Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our services, what insurance we take, or general questions about our practice? Our FAQ page has the answers you need regarding appointments, treatment, and more. Read through the most common questions Sonoran ENTA receives below.
General
Can I see an ENT without a referral?
Depending on your insurance provider, this will determine whether you need a referral or not to see one of our ENT providers at Sonoran ENTA.
Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
We do not offer payment plans or any financing options. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We do not accept CareCredit, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurances including Medicare (Advantage plans included), Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, Cigna, Humana, Tricare, Aetna, HealthNet. We are not contracted with AHCCCS.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment with one of our providers, please call the office at (520)-775-3333.
Do you offer telehealth?
Depending on the type of appointment, Sonoran ENTA does offer telehealth appointments.
Nose & Throat Problems
What conditions do ENT (otolaryngologist) specialists treat?
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists treat a large range of medical conditions involving the anatomic area which includes the head, face, neck, and upper digestive and respiratory system. Rather than focusing on only one organ system, ENTs are trained to treat all parts from the superficial skin all the way to the deep organs and structures. This area happens to include many of the special senses such as hearing, smell, taste, and balance. Our specialty encompasses many important bodily functions such as speech and voice, swallowing, and breathing. We are trained to diagnose and treat the full range of ages from infancy to the geriatric population. Examples of problems that we treat include hearing loss, dizziness, nasal obstruction, nasal allergies, sinusitis, difficulties swallowing, hoarseness, and head and neck tumors. We often work with a variety of other specialists to coordinate care in our patients due to the large variety of conditions that fall within our area of expertise such as neurologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, allergy and immunologists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists.
What is sinusitis and the symptoms I should look for?
The sinuses are anatomic structures present within the bones of the skull and face. They are normally air-filled cavities that are lined with tissue that produces mucous which is then transported to the back of the nose and throat by specialized cells (mucociliary transport). There are four main sinuses for each side: maxillary, ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid. When the openings of these sinuses get blocked or obstructed (usually due to viruses or allergies), or should infection get into these sinuses (such as from a dental infection), then the sinus can get inflamed, resulting in what we call sinusitis. Sinusitis can be either acute (short time), or chronic (more than 3 months).
The main symptoms of sinusitis are:
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Nasal obstruction
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Facial pain or pressure
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Colored nasal discharge
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Diminished smell
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The presence of some or all of these symptoms usually indicates the presence of sinusitis. This may be confirmed on an ENT examination where a nasal endoscopy may be performed. Sinusitis can also be detected and confirmed on an imaging study like a CAT scan. The treatment of sinusitis may include observation, salt water irrigations, topical and oral medications including allergy medications, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. For recurrent acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis, sinus surgery to clear infection and improve the sinus drainage pathways may be recommended.
Do you provide pediatric ENT services?
Our providers are able to evaluate and treat pediatric patients for most ear, nose, or throat-related concerns. Our surgeons are able to perform limited pediatric procedures (ie. tubal tympanostomies with possible adenoidectomy, and frenulectomies). Should there be any other procedures deemed necessary, such as a tonsillectomy, our surgeons will be able to refer out to other appropriate surgeons as needed. Our audiologists are able to perform hearing tests on our pediatric population to help with evaluation and treatment of hearing loss.
Do you treat sleep apnea or snoring issues?
Our providers are able to evaluate and treat sleep apnea and snoring. This starts with a consultation appointment in clinic which will include a basic exam. A sleep study may be ordered which will be performed by a third party company. Our providers can facilitate orders for durable medical equipment to treat sleep apnea or snoring. Our surgeons may also perform specific surgeries that may help sleep apnea or snoring. Our offices do not perform in-clinic sleep studies, nor do
we directly dispense medical equipment.
Do you perform surgery like tonsillectomies or sinus surgery?
Our ENT doctors perform surgeries such as endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty and turbinate reduction, and ear tube placement, however, they NO LONGER perform tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy surgery.
What are the symptoms of a deviated septum, and how is it treated?
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum (the wall dividing the nasal passages) is significantly off-center, leading to various symptoms, including: difficulty breathing through the nose, sinus infections, snoring, nosebleeds, facial pain or headaches in some cases. Treatment is recommended if symptoms significantly affect breathing or your quality of life.\
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Treatment Options:
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Non-Surgical/Medical: Medications such as decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines can help manage symptoms but do not correct the anatomic deviation.
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Surgical: When indicated, a septoplasty surgery can straighten the nasal septum and improve airflow. This procedure is performed under anesthesia in the operating room. It usually is accompanied with a procedure to shrink the tissues on the side wall of the nose called inferior turbinate reduction.
What is a Videonystamogrpahy (VNG) test and when should I get one?
Videonystagmography (VNG) is a test to determine if your symptoms are due to vertigo, and if so, which type. Vertigo is defined as the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving. Our providers order the VNG after examining you and determining that you likely do have vertigo. The test involves wearing special goggles with tiny cameras that watch eye movements. The computer tracks your eye movements as you watch objects on the computer screen, as you assume several different head and body positions, and as the device blows warm and cool air into each ear. If the VNG confirms you have vertigo, specific physical therapy is recommended. If the test is negative, your ENT provider can refer you
to an appropriate specialist for further evaluation and treatment of your dizziness.
How are nose bleeds treated? What can I do at home until I am seen?
Nosebleeds can be treated with nasal packing or cauterization with silver nitrate or electrocauterization. If you have a nosebleed, you can squeeze/pinch the softest part of your nose together (the area closest to the nasal opening) for about 10 to 15 minutes. You may also soak a cotton ball in Afrin (oxymetazoline) and place the soaked cotton in the side of the nose that is bleeding and pinch for 10 to 15 minutes. If you don’t have a cotton ball, simply spray the Afrin a few times in the nose and squeeze the softest part of the nose. Make sure to sit down and lean forward, otherwise the blood will go down the throat and can make you nauseated. If the nose is still bleeding profusely, seek emergency care. We are unable to control ACTIVE nosebleeds in the office setting. There are also over-the-counter products at your local drug store such as BleedStop or BleedCEASE that are also helpful at stopping a nosebleed.
What are nasal polyps and how are they treated?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. They can be associated with chronic sinus infections, asthma, allergies, and sensitivity to aspirin (Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease – AERD).
Symptoms of nasal polyps include:
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Nasal congestion or blockage
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Reduced or lost sense of smell
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Facial pressure
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Sinus pain
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Treatment Options:
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Medications: Conservative treating the physiologic aspect of polyps may include nasal corticosteroids (sprays), oral steroids or additional prescribed medications.
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Biologic Therapies: Newer injectable medications (like Dupilumab) target inflammation and help shrink polyps.
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Surgery: A surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), can be performed in the operating room, or sometimes in the office. Special surgical equipment is used to remove the nasal polyps when medications fail, which can increase nasal breathing, improve sense of smell and decrease sinus infections.
Why do I sometimes have a hard time swallowing?
Swallowing is a complex process involving nerves and muscular structures that moves food and liquids from the mouth to the throat, past the airway, and into the esophagus. Before food is swallowed, it is chewed and mixed with saliva, which softens and lubricates it to make what is called a bolus. Difficulty swallowing happens when something interferes with making the bolus or moving it to the esophagus. That may result from such things as dry mouth, infection, reflux, narrowing of the throat or esophagus, or conditions involving the nerves or muscles. If you are experiencing choking, coughing when swallowing, a feeling of food getting stuck, or ongoing pain or difficulty when swallowing, it’s important to see an ENT specialist for evaluation. The provider will examine the anatomy of the mouth and throat and then determine if imaging, such as a CT or ultrasound, or a functional assessment, such as a swallow study or esophagram is needed.
Hearing Problems
What is an Audiologist and why should I see one?
An audiologist is a health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.
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An audiologist has completed 8–10 years of education and clinical training, with an AuD (doctor of Audiology), PhD, or an AuD/PhD combination degree.
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Audiologists' services can help with managing issues that affect hearing and balance, including:Hearing Loss , Hearing Aids/Assistive Technology, Cochlear Implants, Dizziness and Balance, Hearing Screening and Testing, Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention, and Tinnitus.
Do you sell hearing aids and when should I consult about hearing aids?
We do sell hearing aids! If you are noticing difficulties with your hearing, feel that you are asking others to repeat themselves often, or feel like you're missing out on conversations you should consider having a hearing test and hearing aid consultation. The providers at Sonoran ENTA will also let you know during a visit if you qualify for hearing aids based upon a hearing test completed at our office.
If I purchased hearing aids somewhere else, can you program them for me?
We work with many hearing aid manufacturers and types of devices. It is very likely that we will be able to program hearing aids that were not purchased through our office. There is an outside hearing aid programming fee associated with this service.
What is my hearing aid warranty versus a service plan?
A hearing aid warranty is the basic protection included with the purchase of a hearing aid, covering manufacturer defects for a set period. A service plan is coverage that often includes additional benefits like regular cleanings and adjustments to the hearing aids. This plan can be dictated by insurance coverage or obtained separately through the audiologist/clinic.
Can you help with tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
We can provide and discuss treatment options for tinnitus.
Do you make custom earplugs for sleeping, swimming, musicians, noisy environments, etc?
We do make custom earplugs for a variety of situations! If you are interested in having custom earmolds made, you can schedule an appointment with an Audiologist and they will discuss different options (including pricing) during the appointment. If you choose to get custom earplugs made (can be a single earplug, or a set), the Audiologist will take an impression of your ear canal and send it to a lab have the earplug created. Production time can vary between two-four weeks depending on the type of earplug you are interested in.
How often should I test my hearing?
Hearing loss is often gradual and relatively subtle. Routine hearing tests should be done annually in order to monitor hearing loss and assess whether those subtle changes have occurred. If hearing loss is more drastic and sudden, such as waking up and not being able to hear out of one or both ears, then hearing loss should be tested immediately for the best treatment outcome.
How long should or will my hearing aids last?
Hearing aids last an average of 4-7 years (and longer with good care!). It’s reasonable to expect that hearing aid technology will be upgraded or newer in this time frame as well.
What happens if I have a sudden hearing loss?
If you suspect that you have a sudden drop in your hearing, please contact your healthcare provider right away.