Ear

Our highly trained ENT doctors are skilled in both the medical and surgical treatments of hearing problems, ear infections, and balance disorders. Humans hear via highly specialized cells in the ear called hair cells. When sound enters the ear, the eardrum transmits it through the three middle ear bones --the malleus, the incus and the stapes - to the cochlea of the inner ear. The cochlea is filled with fluid and conducts vibrations into the basilar membrane, which covers the cochlea and is lined with hair cells. The hair cells transform the vibrations into electrical signals (neural signals). These signals are passed on to the auditory nerve, and conducted to the brain where they are interpreted.

All the elements of the hearing mechanism are delicate, but hair cells are especially fragile. Hair cells differentiate from other cells in the body and begin to perform their special function while the fetus is still in the womb. No new hair cells are made after a child is born - the 30,000 hair cells that are created in vitro are the only ones a person will ever have. Loud noises can destroy these hair cells permanently and cause damage to the nerve of hearing.

Hearing loss afflicts approximately 28 million people in the United States. Approximately 10 million of these impairments are at least partially attributable to damage from exposure to loud sounds.

From serious sinus conditions to hearing disorders to swallowing or voice problems, Otolaryngology or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians can help you decide on the appropriate treatment plan.

The physicians at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Nassau County perform:

  • Craniofacial/skull base surgery
  • Facial plastic and reconstuctive surgery, including cleft lip and palate
  • Maxillofacial trauma/orthognathic surgery
  • Head and neck oncologic surgery
  • Audiology services (diagnostic and rehabilitative)
  • Exams for voice and swallowing disorders
  • Treatment for sleep apnea
  • As well as routine and follow up care.

Ear Infection

  • Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
  • Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
  • Otitis Media
  • Mastoiditis
  • Cholesteatoma

Hearing Loss

  • Conductive Hearing Loss (Reversible)
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Irreversible)
  • Hole in the ear drum (Tympanic Membrane Perforation)
  • Ear Pain
  • Sudden Hearing Loss

Dizziness and Balance

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
  • Labyrinthitis (Vestibular Neuronitis)
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Acoustic Neuroma
  • Stroke