The ear is a complex sensory organ that processes sound waves into nerve impulses so that we can hear. The inner ear functions to give us our balance through the movement of fluid within the semicircular canals. Otology is the study of the anatomy of the ear as well as the diseases that affect it. From audiology to ear infections, the providers at Commonwealth ENT provide a full scope of medical services for conditions affecting the ear and hearing.
Millions of people are affected by balance-related conditions, such as vertigo and dizziness which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. These conditions can be very complex to diagnose and treat; however, Commonwealth ENT offers detailed evaluation and testing for issues related to dizziness and vertigo.
Ear Infections
Ear infections, known more formally as otitis media, can occur when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear. The infection causes fluid to build up behind the eardrum, which can lead to inflammation and pain. The middle ear, or the area behind the eardrum, is an air-filled space that contains the tiny bones that vibrate allowing us to hear. As this space fills with fluid, it can cause a feeling of pressure and difficulty hearing.
Diagnosing an Ear Infection
In general, a primary care physician or pediatrician will diagnose a middle ear infection. They will prescribe the appropriate treatment which may include an antibiotic to help rid the infection. They will usually offer a 2 week follow up appointment (especially for younger children) to make sure that the ear infection has healed. For patients suffering with recurring ear infections or chronic ear infections, primary care physicians and pediatricians will refer to an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Our specialists at Commonwealth ENT can help determine if any further treatment is necessary for recurring ear infections. Sometimes, children can benefit from ear tubes which help to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. Ear tubes can also help drain excess fluid that may build up in the middle ear.
Treatment of Ear Infections
Usually ear infections are treated with a course of antibiotics. While viral ear infections will generally resolve on their own, the fluid that remains in the middle ear is more prone to infection. A course of antibiotics will help clear the ear infection; however, it may take time for the fluid to drain and for hearing to return to normal.
Ear Tubes
The placement of ear tubes is a common surgery performed for children and adults that suffer from chronic ear infections. Ear tubes may also be referred to as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes. The tube is a small hollow cylinder usually made out of high grade plastic that is surgically placed by making a small incision in the eardrum. The tube provides ventilation for the middle ear and prevents the buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. Ear tubes can stay in place for 6 months to 2 years and will usually fall out on their own.
Does My Child Need Ear Tubes?
If your child has persistent ear infections, 3 or more in a six month period, it may be time to place ear tubes. Commonwealth ENT works in a collaborative manner with your child’s pediatrician to help determine if ear tubes are necessary. As children begin to develop speech, it is important to make sure they have good hearing. At Commonwealth ENT, we can perform a hearing evaluation on your child to determine if fluid in the middle ear is affecting your child’s hearing.
The Benefits of Ear Tubes
There are many benefits of having tubes for children who have frequent ear infections. Tubes help ventilate the middle ear and equalize the pressure. The period of time that tubes are in will:
- Decrease the risk of middle ear infections
- Improve hearing
- Improve speech development
- Improve your child’s behavior and sleep with normalized pressure behind the eardrum decreasing pain
If you or your child suffers from persistent ear infections, call Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443. Our goal is to help your child start feeling better and improve his or her quality of life.
Hearing Loss
Some loss of hearing is a natural result of aging. Often, the ability to hear decreases when people enter their 40s. Commonwealth ENT located in the West End and Midlothian, VA is pleased to offer audiology services including diagnoses and treatment for patients who are experiencing hearing loss. Each year millions of people experience a gradual hearing loss due to the natural aging process. This type of hearing loss is known as “presbyacusis.” Hearing loss can also occur suddenly as a result of an injury, illness or prolonged exposure to loud noise. The treatment for hearing loss will depend on the cause.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss. The most common form of hearing loss is known as sensorineural, which occurs when the inner ear and its structures, including the auditory nerve and tiny hair cells, no longer function to detect sound waves normally. Sensorineural hearing loss is related to aging and it is most effectively treated with hearing aids. Early detection of hearing loss and treatment will help preserve cognitive function for people as they age.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when the conductive mechanism of hearing in the outer and middle ear does not function properly. Ear blockages due to wax, ear infections, otosclerosis, perforated or ruptured eardrum are a few of the causes of conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss can be temporary and possibly cured with the appropriate medical treatment. If you experience sudden hearing loss or decreased hearing ability you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are many causes of hearing loss, but the two most prevalent are aging and exposure to loud noises. Additional risk factors that can increase the chance of hearing loss include:
Treatment for Hearing Loss
Good news! Modern advances in medicine and technology offer many treatment options for hearing loss. Most hearing loss can be treated with the use of hearing aids. There are many different types of hearing aids available and your audiologist can help you determine which one is right for you. If you need hearing aids or would like a hearing evaluation call Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.
Vertigo and Balance Disorders
The vestibular system is a sensory system and is located in the inner ear. The vestibular system works in conjunction with the visual system and is responsible for giving us our balance. It helps us maintain awareness of our position when we are moving. The inner ear contains fluid and fine hairlike sensors that help us keep our balance. Abnormalities of the inner ear can cause the sensations of dizziness, spinning, unsteadiness and feeling like you may fall over.
Causes of Vertigo and Balance Disorder
Vertigo is most commonly caused by a problem in the inner ear. There are several problems that can cause the effects of vertigo, such as:
If you have symptoms of vertigo or balance problems, it is important to seek medical advice promptly as there are medications and treatments that may help. Commonwealth ENT located in the West End and Midlothian, VA offers treatment for vertigo and balance disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Vertigo and Balance Disorders
At Commonwealth ENT, we will offer testing that can help determine the cause of your balance disorder. We will take a thorough health history including your list of medications and perform a physical examination. The types of testing may include: eye movement testing, head movement testing or hearing testing. If necessary, your doctor will order an MRI scan. These tests will help determine the cause of your vertigo.
The treatment for vertigo may vary depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Often, vertigo will go away on its own. There are medications that can help relieve the dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. Diuretics can be prescribed if you have Meniere’s disease to reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes.
There are also therapies that can help relieve the symptoms of vertigo. Head position maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, help to resolve vertigo associated with BPPV. Balance therapy or vestibular therapy offers specific exercises to help make your balance system more tolerant of motion.
Lastly, there are some lifestyle adjustments that might help decrease the severity of a dizziness episode. For people who experience dizziness more regularly, the following lifestyle changes can help improve your symptoms:
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco during a vertigo spell
- Exercising may help decrease the duration of dizzy spells
- Take an over the counter antihistamine if you have an unexpected dizzy spell
If you have been suffering from vertigo or balance issues that are becoming disruptive to your daily activities and routines, contact Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443 to learn how we can help.
Tumors of the Ear
Tumors of the ear are rare and they can be benign or malignant. Tumors can occur in the ear canal, middle ear or on the vestibular nerve leading from your inner ear to the brain. The board certified otolaryngologists at Commonwealth ENT are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the ear. If you are experiencing a change in health, sudden hearing loss or pain in the ear contact us today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.
Otoplasty
An otoplasty is a cosmetic outer ear surgery that changes the shape, position or size of the ears. If your ear or ears protrude outward from the head, you may consider an otoplasty to ‘pin’ the ears back. Our specialty trained surgeons at Commonwealth ENT of Richmond, VA can help you determine if an otoplasty procedure is right for you.
Am I a Candidate for Otoplasty?
If you are self conscious about your ears and you want to make a change, schedule a consultation with Commonwealth ENT of Richmond, VA. Our providers will review your medical history to include your current medications, perform a physical examination of your ears – the size, shape and symmetry and discuss treatment options that will address your unique needs. We are pleased to go over expectations from surgery as well as the recovery process.
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your ears and you would like to learn more about otoplasty, contact Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.
Types of Otoplasty
There are three main types of otoplasty that can be offered to improve the look of your ear/ears.
- Ear augmentation – this technique aims to increase the size of a patient’s outer ear to make it more proportional with the head size.
- Ear pinning – this procedure is for patients who have an ear or ears that protrude outward from the head and they would like them to appear less prominent.
- Ear reduction – this type of otoplasty aims to decrease patient’s ears who appear larger than normal or large relative to face and head size.
RICHMOND ***WE’VE MOVED – NEW ADDRESS***
1501 Maple Avenue Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23226
Monday – Thursday:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Visit Dr. Brian Fishero, Dr. Julie Kerr & Audiologists Karasa Wilson-Scott and Erin Nichols at this office.
MIDLOTHIAN
1 Park West Circle Suite 200
Midlothian, VA 23114
Monday – Thursday:
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges, Dr. Patrick Gibbons,
Audiologist Sheri Stoots & Aesthetician Franki Lambiotte at this office.