Ear Care

At MultiCare, our team of dedicated ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists address a wide range of ear-related issues, from common ear infections to complex eardrum disorders.

Ear conditions we treat

• Outer ear infections (also known as “swimmer’s ear”): These infections of the outer ear canal can be caused by bacteria or fungi and are usually treated with antibiotic ear drops. Severe infections, however, require evaluation and additional treatment by an ENT specialist.
• Middle ear infections: These infections are very common in children and in some adults, and are often treated with oral antibiotics. Severe or recurrent middle ear infections are considered chronic and require ENT evaluation and treatment. Treatment may involve surgically inserting a small tube, known as an ear tube or tympanostomy tube, into the ear to help ventilate the middle ear space.
• Mastoiditis: This is a rare but serious complication of an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection, where the infection spreads to the mastoid bone behind the ear.

How we help

Our specialists provide personalized evaluations and treatments, specifically tailored to meet your individual needs.

Maintaining balance is a complex process of the brain, eyes and delicate structures within the inner ear. If one or more of these organs isn’t working properly, it can cause a disturbance in balance. This can result in symptoms like dizziness or vertigo (the sensation of the room spinning around you).

If you’re having balance issues, consult with an ENT specialist or neurologist for comprehensive balance testing. This testing helps pinpoint the cause of your symptoms so you can receive the most appropriate treatment. Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or migraines, can also contribute to balance disorders.

Balance conditions we treat

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific changes in head position.
• Meniere’s disease: A condition causing recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear often caused by viral infections that leads to vertigo, hearing loss and nausea.
• Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, resulting in sudden onset vertigo, often accompanied by difficulty with balance and nausea.
• Perilymphatic fistula: An abnormal connection between the fluid-filled spaces in the inner ear and the air-filled middle ear, causing dizziness and imbalance.

How we help

Your personalized treatment plan will depend on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the condition. Sometimes dietary changes, medications or surgery may be necessary.

Hearing loss and tinnitus can significantly disrupt daily life and negatively impact your well-being and social relationships. Having difficulty understanding conversations, missing important information and feeling socially isolated are common challenges that affect people with hearing loss. Additionally, the persistent ringing or buzzing sounds of tinnitus can cause frustration, irritation, anxiety and stress.

Hearing loss conditions we treat

• Congenital eardrum disorders: These conditions are present at birth and may include structural abnormalities or malformations of the eardrum. In some cases, congenital eardrum disorders may contribute to hearing issues or other complications. Medical interventions or surgical procedures may be available to address or manage the effects of these conditions.
• Hearing loss: Hearing loss is common as we age, but when it causes problems with work or social functioning, an evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist is recommended prior to considering hearing aids. Sudden hearing loss, or asymmetric hearing loss, requires immediate attention by an ENT. Some types of hearing loss may be reversible.
• Injuries to the eardrum: The eardrum can be damaged by infections, diseases of the middle ear or trauma. This damage could consist of a hole (perforation) or poor movement of the eardrum due to fluid or abnormal air pressure in the middle ear, often resulting in significant hearing loss. Procedures that restore normal function and alleviate symptoms include ear tube placement, eustachian tube balloon dilation or other surgeries to repair the eardrum.
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears): This condition is often a byproduct of hearing loss. Certain types of tinnitus, however, may be due to other causes. A thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist can rule out concerning causes and help manage the condition.

How we help

At MultiCare, our team of dedicated ENT specialists offer comprehensive hearing testing (audiology) services as well as state-of-the-art hearing aid dispensary services. We deliver the highest-quality care to alleviate your hearing issues.