Ear Testing and Surgery
Hearing Testing
- Audiology Screening: At Avenue ENT we use pure-tone audiometry to perform audiology screening. Pure-tone audiometry is a key hearing test performed globally to evaluate hearing loss. A pure tone will be played into each ear at varying levels of frequency and volume. The patient will respond to let the technician know whether the noise was audible or not. The results are recorded individually for each ear and varying decibels (volume) and frequencies (pitch). An ENT surgeon will then review the results of the test along with any presenting symptoms to help make a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.
- Tympanometry: Tympanometry is a non-invasive test of the middle ear and eardrum. The tympanometer will generate low tones at different pressures and record the response of the ear. Changes to the ear drum or fluid within the middle ear will alter the response sent back to the tympanometer. The results of tympanometry in combination with a pure-tone audiology screening will help your ENT surgeon determine the cause of hearing loss and an appropriate treatment plan.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): The OAE test is typically done on children too young to do a pure-tone audiogram. The OAE test is used to check the function of the cochlea (inner ear). This is done by creating a tone, which causes the hair cells of the cochlea to vibrate. The vibration causes a very quiet sound which echoes back and is measured by the machine. The OAE in combination with tympanometry lets the doctor know if your child has the ability to hear, but not the full extent of their capacity to hear.
Ear Surgery
ENT surgeons can perform a variety of procedures with regards to the ear; from common procedures such as ventilation tubes, and repair of the ear drum, to cosmetic surgeries of the ear/ear lobe, to more complex cochlear implants tumour excision. After performing the appropriate screening test, an ENT surgeon can discuss what type of surgery/medication/therapy will be best for you. Whether your goals are cosmetic or curative, a Avenue ENT surgeon can help you.
Ventilation Tubes
Insertion of ventilation tubes (ear tubes) is one of the most common procedures performed globally. When fluid builds up behind the eardrum, patients can experience pain and/or hearing loss. More importantly, fluid behind the eardrum can cause dangerous infections of the middle ear. An ENT surgeon can insert a ventilation tube that will allow fluid to drain out from behind the eardrum. Ventilation tubes can be short term (4-12 months) or long term (2-4 years). Most ventilation tubes will fall out within the prescribed time frame; however, long term ventilation tubes may require removal by the surgeon. Young children requiring ventilation tubes will go under general anesthesia for the procedure but will be able to go home the same day. Some adults may elect to undergo the procedure under a simple local anesthetic. Insertion of ventilation tubes is a minimally invasive procedure that can often relieve symptoms immediately.
Nose and Sinus
Image-guided/Functional Sinus Surgery
Sinusitis is a problem experienced by thousands of Canadians annually. An ENT surgeon can evaluate the cause of sinus irritation and determine the appropriate course of action. If medication does not resolve the issue, sinus surgery may be suggested. During sinus surgery, the ENT surgeon will restore drainage of the facial sinuses to relieve symptoms. Your surgeon will use either an endoscope or 3D image guidance technology to precisely remove diseased tissue, polyps, and any other obstructions. With this minimally invasive procedure there is less scarring, less bleeding, and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. This procedure is usually performed on a day surgery basis.
Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty
As specialists of the nose, an ENT surgeon can help to restore normal airflow and correct the cosmetic appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty (nose job) is done to correct the size, shape, and proportions of the nose. Septoplasty on the other hand is primarily done to correct a deviated septum (middle division between nostrils). Both procedures take into consideration maintaining an ideal final cosmetic appearance for the patient, however the primary focus is always to maintain or improve the breathing function of the nose. Both of these procedures are done on a day surgery basis.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Chronic Rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the facial sinuses that does not resolve. These sinuses that normally drain freely become blocked. As a result of the blockage, there is build up of mucous resulting in facial pain, discharge, and difficulty breathing. Infections, growths (polyps), and septal deviations are some causes of chronic rhinosinusitis. If there is no response to medication, your surgeon will consider operating to help resolve symptoms. Minimally invasive sinus surgery is very effective in improving outcomes for patients who suffer chronic rhinosinusitis.
Acoustic Rhinometry
Acoustic rhinometry is a recently developed test for assessement of the geometry of the nasal passages. The technique is based on the analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities, and is used to measure the cross sectional areas of the nasal passages.
Somatosensory (Olfactory) tests
This test is used for the clinical assessemnt of olfactory function (sense of smell) — odour identification, in particular — with the help of 12 pen-like odour dispensing devices.
Spirometry (Lung function test)
Spirometry is a standard test used to measure lung function. The test works by measuring airflow into and out of the lungs, and is used to diagnose disorders affecting lung function.
Voice and Swallowing
Professional Voice
Your voice is an important part of your overall health. This is especially true for those who depend on their voices everyday as professionals. Singers, teachers, clergy, and receptionists are a few examples of people that depend on their voices every day to do their jobs. For voice professionals that are experiencing difficulties with their voice, an ENT surgeon can help diagnose and treat issues related to the voice. For currently healthy or concerned voice professionals, an ENT surgeon can help create a preventative therapy plan. If your voice plays an important role in your professional life, an ENT surgeon can help you make sure you keep your voice healthy.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness of voice can have a variety of root causes. From a common cold to a growth on your vocal chords, many illnesses can create changes in our voices. It is important to always take hoarseness of voice as a serious sign if it continues for an extended period of time and is not in conjunction with a cold. For professional voice users it is crucial to address change of voice issues appropriately and fast. An ENT surgeon can evaluate for the cause of voice hoarseness and treat it accordingly with medication, surgery or therapy.
Swallowing Dysfunction
Swallowing is a complex multi-step process. When swallowing is affected, it can compromise our ability to eat, drink, and speak. If un-treated, swallowing problems can present as drooling, malnutrition, coughing, choking and/or voice change. An ENT surgeon can use a scope to determine the cause of your swallowing dysfunction and develop a treatment plan. Medication, surgery, and swallowing therapy through a speech pathologist are all options available to patients.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomies (removal of tonsils) are a commonly performed surgery for ENT surgeons. Our tonsils are a part of the body’s defense system for fighting off infection. However, they can be overactive and/or enlarged. As a result of increased size or recurrent inflammation, they can compromise breathing in patients. A tonsillectomy is a day surgery procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully remove the diseased tissue. Adults and children regularly undergo tonsil removal.
Head and Neck Oncology
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a common procedure performed by ENT surgeons. Patients with overactive thyroids, benign thyroid growths or cancerous growths may be candidates for thyroid surgery. Depending on the patient and condition, the entire thyroid or a portion of the thyroid can be removed. Your ENT surgeon will work in conjunction with other specialists in diagnosing, treating and monitoring your thyroid illness.
Salivary Gland Surgery
The major salivary glands of the face are the submandibular gland and parotid gland. These glands can become infected, blocked or neoplastic (tumorous) and require treatment. If medication does not resolve the issue, an ENT surgeon may operate to remove the gland. Surgery of facial glands can be simple or complex based on the location and extent of the root cause.
Head and Neck Cancer
Avenue ENT surgeons have the experience and expertise to treat cancers of the head and neck. These cancers may present within the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), or salivary glands. Your ENT surgeon will work with other specialists to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of your head or neck cancer. Head and neck cancers often require fine needle aspiration for identification and surgical intervention for removal of tumors. The location and extent of the cancer will determine the type of surgery required and potential recovery time. A cancer diagnosis can be difficult to hear for many patients. Avenue ENT is here to make sure you receive the best care during this difficult time.