Frequently Asked Question

Perhaps surprisingly, most people with early hearing loss don't complain of difficulty hearing. More often, they complain that people are not speaking clearly ("mumbling"). They find themselves asking other people to repeat themselves. Often this is not perceived as a problem. Background noise makes the problem worse such as when eating in a noisy restaurant. If a patient or their family have concerns about possible hearing loss, it is best to come in for evaluation. Hearing impairment can contribute to social isolation and in older individuals is considered a risk factor for cognitive decline (trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life).

No. Ringing is not considered normal. However, it is very common especially as people get older. The most common reason for ringing in the ears (called tinnitus) is hearing loss and naturally, most people lose hearing as they get older so tinnitus becomes more frequent as people age. When your ENT evaluates someone with ringing in the ears, a hearing test called an audiogram is almost always performed to look for the underlying cause and to determine if additional evaluation, such as with an MRI, may be needed.

If there is significant hearing loss, absolutely. It is very important to make sure that your child can hear you and the teacher during school. Hearing aids are strongly recommended for children with significant hearing loss.

Not really. The term deafness should really be for individuals with little to no hearing even without any wax in their ears. Ear wax (cerumen) can cause mild reduction in hearing until it is removed. Removal of impacted cerumen is a common procedure in an ENT practice. ENT doctors typically remove the wax without irrigation using a microscope and special instruments. This allows for safe removal even when other ear problems such as ruptured ear drum or previous surgery are present.

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Absolutely. If your dentist has concerns about something in your mouth, an ENT is the best provider to evaluate this further. This could just be an examination, but could also involve a biopsy (taking a small sample) or other tests such as imaging. ENT physicians are also the specialists who diagnose and treat growths (tumors) and other lesions of the mouth and throat.

No, this isn't necessary as hypersensitivity to smells is just a character trait not a disorder. There is no particular evaluation or treatment for this.

This may be due to degeneration of the anterior olfactory nucleus and olfactory bulb, one of the first parts of the brain affected by Parkinson's. This can happen so gradually that you're not even aware of it. Losing your sense of smell and taste can make you lose interest in food.

The doctor will take a complete medical history. Depending on the reason for the visit, the ENT will perform a physical and visual examination. This may include looking in your ears, your nose and your throat.

Your neck, throat, cheekbones and other areas of your face and head may be palpitated. The ENT may use a special instrument called an otoscope to peer into your ears. A simple speculum may be used to see inside your nasal passages. The ENT examination may feel overwhelming because of the instruments used to peer, poke and
prod, but none of these procedures should cause you physical discomfort. If having your nose, ears or other body parts touched causes you anxiety, let the ENT know before the examination begins. The role of the ENT is to provide relief, not add to your discomfort.

Depending on the reason for your visit, various hearing tests may be performed. Scans or images may be ordered to get more information. Balance tests may be performed if you have had problems with your ears or dizziness.

The Ears:

The unique domain of Otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

The Nose:

Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of Otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of Otolaryngologists’ expertise.

The Throat:

Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to Otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

The Head and Neck:

This centre of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, Otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face.