tinnitus)
• Discharge from your ears
• Dizziness/balance problems
• Blocked ears
• Pain in your ears
• ‘Lumps and bumps’ on the ear
• Perforated eardrums

Nose

• Blocked nose
• Runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing through one nostril
• Lack of smell
• Snoring
• Allergies/hay fever
• Facial pain – often caused by recurrent sinus problems
• Nasal trauma

Throat/Neck

•  Frequent sore throats
• Tonsilitis - may be recurrent
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Hoarse voice
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Snoring complaints
• Lump or swelling in the neck
• Swelling of the salivary glands
• Post-nasal drip
• Recurrent ulcers in mouth
• Dry mouth

If you’re concerned about possible hearing loss, a hearing test will be arranged for you with an audiologist. Infections in your ear may be treated with eardrops. If it is found that your hearing loss is being caused by glue ear (a build-up of fluid in the middle ear), grommets might be an option. These are tiny plastic tubes that allow fluid to drain from the ear, preventing a build-up of fluid.

Perforated eardrums will usually heal naturally, but if the hole is unusually large, you may need an operation known as a myringoplasty, where the ear drum is reconstructed with a skin graft.

Some tonsil problems may be best treated by the surgical removal of the tonsils (a tonsillectomy).

Tonsillectomy: Your tonsils are part of a group of lymphoid tissues (like the glands in your neck) that help to fight off infection from germs that you either breathe in or swallow. When they get infected, tonsillitis occurs. If tonsillitis keeps coming back, then surgery to remove your tonsils is recommended, as it is the only dependable way to stop recurring infections. The operation to remove your tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. It is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes around 30 minutes.

A nasal blockage that keeps occurring or has lasted for a long time may require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and/or Nasal Polypectomy (removal of polyps) to resolve. If the nasal blockage is actually being caused by a crooked septum (the septum is the bone and cartilage separating the two nostrils), a Septoplasty to straighten it may help.

ENT Surgeons can carry out a range of operations to treat and correct many disorders and dysfunctions in the ear, nose, and throat. Any treatment will always be carefully planned to ensure it is the most appropriate option for you and your specific symptoms.

When you first meet with your Consultant ENT Surgeon, they will take your medical history and ask you to tell them about your symptoms. They will want to know:

• What symptoms you have
• How long you have had these symptoms
• Whether you have tried any treatment(s) already
• Whether any of your symptoms are causing you concern (for example, are you worried that a lump in your neck may be cancerous?)

Your consultant will carry out a clinical examination of the affected area(s) and may use handheld instruments to help with diagnosis.

Further investigations may sometimes be required. 

Many nose and throat conditions are most easily investigated with an endoscopy. An endoscope is a small, thin tube with a camera and light at one end. It is usually connected to a video screen and transmits a real time video feed to it. A nasal/throat endoscopy involves passing the endoscope up your nose and around into the back of your throat. As the endoscope is moved along and your consultant looks carefully for any abnormalities, such as a blockage, lump or swelling.

The comprehensive state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities at Sarum Road Hospital include X-ray, MRI and ultrasound, and any of these can be easily and quickly arranged for you when needed.

For some symptoms or conditions, a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue that is then sent away for investigation) may be needed. Depending on the location of the area to be biopsied, this may be carried out under ultrasound guidance.

With surgeons offering their own area of expertise, patients can rest assured that they will always see an expert consultant for their condition. The hospital’s range of facilities mean that operations can be performed in our theatre or day care unit, where patients are able to go home the same day as treatment.

At Sarum road Hospital, you can either pay directly for your ENT treatment, or you can use your private health insurance.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you can take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost of treatment over a fixed period. Many people find the monthly payments more affordable.

If you want to use your insurance to pay, speak directly to your provider to see if the treatment you need is covered by your policy. We work with all major insurers; however, some treatments are considered cosmetic and might not be covered by your policy.

When you choose to go private here at Sarum road Hospital in Winchester, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to suit you
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standards and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care