Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
When you have trouble with important senses like your smell, hearing, and taste, ENTs provide expert diagnosis and care.
Virtua ear, nose, and throat experts provide care and solutions ear for ear or sinus infections, allergies, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, sleep apnea, head and neck cancer, and other conditions. Our experts treat all ages from newborn to adult.
What to Expect With ENT Care
If you can’t hear a beautiful song, smell funnel cake on the boardwalk, or taste a juicy orange, it can take some of the joy out of your life.
An ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) evaluates and diagnoses disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, mouth, and related structures of the head and neck. They provide expert care for ailments affecting your senses, like smell, taste, and hearing, as well as swallowing, speech, balance, and sleep.
You may see your primary care provider (PCP) first for symptoms such as sinus pain or pressure, ear pain, difficulty hearing, post-nasal drip, or a sore throat.
If your PCP treats your symptoms, but they persist, you may be referred to an ENT. ENTs evaluate your symptoms and perform tests to determine your diagnosis. They’re also unique in that they’re doctors who provide both medical and surgical treatment.
Your treatment plan is tailored to your diagnosis and symptom severity.
When you need more complex care or surgery, ENTs specialize in minimally invasive procedures that reduce your recovery time and risks. If you have obstructive sleep apnea or head or neck cancer, ENTs work with your pulmonologists or oncologists to develop an effective treatment plan.
No matter your diagnosis, the goal of treatment is to help you to feel like your best self again.
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Conditions We Treat
ENTs treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Ears
- Ear pain
- Ear infections
- Hearing impairment
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Swimmer’s ear
- Middle ear fluid
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Meniere’s disease
- Impacted ear wax
Nose
- Chronic sinus infections
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Decreased ability to smell (hyposmia)
- Inability to smell (anosmia)
- Nosebleeds
- Seasonal allergies
- Deviated septum
- Postnasal drip
- Injuries
Throat
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chronic sore Throat
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Hoarseness
- Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)
- Difficulty speaking, singing, or eating
Head and Neck Disorders
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
- Parathyroid cancer
- Grave’s disease
- Head and neck masses
- Facial trauma
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Tests and Treatments
ENTs treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Tests
ENTs use many tests and collaborate with specialists, such as speech therapists or audiologists, to diagnose disorders. This includes:
- Physical examination
- Allergy testing
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests
- Biopsies
- Hearing tests
- Vestibular (balance) tests
- Swallowing tests
- Endoscopic examination (for the nose and throat)
- Sleep studies
- Stroboscopy to evaluate vocal cords
Many of these tests can be performed right in the office.
Treatments
Common treatments include:
- Medications, such as decongestants, nasal or oral steroids, and antibiotics
- Immunotherapy for allergies
- Nasal surgery
- Sinus surgery
- Ear tubes (ventilation)
- Eardrum repair
- Middle ear reconstruction
- Nose fracture repair
- Thyroid/parathyroid surgery
- Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Soft palate surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
- Upper airway stimulation for sleep apnea (Inspire)
- Earwax removal
- Amplification (hearing aids)
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol)
The Virtua Difference for ENT
Leading-edge sleep apnea treatment
ENTs who provide surgical treatment at Virtua were the first in South Jersey to implant Inspire upper airway stimulation devices for sleep apnea treatment. They have implanted more than 100 devices since 2020.
Leading-edge sleep apnea treatment
ENTs who provide surgical treatment at Virtua were the first in South Jersey to implant Inspire upper airway stimulation devices for sleep apnea treatment. They have implanted more than 100 devices since 2020.
Expertise in thyroid/parathyroid disorders
Virtua ENTs are high-volume, expert thyroid and parathyroid surgeons, providing world-class care close to home. Your ENT will work closely with your endocrinologist to find the best care for your condition.
Expertise in thyroid/parathyroid disorders
Virtua ENTs are high-volume, expert thyroid and parathyroid surgeons, providing world-class care close to home. Your ENT will work closely with your endocrinologist to find the best care for your condition.
Improving care through collaboration
ENTs work closely with specialists throughout Virtua to ensure you receive the care and services you need. This includes primary care providers, pediatricians, pulmonologists, speech and physical therapists, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists.
Improving care through collaboration
ENTs work closely with specialists throughout Virtua to ensure you receive the care and services you need. This includes primary care providers, pediatricians, pulmonologists, speech and physical therapists, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists.
Expertise in minimally invasive ENT surgery
Our ENTs specialize in minimally invasive surgery that offers smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain. Many procedures are same-day surgeries performed at Virtua surgical centers throughout South Jersey.
Expertise in minimally invasive ENT surgery
Our ENTs specialize in minimally invasive surgery that offers smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain. Many procedures are same-day surgeries performed at Virtua surgical centers throughout South Jersey.
Schedule an Appointment with an ENT today