Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

Otolaryngology, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat), is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions affecting primarily the ear, nose and throat. Some of these conditions include cancer, adenoidectomy, bilateral myringotomy tubes, endoscopic sinus surgery, mastoidectomy, parotidectomy, septoplasty, thyroidectomy, and tonsillectomy.

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are designed for people who have severe to profound sensory nerve hearing loss and no longer benefit from amplification (hearing aids).

The surgery for cochlear implantation is generally performed as an outpatient. After healing from the procedure, the device is activated with the help of specially trained audiologists. Several visits with the audiologist are required during the first year to map the device, or program the settings of the implant to the patient’s specific needs.

Since at least the 1970s, cochlear implant technology has been benefiting hearing impaired patients who no longer receive benefit from traditional hearing aids. Over the past several decades, the sound processing technology and surgical procedure have been continually refined.

This procedure, with the associated follow up care, is being offered in Wichita Falls, allowing patients in our community to remain closer to home for surgery and follow up care.