Our ears are continuously processing different noises and sounds. Unfortunately, we are not always aware of the damage we are doing to our ears by exposing ourselves to loud and harmful noises. Hearing loss can be the result of extreme exposure to loud noises and can increasingly worsen over time. Everyday noises, music, gunfire, and…
Alamo ENT Blog
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can happen for a variety of reasons, and no one is immune to its devastating effects. When your hearing is impaired, it can affect your health, interests, job, relationships, and overall quality of life. Common causes of hearing loss can include, but are not limited to: Genetics Loud noise exposure Aging Injury Smoking…
In Office CT Scanner
To enhance the level of service that we can provide in our office, Alamo ENT Associates has installed a Xoran MiniCAT CT scanner at our Stone Oak location. This allows us to quickly and painlessly obtain high quality images of the sinuses and ears while at the same time only requiring 1/5 to 1/20 the…
Sinuplasty
Sinuplasty is a unique surgical technique using balloons to open the natural pathways of your sinuses. This procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. By opening the sinuses, the goal is to clear the obstructed passages with little damage to the surrounding tissue. By only enlarging the natural pathways, the healing process is quicker,…
Silent Reflux
Often, individuals find it difficult to believe they have silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). They do not complain of heartburn or feel a sense of food coming up the back of their throat. Instead, these people often complain of voice problems, hoarseness, throat clearing, postnasal drip, excessive phlegm in their throat or a…
Transnasal Esophagoscopy
Transnasal Esophagoscopy, TNE is a safe, inexpensive and quick way to examine the esophagus in patients with a history of reflux and at risk for esophageal cancer. TNE does not require sedation, and it is done in the office using local anesthesia. A flexible tube is placed through the nose and behind the voice box…
Treatment of a Thyroid Disorder
Your thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands that makes hormones to regulate physiological functions in your body, like metabolism (heart rate, sweating, energy consumed). Other endocrine glands include the pituitary, adrenal, and parathyroid glands and specialized cells within the pancreas. The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck, below…
Having Difficulty Swallowing?
Swallowing is a normal everyday activity that few of us think twice about. However, when swallowing problems arise, it can often lead to a worrying and even uncomfortable experience. We call this dysfunction of swallowing Dysphagia. It can happen to people of all ages, but is more common in the elderly. While most causes are…
What is a Balance Disorder?
Constant spinning, persistent imbalance, or disorienting dizziness … Sound familiar? If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be experiencing a vestibular disorder. Vertigo and balance disorders affect a multitude of people each year. While it is often difficult to describe exactly what you are experiencing, we have several methods to diagnose your condition. Balance disorders can…