Cholesteatoma

A tumor-like substance growing in a confined space (usually the middle ear or mastoid) and frequently following untreated recurrent chronic otitis media

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

A condition of discomfort in the ear caused by pressure differences between the inside and the outside of the eardrum. ETD commonly occurs with altitude changes (flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains). If you have a congested nose from allergies, colds, or upper respiratory infection, ETD is more likely. Eustachian tube dysfunction is also more common in pediatric patients.

Mastoiditis

A bacterial infection of the mastoid air cells (small, air-filled cavities located in the mastoid process, which is the bulge in the skull behind the ear). If the infection persists, it may destroy the delicate structures of the mastoid. This can result in hearing loss and, without treatment, continued destruction of bone in the skull and other complications involving surrounding structures (nerves and brain) can occur.

Meniere’s Disease

a disorder of the inner ear that is marked by recurrent attacks of dizziness, tinnitus (ringing or roaring), and deafness

Otitis Externa

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. Swimmer's ear is either caused by a fungus or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Other possible causes of this infection include the following: harsh cleaning of the ear canal, trauma to the ear canal, dry ear canal skin, foreign body in the ear canal, and eczema or other forms of dermatitis. Symptoms may include: redness of the outer ear, itching in the ear, pain when touching or wiggling the ear lobe, drainage from the ear, swollen ear canal and hearing loss.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is infection or inflammation located in the middle ear. About 75 percent of children have at least one episode of otitis media by the time they are three years of age. Otitis media can also affect adults, although it is primarily a disease that occurs most often in children. Otitis media is often the result of infections due to sore throats, colds, or other respiratory problems, spreading to the middle ear. Symptoms may include: unusual irritability, tugging or pulling at one or both ears, fever, fluid draining from ear(s), loss of balance and difficulty hearing.

Tinnitus

A sensation of noise (as a ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition (as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear) and can usually be heard only by the person that is affected with this condition.

Vertigo

Vertigo refers to a sensation motion that can be straight ahead, falling, or rocking. It is often described as a spinning, turning, or whirling sensation. What's more, the spinning may be one of self-rotation (a sense of self-movement in the surrounding space) or rotation of the surrounding environment (a feeling that the room is spinning is common). In most cases, the symptom of vertigo implies a disorder of the inner ear or vestibular system. Although dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. While all vertigo is dizziness, not all dizziness is vertigo. Vertigo can be further diagnosed through vestibular testing.

Dizziness

In general references to dizziness include feelings of being woozy, drunk, unsteady, or giddy. There is often a feeling of imbalance without a true sensation of turning or spinning. Dizziness is a general-purpose term used to describe the sensation of imbalance (sensory disorientation). Although patients often use the word dizziness to describe balance or inner ear problems, it is typically not caused by a disorder of the inner ear. Dizziness can be further diagnosed through vestibular testing.

Anosmia

Loss of smell

Deviated Nasal Septum

The nasal septum is the part of the nose that separates the two airways and the nostrils. A deviated septum is when there is a shift from the midline or center position. The septal deviation may be severe enough to obstruct the passage of air through the nostrils. This obstruction may predispose the patient to sinusitis, infection and epistaxis (nose bleeds).

Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)

The cause may be a trauma to the nose, but many times the nose bleeds because of nasal congestion due to a nasal allergy,sinus infection, or a cold that irritates and weakens the delicate nasal lining.

Nasal Airway Obstruction

Blockage/obstruction of the flow of air through the nasal passages most commonly caused by nasal fracture, allergies, deviated nasal septum, nasal deformity and enlarged adenoid tissue.

Polyps

A protruding growth from the mucous membrane most commonly caused by chronic infection and allergies.

Rhinitis

An inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. Commonly caused by allergies. Symptoms may include sudden attacks of sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa, watery discharge from the nose, itching, watering of the eyes.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses near the nose. These infections usually occur after a cold or after an allergic inflammation. There are other possible conditions that can lead to sinusitis. These may include:

• abnormalities in the structure of the nose
• enlarged adenoids
• infections from a tooth
• trauma to the nose
  foreign objects that are stuck in the nose

Symptoms may include:

• runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days
• complaints of drip in the throat from the nose
• headaches
• facial discomfort
• bad breath
• cough
• fever

Sinusitis may sometimes be diagnosed by sinus x-rays, however, a CT scan will give a more accurate diagnosis.

Sleep Apnea

There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common. In all three types of apnea, people with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep. With each loss of breath, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is sporadic and of poor quality.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches.

Hoarseness

Hoarseness is a term that is commonly used to describe abnormal voice changes. When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or there may be changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). Causes of hoarseness may include acute laryngitis, upper respiratory tract viral infection, allergies, excessive voice use, reflux disease and smoking. The physician may perform a laryngoscopy or videostroboscopy to obtain an accurate diagnosis and cause of hoarseness.

Vocal Cord Polyp

A vocal cord polyp is a small swelling in the mucous membranes covering the vocal cords. Polyps are commonly caused by allergies, persistent irritation of the throat and excessive use of the voice. They may run the whole length of the vocal cords or be localized. A videostroboscopy may be performed to obtain diagnosis of a vocal cord polyp.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), occurs in two forms. Acute, which lasts only a few days; and chronic, which persists over a period of weeks or months. The most common symptom of either form is hoarseness that may, within several days, progress to partial or total loss of voice. Fever, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing may occur as well.

Vocal Cord Nodules

A vocal cord nodule is a small, inflammatory or fibrous growth that develops on the vocal cords of people who constantly strain their voices, have chronic allergy symptoms, and are exposed to chronic inhalation of irritants (industrial fumes, cigarette smoke). A nodule has a structural resemblance to a corn on a toe or a callus on the hand. If one has vocal cord nodules, the voice will become breathy and hoarse. A videostroboscopy may be performed to obtain diagnosis of a vocal cord nodule.

Dysphagia

People with dysphagia have difficult and sometimes painful swallowing. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia. For example, people with diseases such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease, those who may have suffered from a stroke or head injury may experience dysphagia. Also, an infection or irritation can cause narrowing of the esophagus. In addition, cancer of the head, neck, or esophagus may cause swallowing problems.

Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis

Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of a tonsil. Tonsillitis is usually a result of highly contagious bacterial or viral infections. The most common cause of tonsillitis is the Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Some symptoms of tonsillitis include: swollen, red tonsils (often coated with a yellow, gray, or white film), blisters on the throat, pain with swallowing, loss of appetite and fever. Persistent tonsillar infections may require surgical removal of the tonsils.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a common, potentially pre-cancerous disease of the mouth that involves the development of white spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. The white coating of throat/tongue is commonly caused by yeast infections, overuse of antibiotics, persistent irritation. The risk is much higher in smokers and users of smokeless tobacco than in people who do not use tobacco products of any kind.

Tongue Tied

A condition in which the frenulum (central membrane under the tongue) extends to the edge of the under-tongue. This causes restricted movement during speech and swallowing.

Halitosis

Halitosis is bad breath. Halitosis may be related to a variety of causes, including bacterial infections and medications.

Oral Cancer

Cancer of the lip and oral cavity is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the lip or mouth.