If you’re showing signs of hearing loss, a
hearing test will be arranged for you with an audiologist. Infections in the ear may be treated with specialist suction and/or eardrops. If your Consultant determines that your hearing loss is being caused by fluid in the middle ear (this is known as glue ear) grommets might be an option.
Perforated eardrums will often heal naturally, but if the hole is particularly large, you may need surgery to reconstruct the ear drum. This can be done under general anaesthetic in an operation called a myringoplasty, where the ear drum is reconstructed with a skin graft.
Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty can be helpful for people who suffer with recurrent or severe popping ears.
Certain tonsil problems, particularly when they reoccur regularly, may require surgery to remove the tonsils (a tonsillectomy).
A recurrent or long-term nasal blockage may require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and/or Nasal Polypectomy (removal of polyps) to treat. If the nasal blockage is being caused by a deviated septum (the septum is the bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils), a Septoplasty to straighten it may be beneficial.
There are many different operations that can be carried out as part of ENT Surgery. If you do require any form of surgery, your Consultant will explain how it will be done, any potential risks you should be aware of, and the benefits you should expect to see as a result of the surgery. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, they will be very happy to talk these through with you.
What happens at an initial consultation?
When you first meet with your Consultant ENT Surgeon, they will take a medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will usually want to know:
- What symptoms do you have?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- Have you tried/received any treatment for them yet? If so, did it help?
- Have these symptoms been getting progressively worse?
- Do you have any particular concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried that lump in your neck may be cancer)?
Your Consultant will perform a clinical examination of the affected area(s) and may use various handheld instruments to assess the extent of any condition.
Many nose and throat conditions can be investigated and diagnosed with a nasal or throat endoscopy. This involves passing a small thin tube (the endoscope) with a light and camera attached to it up your nose and around into the back of your throat. This gives them a good view inside, allowing them to look for any blockages or swellings.
Additional scans may be needed. Our on-site diagnostic capabilities include X-ray, MRI and Ultrasound, so any of these can be easily arranged for you if required. If your Consultant wants to do a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue that is then sent away for investigation), this may occasionally be done under Ultrasound guidance.
Once the results of any investigations are back, your Consultant will discuss them with you and outline suitable treatment options. Treatments for ENT conditions may include watchful waiting, medication or surgery. If surgery is recommended, it will be fully explained to you, and your Consultant will outline the risks and benefits of each procedure, enabling you to make an informed decision about your treatment.