Our Voice and Swallowing Center provides state-of-the-art treatment for disorders of the upper airway, larynx and trachea that affect speech, breathing and swallowing. Our team includes otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) as well as speech pathologists who focus on various voice and swallowing disorders.

Hearing loss can have various causes, and while some cases can be treated with medication or surgery, others can be aided by hearing aids. To determine the nature and extent of hearing loss, it is important to undergo a comprehensive hearing test conducted by a certified audiologist. Based on the results, the audiologist will determine if hearing aids can provide any benefits. Consider having your hearing evaluated if you experience any of the following:

– Increasing the volume of the TV beyond what others find comfortable

– Difficulty understanding voices during telephone conversations

– Struggling to hear words in the presence of background noise

– Sensing that friends and family are speaking unclearly or mumbling.

Hearing aids have the potential to improve speech understanding in various listening situations, leading to an enhanced quality of life. Unlike older models, modern digital and programmable hearing aids are designed to provide comfort and convenience to many wearers.

One in every four individuals is a habitual snorer. This problem tends to occur more frequently in males and those who are overweight, and it typically worsens with age. Snoring can have negative social implications, causing resentment among others who may experience sleepless nights. From a medical perspective, snoring can disrupt the natural sleep pattern and, in severe cases, it may even indicate the presence of sleep apnea.

Surgery offers the greatest benefits for patients who experience symptoms due to mechanical obstruction of sinus drainage or those who have persistent infections that have not responded to medical therapy. In cases where the sinus disease affects the eye or brain, necessitating more urgent intervention, sinus surgery may be indicated.

Tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of tonsils, is highly recommended for individuals who frequently suffer from throat infections.

On the other hand, adenoidectomy, the removal of adenoids, is suggested for those who experience recurring ear or nasal infections. Furthermore, if tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, they can lead to obstructive symptoms such as sleep apnea, difficulties in swallowing, nasal sounding speech, dental malocclusion, and even heart failure.

Recent reports have also established a connection between enlarged tonsils and adenoids and obstructive breathing as well as sleep apnea, which can result in poor concentration and irritability during the day. In fact, these symptoms can often be mistaken for ADHD.

However, patients typically experience significant improvement upon the removal of their tonsils and adenoids.