Conveniently located to serve San Diego
Concerns with the ears and hearing are frequently why patients seek the care of an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). At ENT Associates of San Diego, ear and hearing conditions are diagnosed and treated by our highly regarded team of board-certified otolaryngologists.
Common Ear and Hearing Conditions We Treat
At our three convenient locations in La Mesa, Chula Vista, and Escondido, CA, we frequently care for patients with one or more of the following conditions:
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a cyst that forms behind the eardrum and gradually grows in size. It can cause issues like pain and hearing loss.
The surgery to remove a cholesteatoma usually lasts two to three hours under general anesthesia. An incision will be made behind or in front of the ear to remove the bone surrounding the cholesteatoma. In some cases, the ear canal bone may also need to be removed.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be caused by vertigo as well as disequilibrium. This condition can be treated with canalith repositioning if it is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It involves holding four positions for 30 seconds each until the dizziness stops and for 30 seconds more after the symptoms have ended.
Ear Wax (Cerumen)
Excess ear wax can be treated with ear irrigation, earwax solution, or in-office earwax removal. Typical solutions include saline, glycerin, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, and mineral oil. During earwax removal by our medical professionals, we might use a cerumen spoon, irrigation, forceps, or a suction device.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tubes are structures in the ear that equalize pressure. Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when there is a blockage in them.
The problem may be resolved by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum to correct the ear pressure. If these methods don’t work, saline sprays and medications such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and antibiotics may be used. Some cases may require myringotomy or Eustachian tuboplasty.
Hearing Loss
Signs of hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech (especially in noisy environments), frequently asking others to repeat themselves, and turning up the volume on devices. Other signs include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), withdrawing from conversations, and struggling to hear high-pitched sounds like doorbells and alarms.
Depending on the cause, hearing loss may be treated through:
- Earwax removal
- Surgery
- Medications
- Cochlear implants
- Hearing aids
- Antibiotics
- Sound-enhancing technologies
Perforated Eardrum
When a hole forms in the eardrum due to injury or infection, it results in issues like pain and hearing loss. A perforated eardrum can be addressed with a prescription antibiotic or surgery, where the eardrum is fixed using a small piece of tissue from in front of or behind the ear.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is an ear condition that causes the patient to hear a continuous or intermittent ringing or buzzing noise. It may be treated by removing earwax, wearing hearing aids, treating a blood vessel problem, or switching to another medication.
Why Choose Us?
Welcome to ENT Associates of San Diego, your trusted comprehensive ear and hearing care destination. Our dedicated team of specialists is committed to providing top-notch services to address all your auditory needs. Whether you require a routine check-up, advanced diagnostics, or specialized treatments, we have you covered.
With our state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, we deliver exceptional care tailored to your unique requirements. Rest assured, our services are competitively priced to ensure accessibility without compromising quality.
Ear and Hearing FAQs
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Do you have problems with your ears and hearing? ENT Associates of San Diego can effectively treat your condition. Contact us if you’re looking for reliable solutions to issues with ears and hearing in San Diego.
