At the Atlanta Institute for ENT, general otolaryngology is both a starting point and a destination for patients as issues are identified and treatment strategies are developed. In addition to the ears, nose and throat, our general otolaryngology services deal with the medical and surgical treatment of a wide variety of head and neck disorders, including inflammation, infection and lesions in the head and neck.
We treat patients of all ages, from newborns to adults. Our specially-trained physicians take pride in providing excellent care to all of our patients and are ready to assist you with questions you may have about our ENT services.
ENT Conditions We Evaluate and Treat
Voice and swallowing disorders.
Many patients each year are affected by voice problems or swallowing disorders that vary from minor annoyances to major health risks. In addition to viral laryngitis, we treat more serious or rare conditions such as vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia (a neurological disorder affecting the voice muscles in the larynx), nodules or lesions of the vocal cords, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Our team of ENT specialists works together with speech pathologists in treating these disorders, employing state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and comprehensive treatment regimens.
Ear, hearing and balance problems.
We provide medical care to patients suffering from hearing loss, ear infections, ear blockages, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), perforated eardrums, vertigo (the sensation that your environment is spinning around you) and balance disorders (dizziness). Many times hearing and balance problems are inter-related, as the inner ear interacts with other body systems such as the bones, joints and eyes, to maintain balance. When something is wrong with the inner ear, patients can experience vertigo or balance. Treatment for hearing and balance disorders involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition, which may be done through hearing aids, ear tubes, medications, surgery or other procedures.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
When the temporomandibular joint (the hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull) is misaligned or malfunctioning in some way, it can create excess pressure to the jaw and cause a lot of pain. Treatment is based on the severity of the disorder, and can include pain medication, muscle relaxation techniques, a bite plate or splint therapy.
Benign and malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region.
Our physicians receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck tumors and cysts, including thyroid and parathyroid benign or cancerous growths, oral cavity tumors, neck cancers and salivary gland tumors. We have a variety of specialized tools including endoscopy and microscopy to aid in the evaluation of these conditions. Treatment involves a team approach with area radiologists, pathologists, endocrinologists, and medical and radiation oncologists.
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Whether your snoring is a troublesome nuisance or a life-threatening sleep disorder, we assess the upper airway and zero in on the issue so you can get a better – and quieter – night of sleep. The diagnosis is made by means of an in-lab sleep study (polysomnogram) or a home-based sleep monitoring test. Treatment options include weight loss, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and devices, oral appliances, humidifiers and a variety of surgical procedures, including septoplasty (surgery to remedy a deviated septum), Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (surgery to remove or remodel tissue in the throat), and genioglossus (the primary muscle of the tongue) advancement.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your ears, nose or throat, we encourage you to learn more about your condition by using our menus at the top of the page.
Of course this information tool is not a substitute for expert medical advice; it is only the first step. If you think you have a ear, nose or throat condition requiring professional care, it is critical that you have a medical evaluation. Please call us today at 404-257-1589 to schedule an office consultation. You’ll be glad you did.
