Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology)

What is Otolaryngology?

From folklore to modern technologies, people have sought relief and care for issues of the ears, nose and throat throughout human history. In the U.S., the specialized, post-graduate study of otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat, or ENT) dates back to the early 20th century, making it the oldest medical specialty in the country. Otolaryngologists are experts in diagnosing and managing diseases of the ears, nose, sinuses, larynx, mouth, and throat, as well as structures of the neck and face.

How We Are Different

Once we reach adulthood, most of us have dealt with enough small issues involving the ears, nose and throat that we overlook an occasional sniffle, a scratchy throat, or a now and again ear ache. Our philosophy is that no one should ignore pain, discomfort or disease. Even the smallest occurrence can be a warning of something else.

Our approach to testing and treatment is integrative and collaborative. Patients of all ages—infants to seniors—work with our board certified doctors for treatment, procedures and surgeries specific to the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.

Pediatric Services including:

• Hearing Loss
• Middle Ear Pathology
• Sleep Apnea
• Epistaxis
• Sinus Disease
• Nasal Obstruction
• Repair of facial lacerations and defects
• “Head and Neck” Oncology

Head & Neck Surgery including:

• Salivary Gland Tumors and Inflammation
• Neck Masses
• Thyroid Neoplasms
• Oncology
• Biopsy/excision of lesions of face, head and neck
• Biopsy of intranasal and intraoral lesions

Other Services:

• Hoarseness (videostrobolaryngoscopy)
• Snoring (office-based radiofrequency ablation)
• Sleep Apnea
• Dysphagia
• Dizziness (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Epley maneuver)

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Patient Health Info

How do you become an ENT Doctor?
A Board Certified Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor) must be an M.D. from an approved medical school, and have completed a five-year accredited specialty residency-training program. Also, the doctor must demonstrate high moral, ethical and professional qualifications, as well as hold a valid medical license. Lastly, the doctor must pass both a written and an oral examination (given on separate dates) covering knowledge, skill, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of all aspects of Otolaryngology. The American Board of Otolaryngology, founded in 1924, is the second oldest medical certifying body in the United States.

Where do you perform your surgeries?
We perform our surgeries at The Vancouver Clinic Ambulatory Services Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, or PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

If I am seen for a problem with my ear(s), will I be able to have audiology testing at the time of my appointment?
Yes. In fact, if you are experiencing hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, or ringing in the ears, we will schedule you first with the audiologist to have a hearing test. Physicians will use the results of this test to determine a correct diagnosis.

Do you do reconstructive surgery for cancer patients?
We are trained in all forms of reconstructive as well as cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck. We perform a wide variety of reconstructive procedures of the head and neck for all forms of cancer in those regions.