Otolaryngology
o·to·lar·yn·gol·o·gy (t-lrng-gl-j) n.

The practice of Otolaryngology is the study of diseases and conditions limited to the head and neck. This encompasses a wide range of problems, such as throat infections, sinus disorders, ear infections, hearing loss, cancer, allergies, voice disorders and injuries to head and neck.

Otolaryngologists are highly trained in both medicine and surgery. They are experts in a range of illnesses and procedures from the treatment of minor ear infections to the performance of complicated micro-surgery. To qualify for Board Certification, they must have at least five years of specialized training after medical school. Additional patient information can be obtained from the AAO-HNS

Audiology

Audiologists identify and measure hearing function and rehabilitate patients with hearing impairments. Services offered include hearing tests on both adults and children as well as Hearing Aid sales and service. All of the audiologists are licensed and experienced in the evaluation and fitting of hearing aids and swim molds.

What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is the professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss. Audiologists hold Master's or Doctoral degrees from accredited universities with special training in the prevention, identification, assessment and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders. Audiologists are required to complete a full-time internship and pass a national competency examination. By virtue of their graduate education, professional certification and licensure, audiologists are the most qualified professionals to perform hearing tests, refer patients for medical treatment, and hearing rehabilitation services. Audiologists have extensive training and skills to evaluate the hearing of adults, infants and children of all ages. Audiologists conduct a wide variety of tests to determine the exact nature of an individual's hearing problem. Audiologists present a variety of treatment options to patients with hearing impairment. Our Audiologists dispense and fit hearing aids, assistive listening devices, administer tests of balance to evaluate dizziness and provide hearing rehabilitation training.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound. Hearing aid technology is rapidly changing. Due to the improvements, hearing aids are smaller and technically better than older models. Many people who previously may not have been helped from hearing aids are finding that now they can benefit from a hearing aid. The most common styles are the ITE (In the Ear), ITC (In the Canal), CIC (Completely in the Canal) and BTE (Behind the Ear). These hearing aids are comprised of four basic parts: a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver and battery. The microphone picks up the sound and converts it to an electrical signal. The amplifier makes the signal louder. The receiver transforms the electrical signal back to sound again and transmits it to your ear. The battery is the hearing aid's power source.

While a hearing aid cannot restore hearing to normal, it can aid in making communication easier. We can advise you as to which hearing aid would be appropriate for your hearing loss and life-style. We will counsel you and your family in regards to reasonable expectations and adjustment period. We offer a 30-day trial period (at a minimal fee) with the new hearing aid purchase.

Hearing Loss

There are three types of hearing loss; conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. A conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem with the outer ear and middle ear. Some outer ear problems are caused by impacted cerumen (wax), external otitis (infection of the skin of the ear canal) and congenital deformities. A conductive hearing loss can usually be medically or surgically treated. Middle ear problems can be caused by ear infections or fluid behind the eardrum, immobility or disconnected middle ear bones.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the cochlea (organ of hearing) or the auditory nerve. Some causes are presbycusis (hearing loss associated with aging), noise exposure, drugs, high fevers, mumps, measles and Meniere's disease. A sensorineural hearing loss cannot usually be medically or surgically treated. Hearing Aids may prove beneficial for this hearing loss.

A mixed hearing loss is a combination of a conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The conductive component can be treated, but the sensorineural component remains.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices are tools that enhance a hearing impaired person's life. It could be a telephone amplifier, television amplifier, alarm clock with lights and/or vibrator, smoke detector with lights, etc. We can evaluate a person's needs and assist them in getting the right equipment.

Pediatric Testing

We are able to test patients of all ages, however, the Elyria office is specifically set up to assess birth to three year olds and special needs populations. Some of our younger patients may be referred to the Elyria office when more complete diagnostic information is needed.

Medical Insurance

Some insurance companies require that you have a referral from your primary care physician. Some insurance companies do not cover hearing tests and most insurance companies do not cover hearing aids. It is the patient's responsibility to know what is covered by their insurance. We are providers for hearing aids through Ford, GM, Chrysler, Paid Prescriptions and NECP. The Elyria office is a provider for Medicaid and BCMH. If your insurance covers hearing aids, check to see if there is a specific provider you need to see.

We will process your insurance claims. You are responsible for any remaining balance or services not covered. We request that hearing aids are paid in full at the time of delivery. We recognize that there are circumstances which require special financial arrangements. A payment plan can be arranged in advance based on your individual situation.

Allergy and Immunology

In the United States an Allergist-Immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat asthma and other allergic diseases. Becoming an Allergist-Immunologist requires completion of at least nine years of training. After completing medical school and graduating with a medical degree, a physician will then undergo three years of training in internal medicine (to become an internist) or pediatrics (to be a pediatrician). Once physicians have finished training in one of these specialties, they must pass the exam of either the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Internists or Pediatricians who wish to focus on the sub-specialty of Allergy-Immunology then complete an additional two years of study, called a Fellowship, in an allergy and immunology training program. Allergist-Immunologist whom are listed as ABAI-certified have successfully passed the certifying examination of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology following their fellowship. They then become Board Certified in Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an abnormal, acquired sensitivity to a given substance, including pollen, drugs, food, venom or numerous other environmental triggers. An allergy is a local or systemic inflammatory response to allergens. Often times symptoms are swelling of the nasal mucosa, itchy burning eyes, sneezing, wheezing, fullness in the ears and various skin rashes such as hives, or anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction.

What is Allergy skin testing?

Skin testing, also known as “puncture testing” and “prick testing” is a series of tiny punctures or pricks made into the patient’s skin. Small amounts of suspected allergens and\or their extracts (pollen, dust, molds, food, drugs or venom protein) are introduced to sites on the skin marked with pen. A small plastic or metal device is used to puncture or prick the skin. Common areas for testing include the inside forearm and the back. If the patient is allergic to the substance, then a visible inflammatory reaction will usually occur within 15-20 minutes. This response will range from slight reddening of the skin to a full-blown hive in more sensitive patients. The skin prick test is the most preferred means of testing because of its simplicity and accuracy. Interpretation of the results of the skin prick test is normally done by allergists on a scale of severity, with +/- meaning borderline reactivity and 4+ being a large reaction.

What is the study of Immunology?

Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. It deals with, among other things, the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders (autoimmune disease, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency).

What is Immunotherapy (Allergy Shot Therapy)?

Immunotherapy, once called desensitization, is a treatment in which the patient is gradually vaccinated with progressively larger doses of the allergen in question. This can either reduce the severity or eliminate hypersensitivity altogether. The person begins to build up an immunity to increasing amounts of the allergen in question.

What is Immunodeficiency?

The use of immune system components to treat a disease or disorder is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is most commonly used in the context of the treatment of cancers together with chemotherapy (drugs) and radiotherapy (radiation). However, immunotherapy is also often used in the immunosuppressed (such as HIV patients) and people suffering from other non-HIV immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.

What is IVIG?

IVIG is a blood product administered intravenously. IVIG is a solution of globulins containing antibodies normally present in adult human blood. Globulins are simple proteins that provide immunity against disease. A protein is made up of several amino acids which are the microscopic building blocks that make up all cells. IVIG is used as a temporary treatment to elevate platelet counts. It is used to treat three major categories: immune deficiencies, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and acute infections.

Administration every month is usually required for treatment of non-HIV Immune Deficiency. Response to treatment is usually seen in 8 days. Immune Globulin comes in sterile solution and is administered intravenously. It is made in different strengths and sizes.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic illness involving the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant (or allergen), cold, warm or moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In children the most common triggers are viral illness such as those that cause the common cold. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Between episodes, most patients feel well but can have mild symptoms and they may remain short of breath after exercise for longer periods of time than the unaffected individual. The symptoms of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually, be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes. Public attention in the developed world has recently focused on asthma because of its rapidly increasing prevalence, affecting up to one in four urban children. Symptomatic control of episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath is generally achieved with fast-acting bronchodilators. These are typically provided in pocket sized, metered-dose inhalers.