Otolaryngologists are also known as ENT Specialists. What types of medical issues do otolaryngologists treat?

Ears
Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders.

Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear. Examples: ear infection; swimmer's ear; hearing loss; ear, face, or neck pain; dizziness, ringing in the ears. In addition to Dr. Welch, the Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Center employs a full time Board Certified Audiologist to address hearing testing, hearing aids, and other related matters for patients of all ages.

Nose
About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of Dr. Welch. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell.  Breathing through the nose and the function of the nose is also part of the Otolaryngologist's area of expertise and may require surgical management in addition to nonsurgical management.

Throat
Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to Dr. Welch is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

Head and Neck
This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, Dr. Welch is trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. Both doctors received additional extensive training in head and neck surgery and are authorities in surgical management and work-up of thyroid nodules in addition to other tumors in that region.

Allergy
An ENT (Otolaryngic) Allergist is able to diagnose and treat disorders of the upper respiratory tract caused by allergic conditions. Allergies and sinuses go hand in hand creating other symptoms such as post nasal drip, head congestion, frequent “cold,” recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough and asthma. Stomach and intestinal problems, many skin rashes, and chronic headaches as well as fatigue can also be symptoms of allergy. The Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy Center houses a specialized clinic designated for allergy testing and treatment.