General ENT Surgeries
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Click here for a General Preoperative Instruction Sheet
Click here for information on Herbal Medications, Nutritional Supplements, and Medications That May Inhibit Ability to Clot Blood
Allergy Testing
It's highly important for people to be aware of what they are allergic to. It is valuable information to any physician that may be treating you. In some cases, knowing your allergies may even save your life!
For this reason, our office provides extensive allergy testing. We test our patients for allergic reactions stemming from a variety of sources, such as inhalants, foods, metals, latex, chemicals, and fragrances.
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Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy is the most effective treatment for allergies currently in existence. It is approximately 95% effective in reducing symptoms of allergies, as opposed to medication which is approximately 50%. Immunotherapy is also highly effective against the weariness and fatigue that allergies usually induce.
Immunotherapy is administered via a weekly injection. You can occasionally miss sessions without negative effects. A normal course of immunotherapy treatment consists of a year of treatment, although some cases may need treatment for up to three years.
The injections are all natural, and significantly reduce the need for other forms of allergy medication. It is a good option for allergy patients who keep pets they may typically be allergic to, or if they are regularly exposed to their specific allergens.
Immunotherapy treatment is available in both traditional (injection) and sublingual (see below) methods. There are pros and cons to either method. Discuss your options with your physician to find out which is best for you.
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Sublingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy is very similar to traditional immunotherapy, with the exception that treatment comes in the form of drops administered beneath the tongue. Insurance does not cover this form of treatment, however, the mixing and dispensing of the drops is affordable, generally $15-20 a week. Most patients agree that this expense is well worth the improvement in their overall health, the reduction of allergy related costs and the general lifestyle improvement.
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Vestibular Testing
Vestibular testing is a series of examination of the vestibular (balance) portion of the inner ear canal. This form of testing is prescribed for various symptoms of dizziness or balance issues. Vestibular testing helps your doctor find the source of the problem, be it the inner ear or not. Once your doctor identifies the cause of the problem, a treatment plan is formulated depending on the results.
Hearing Aids
A hearing aid is a small in-ear device meant to assist patients with hearing problems. Hearing loss is a common, frustrating problem, and is usually related to inner ear damage, or unrelated medical problems. Hearing aids aren't necessary for all cases of hearing loss, but will be recommened when the problem is significantly reducing your ability to communicate with others.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds directed at the patient, while filtering out background noise. Although hearing aids are helpful in restoring the ability to hear, it is important that you realize what a hearing aid can and can't do. Your hearing will not be perfect. Even with advances in recent technologies, you will not be able to hear some sounds, or seperate speech from surrounding background noises. Regardless, your healthcare team will assist you in learning specialized techniques to further improve your hearing capacity.
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Swim Molds
Following a tympanostomy and tube placement, the patient must wear earplugs while swimming and bathing to avoid water entering the ear canal. Bath and swimming water may contain bacteria which can lead to infection in the ear. Water can also cause pain and discomfort when entering the the ear.
Patients may purchase earplugs before or after their surgery. Custom earplugs are also available, and require a 20-minute appointment to complete the mold. We offer Instamolds and Doc's Plugs as ear plug options. Ask your doctor about which one is right for you.
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