ExcelENT of Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have questions or concerns about various ENT conditions, treatments, and procedures. In this section, we provide informative and helpful answers to frequently asked questions, covering a wide range of topics such as ear infections, sinusitis, sleep apnea, hearing loss, and more. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and clarity, helping you make informed decisions about your ENT health.
To schedule an appointment and discuss your concerns with a Birmingham ENT specialist, please use our contact form or call us at (205) 988-6858.
An otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT physician, is a doctor with a medical specialty in diagnosing and treating adult and pediatric problems involving the ear, nose, and throat. ENT doctors look for a variety of issues that could be impacting the health or performance of the ear, nose, and throat. Next, they determine appropriate treatment options.
Whether it’s loss of smell, sinus infection, heartburn, sleep apnea, or an ear infection, our ENT specialists will get to the bottom of the issue. Our medical team has specialized knowledge in audiology, speech pathology, and rhinology. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Your appointment will be tailored to address your unique needs and symptoms. First, you will share your medical history and get a thorough examination of your ears, nose, and throat. A lighted instrument called an otoscope may be used to look into your ear canal, while an endoscope may be used for a better view of your nose and throat. Your provider will display the endoscopic image on a monitor so that you can better understand your condition.
We want you to be as much a part of your treatment plan as we are! Therefore, it is important for us to always keep you in the know. If indicated at your visit, a referral for allergy testing or blood work may be ordered.
You should consider seeing an ENT doctor if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent issues related to your ears, nose, or throat. This may include symptoms such as chronic sinusitis, frequent ear infections, hearing loss, nasal congestion, throat pain, voice problems, or sleep apnea.
If you have any concerns or discomfort in these areas, it is best to consult with an ENT specialist who can provide a proper evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Please visit our Accepted Insurance to view a complete list of the insurance policies accepted by ExcelENT of Alabama. To confirm insurance coverage, call us at (205) 988-6858.
At ExcelENT of Alabama, we strive to provide convenient access to our services. We have two locations to serve you: our Hoover location and our Homewood location.
We understand the importance of accessibility, and our team is ready to accommodate your schedule and provide exceptional care at a time and location that works best for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment or to inquire about our hours and locations.
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. These infections result in fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to symptoms like ear pain, reduced hearing, and sometimes fever. Prompt medical attention is essential to manage ear infections effectively and prevent complications.
Children under the age of three are particularly susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more prone to blockage. Additionally, children’s immune systems are not fully developed and are not strong enough to fight off all infections. Ear infections in children can be partly prevented by keeping them away from smoke and bacteria, never leaving them unsupervised with a bottle, and testing for allergies.
In some cases, children with chronic ear infections may need ear tubes (also called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or pressure equalization tubes.) These are small plastic or metal cylinders surgically inserted in the eardrum to keep the middle ear open and prevent fluid from accumulating. If your child suffers from frequent ear infections, schedule an appointment with an ENT today.
Many ear infections go away in approximately a week. OTC pain medication, warm compresses, and ear drops can help soothe patients in the meantime. Antibiotics may be necessary in the event of a bacterial infection.
If you have a hard time hearing others speak, you find yourself turning up your television or music more than usual, or you have a buzzing or ringing in your ears, it may be time to get your hearing checked with our audiologists.
There are different types and degrees of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It relates to an issue with how the hearing nerve functions, and it can be brought on by age, loud noise exposure or genetics. This type of hearing loss is often successfully treated with hearing aids. Conductive hearing loss is caused by something blocking sound from reaching the outer or middle ear, such as fluid or ear wax. Mixed hearing loss combines both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
If you suspect your hearing is worsening, schedule a hearing evaluation with us ASAP. Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all, so we offer custom-fit hearing aids in the Birmingham area. Contact us now to set up a quick and painless hearing screening, or take our hearing loss assessment online to begin.
At ExcelENT of Alabama, we strive to provide convenient access to our services. We have two locations to serve you: our Hoover location and our Homewood location.
We understand the importance of accessibility, and our team is ready to accommodate your schedule and provide exceptional care at a time and location that works best for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment or to inquire about our hours and locations.
Snoring is a common problem caused by the vibration of throat tissues during sleep. Snoring is often linked to obstructive sleep apnea, where a person’s breathing is very shallow and/or stops periodically while they sleep. Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. In addition to snoring, the following are symptoms of sleep apnea:
Patients with sleep apnea carry a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, and stroke. While lifestyle changes like weight loss, different sleeping positions, and a better diet can help, surgery may be necessary. CPAP machines and oral appliances like mouthguards are also popular sleep apnea treatment options.
GERD is a progressive form of acid reflux or “heartburn.”
With GERD, stomach acid rises up through the esophagus and damages the larynx, resulting in discomfort and hoarseness. Aside from a surgical procedure, GERD treatments include antacids, raising the head while sleeping, nutrition changes, and cutting out caffeine and alcohol.