Ear Problems

 

At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology, we treat a wide range of ear problems for both kids and adults, including ear infections, earwax buildup, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and pressure or fullness in the ears. Our team uses in-depth testing to find the cause of your symptoms and will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals.

 

Outer Ear

The outer ear includes the external auricle, ear canal, and eardrum.

 

Earwax (Cerumen)

Earwax is natural and protective. Unless it causes symptoms or blocks the ear canal, it should be left alone. Over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal, lead to infection, and increase the risk of impaction.

Important safety tips:

• Do not insert cotton swabs, hairpins, keys, toothpicks, or other objects into the ear.

• Avoid ear candles—they are ineffective and can cause serious injury.

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If you’re experiencing hearing loss, ear fullness, or pain, consult a Sonoran ENTA specialist to determine whether earwax is the cause.   Ear cleaning is done professionally and safe with use of microscopes and specialized tools for cerumen removal. 

 

Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Commonly known as “swimmer’s ear,”  this condition can result from excessive moisture, ear canal abrasions, or overly aggressive cleaning (e.g., Q-tip usage). Infections may be bacterial or fungal.

Symptoms may include:

• Ear pain

• Drainage or bleeding

• Itchiness

• Hearing loss

Prompt evaluation by a Sonoran ENTA specialist ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Eardrum Perforation (Tympanic Membrane Perforation)

A perforated eardrum can result from trauma, infection, or ear tube placement. While not always dangerous, it can cause hearing loss or increase the risk of middle ear infections and hearing loss.

 

Sonoran ENTA offers complete evaluation and recommendation for surgical repair when indicated.

 

Ear Piercing

Piercing is common for fashion and tradition, but complications can arise without proper technique.

 

At Sonoran ENTA, we offer medically safe ear piercing:

• Performed with sterile, medical-grade equipment

• Local anesthetic for added comfort

• Scheduled by appointment

 

Middle Ear

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Middle Ear Fluid or Infections (Otitis Media)

More common in children, though also seen in adults, these infections usually resolve on their own or with antibiotics.  In severe cases, the eardrum may rupture and cause drainage.   Commonly, pressure associated with elevation changes like flights (i.e., barotrauma) can lead to ear plugging and fluid behind the ear drum for a prolonged period of time, leading to ear plugging, pressure and hearing loss.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The Eustachian tubes equalize pressure between the ear and the throat, and  if dysfunctional can cause middle ear fluid.     Causes can include viral upper respiratory infections, allergies/sinus issues, or elevation changes (e.g., flights, scuba diving, etc.). 

Treatment options include:

• Decongestants (oral or topical)

• Placement of ear ventilation tubes, commonly done in the office with adults, though typically children require outpatient procedures under anesthesia

• Balloon Eustachian Tube Dilation, a minimally invasive, in-office procedure under local anesthesia

 

Inner Ear

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Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is one of the most common ear conditions and can significantly impact communication, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Types of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural: Caused by inner ear or nerve damage; usually permanent

• Conductive: Caused by blockages (earwax, fluid, ruptured eardrum); often treatable

• Mixed:  Both sensorineural and conductive components existing

Common causes include:

• Aging

• Noise exposure (short loud bursts or prolonged exposure)

• Illness or genetic factors

1 in 3 adults aged 65–74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those over 75 are affected. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, depression, and even cognitive decline leading to dementia.

• Article: Hearing Loss and Dementia​​

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Hearing Services

 

Hearing Evaluation

At Sonoran ENTA, our ENT physicians and doctors of audiology collaborate closely to diagnose and manage hearing loss—a condition affecting approximately 20% of Americans.

A comprehensive hearing evaluation includes:

• Otoscopy

• Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflex Testing

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

• Pure Tone Audiometry

• Speech Perception Testing

• Hearing-in-Noise Assessment

These tests evaluate how well your ears detect sound and how well your brain processes it. A full picture of your auditory system allows us to tailor the most effective treatment plan.

Tinnitus Evaluation & Treatment

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is assessed starting with a detailed symptom history, followed by a diagnostic audiogram.

Because tinnitus can have various causes—including earwax, fluid, TMJ issues, or neurological factors—our team-based approach ensures a thorough and personalized evaluation.

Treatment options may include:

• Earwax removal

• Treatment of middle ear fluid

• TMJ management

• Medication

• Sound therapy or masking

Balance & Dizziness Disorders

Dizziness related to the ears (i.e., vestibular system) includes symptoms such as:

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• Vertigo (spinning sensation) or leering towards one direction

• Common ENT causes:   Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and BPPV (i.e., “crystals or rocks” in the ear)

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Non-ear related (i.e., non-vestibular) balance issues may present as more swaying, lightheadedness, passing out, or trouble walking.    

Systems involved in non-vestibular balance issues include:

• Vision system

• Neurologic system

• Cardiovascular system

• Neck joints

 

ENT Evaluation may include:

• Audiometry (i.e., hearing testing)

• Videonystagmography (VNG), which is in-office balance testing

• Imaging (CT/MRI)

• Lab work

Note:  Avoid medications like Valium, Antivert, or alcohol before VNG testing.   A full list will be provided at the time of scheduling.

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The goal is to rule out vestibular conditions and identify the cause of symptoms so that the right medical or surgical treatment can be started. Diagnosis may require multiple tests and follow-up care—patience and teamwork between you and your provider are key.