Ear, Balance & Hearing Disorders
Ear infections (otitis media)
affect nearly 100% of children by the age of 5, as well as many adults as a result of allergies, viral respiratory infections, or sinusitis. Treatment of otitis media includes either antibiotics or, if chronic, insertion of pressure equalizing tubes. Tube insertion requires a brief general anesthetic in children, but can be performed during an office visit with a topical anesthetic in adults.
 |
| Otitis media occurs in the area between the ear drum (the end of the outer ear) and the inner ear, including a duct known as the Eustachian tube. Photo courtesy of: BSIP VEM / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY |
Hearing loss
affects nearly 10% of Americans, often the result of long-standing noise exposure or generalized aging of the hearing mechanism. The ENT practice at Midwest Medical Specialists also includes two full-time doctors of audiology who utilize full-service, state-of-the-art audiology equipment to analyze and treat patients with hearing loss. We also offer a full line of hearing aids, making our department a true on-stop resource for the needs of our hearing disorder patients.
Dizziness and vertigo (the sensation of spinning)
are common and treatable conditions with a wide range of causes. Our practice incorporates technologically advanced equipment to aid in the proper diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of vestibular (inner ear) disorders.
