Ear, Nose and Throat (‘ENT’) covers diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat. A doctor who specialises in this area is known as a Consultant ENT Surgeon.
There are many reasons people visit the Consultant ENT Surgeons at The Harbour Hospital. Some of the common reasons are:
Ears
- Decreased hearing
- Noises in the ears (tinnitus)
- Discharge from the ears
- Dizziness/balance problems
- Blocked ears
- Pain in the 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 – possibly caused by 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
It can be seen that ENT covers a very broad range of symptoms and conditions. The Consultant ENT Surgeons at The Harbour Hospital provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment for any of these concerns. They work closely with a number of colleagues to ensure you receive the necessary specialised care for your condition. (For example, complicated dental problems are easily referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial team at Harbour when required.)
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, an audiologist will carry out a hearing test. Ear infections are usually best treated with eardrops.
If your hearing loss is being caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear (this condition is known as glue ear) grommets might be an option to prevent any build-up in the future.
A perforated eardrum will usually heal naturally, but if the hole is particularly big, reconstructive surgery may be needed. Known as a myringoplasty, the ear drum is carefully reconstructed with a skin graft.
Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty can be used for people who suffer with recurrent or particularly severe popping ears.
Severe, frequent or long-term tonsil problems may need a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) to resolve the symptoms permanently.
Frequent or long-term nasal blockages may be treated with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and/or a Nasal Polypectomy (removal of polyps). If the blockage is being caused by a bent septum (the septum is the bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils), a Septoplasty to straighten it can be helpful.
There are many different treatments that can be carried out as part of ENT Surgery, ranging from simple to more complex. If you need surgery, your Consultant will discuss it with you, explaining how it will be done, the potential risks you should be aware of and the benefits you should expect to see after the surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, they will of course be very happy to talk these through with you.
When you first meet with your Consultant ENT Surgeon at The Harbour, they will take a medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will want to know:
- What symptoms you have
- How long you have had these symptoms
- Whether you’ve received any kind of treatment already
- If these symptoms have been getting any worse
- Whether you have any specific concerns (for example, are you worried that a new lump in your neck may be cancer)?
Your Consultant will carry out a detailed examination of the affected area(s) and may use special handheld instruments to assess the extent of any condition.
Many nose and throat conditions are easily investigated with a nasal or throat endoscopy. This involves passing a small thin tube with a light and camera attached to it (an endoscope) up your nostril and down into the back of your throat. As the tube is moved along, your Consultant is able to carefully examine the inside structure and look for any kind of blockage or swelling.
Depending on your specific symptoms, additional scans may be needed. Our on-site diagnostic capabilities include X-ray, MRI and Ultrasound, so these can be easily arranged for you if needed.
Sometimes a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue that is then sent away for investigation), may be needed. Depending on where on the head and neck this is needed, it may be done under Ultrasound guidance.
Once any test results are back, your Consultant will discuss them with you and talk through treatment options. Treatments for ENT conditions may include:
- watchful waiting
- medication
- surgery
Treatment will always be tailored to your specific condition and needs.
The Harbour Hospital is based in the centre of Poole, just a 5-minute walk from the town centre. 5 miles from Bournemouth, it is very easy to travel to us.
Many of our patients are from Poole or Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, although people also travel from further afield, including Chichester, to meet with our ENT specialists.
People may be referred to us by their GP or private medical insurance provider, while others self-refer after being recommended to us by a family member or friend.
We treat people with private medical insurance and those who choose a self-pay option.
When you choose The Harbour Hospital for your ENT treatment, you will benefit from:
- Assessments ASAP – Many ear, nose and throat conditions are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you have any symptoms that are concerning you, we can quickly arrange an appointment for you with an experienced Consultant ENT Surgeon. Earlier assessment means an earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- Convenient appointments – It is easy to find an appointment slot that suits your availability. Most appointments are carried out on-site, but we also offer remote consultations by telephone or video call if required (and where clinically appropriate).
- Rapid access to treatment – Some minor procedures, such as nasal or throat endoscopy, may be able to be done on the same day as your consultation.
- Personal care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, and your Consultant will tailor treatment to your specific needs. Reviews at appropriate intervals ensure you continue to receive the best treatment for you.
- A Multidisciplinary Approach – The ENT team at Harbour Hospital work closely with specialists in other fields to provide you with the highest level of care. Oral and Maxillofacial Consultants, Radiologists, Dermatologists, Anaesthetists, Nurses and other healthcare professionals are available to support you throughout your time with us, from initial consultation through to treatment and aftercare.
- Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 98.6% of people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.
If you find yourself concerned with any ear, nose or throat symptoms, it can be sensible to get expert health. Why not book a consultation with an ENT specialist at The Harbour Hospital? They will thoroughly investigate the cause(s) of your symptoms, outline all treatment options to you and arrange treatment where required as soon as possible.
