910-295-6831 | Toll-free 800-755-2500
Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Facial Plastic Surgery Center
All about Hearing | Balance Disorders | Thyroid | Head and Neck Cancer
Nasal/Sinus Problems | Hoarseness | What is an Esthetician?
| All about Hearing |
Communication disorders constitute the greatest number of handicapping disabilities in the United States. More people suffer from hearing, speech and language impairment than heart disease, paralysis, epilepsy, blindness, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis combined. Conservatively, hearing loss affects 20 million Americans significantly.
The ear anatomically is divided into three parts: outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The outer ear captures the sound and directs it through the ear canal to the tympanic membrane (ear drum). The tympanic membrane vibrates and transmits the sound to the middle ear bones, which in turn, pass these vibrations to the inner ear. In the inner ear, sound is converted into an electrical message that is sent to the brain where it is interpreted.
Hearing loss is divided into two general categories: nerve hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. Nerve hearing loss is the result of damage or deterioration of the inner ear or the nerve going to the brain. A conductive hearing loss is the result of sound not being transmitted from the environment to the inner ear. Examples include blockage to the ear canal, abnormalities to the tympanic membrane, fluid in the middle ear or problems with the middle ear bones.
In nerve hearing loss, the damage to the inner ear may take place before birth, during delivery or later in life. There are maternal infections which can cause hearing loss such as measles, when in the first trimester. Nerve hearing loss may be hereditary and multiple family members may have a genetic defect resulting in the impairment. By far, the most common type of nerve hearing loss is acquired later in life. Examples include occupational or noise-induced trauma or presbycusis. Presbycusis is the loss of hearing associated with aging.
The main treatment for nerve hearing loss is the use of hearing aids. In some cases of profound hearing loss implantable hearing aids or cochlear implants are appropriate.
Conductive hearing loss frequently can be corrected by surgical treatment. Treatment may be as simple as removing obstructing ear wax from the ear canal. Children may experience a conductive hearing loss from persistent fluid in the middle ear and placement of tubes will often return hearing to normal. The ear drum may be damaged from trauma or recurrent ear infections. The ear drum can be repaired surgically to fix perforations or holes to improve the hearing. The middle ear bones may not function properly from previous scarring or over growth of bone. This inhibits the ear bones to move and reduces the hearing. There are several surgical options to repair or replace the bones and improve the hearing. Hearing loss is common and there are many options to improve it and improve one’s quality of life. If there is a question about one’s hearing, seek evaluation by an Audiologist and an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician.
| Balance Disorders | Back to Top |
The etiology of dizziness and balance problems is very broad, making the diagnosis and treatment difficult. The inner ear (vestibular system) helps to control our balance in conjunction with our brain, eyes and musculoskeletal system. Vertigo is the sense of movement of either ones self or the surrounding environment and must be differentiated from imbalance that is less often related to inner ear pathology. Common causes of inner ear vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BBPV), viral labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease and less common tumors of the vestibular system. Central causes of vertigo must also be excluded such as migraine associated vertigo, cerebellar stroke, multiple sclerosis and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
Assessment of balance disorders typically begins with a thorough history and physical exam including a detailed neurologic exam. Most inner ear balance disorders can be identified by history alone. Additional testing to diagnose vestibular problems often involves a hearing test (audiogram) and occasionally electronystagmography (ENG). An MRI scan is ordered if there is question of a brain tumor, stroke or if other central findings are recognized.
| Thyroid | Back to Top |
The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the metabolism of our bodies. Many disorders can affect the thyroid gland including autoimmune conditions (e.g. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's disease), thyroid nodules with goiter and thyroid cancer. Thyroid nodules are small growths that usually are asymptomatic. They are common with approximately 6% of women and 1% of men having palpable nodules. However at autopsy 20-60% of individuals have nodules. Fortunately, greater than 90% of thyroid nodules will be benign. Blood tests of thyroid function should be done to see if the thyroid is making the normal amount of thyroid hormone although nodules usually do not affect thyroid hormone production. An ultrasound with consideration for needle guided biopsy is a reliable method to rule out malignancy in thyroid nodules. Thyroid cancer is readily treatable usually with total thyroidectomy and radioactive thyroid iodine ablation.
Disorders of the parathyroid glands can also affect our metabolism with changes in electrolytes such as calcium and phosphorus. The most common abnormality of the parathyroid glands is an enlarged parathyroid gland or adenoma. This is a benign condition that results in high levels of calcium and elevated parathyroid hormone that can eventually result in bone loss with osteoporosis, constipation, mood changes and kidney stones. Parathyroid adenomas can be detected by blood tests and nuclear medicine scans (i.e., Sestamibi scans) and are generally treated by surgical removal when they become symptomatic.
| Head and Neck Cancer | Back to Top |
Our physicians are specialists in treating cancers in the region of the head and neck. This includes basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas and others. It also includes cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract. There are multiple surgical procedures that can be performed for these types of cancers but we also work closely with radiation oncologists and medical oncologists to ensure that each patient has the optimal treatment plan for their unique oncologic needs.
| Nasal/Sinus Problems | Back to Top |
Our practice encompasses a full spectrum of treatment for nasal and sinus disease. This includes evaluations which help differentiate between nasal disease that is allergic in nature or infectious in nature. We are able to offer a spectrum that includes diagnostic testing, such as fiberoptic nasal examinations, lab work, such as an allergy profile, and the ability to order diagnostic x-rays and interpret those x-rays at our facility. We perform a full array of surgical procedures for nasal and sinus disease including septoplasty, turbinate reduction and endoscopic sinus surgery. We were one of the first non-academic practices in this State to use a computer-guided imaging system (Brain Lab) to ensure the best and safest outcomes with sinus surgery. In our clinic’s bio skills lab, we have held courses to help train other physicians in cutting-edge surgical techniques such as balloon sinuplasty.
| Hoarseness | Back to Top |
Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck specialists are uniquely trained to evaluate the causes of hoarseness, one of the early signs of laryngeal or vocal cord cancer, as well as lesions of the facial skin that fail to heal, raising the question of skin cancers. Tumors or masses about the head and neck may indicate primary cancers in the neck or throat where ENT doctors have special abilities to examine and locate the sites of these tumors. Non-healing sore spots in the mouth or throat lasting longer than 2 to 3 weeks should have a thorough ENT Head and Neck examination. Pinehurst Surgical ENT doctors not only provide diagnoses for these problems, but also have expertise in the surgical treatment when needed for these tumors.
Our board certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat physicians) diagnose, treat, and perform surgery for disorders of the ear, nose and throat, head and neck area.
| What is an Esthetician? | Back to Top |
An Esthetician is someone who has studied the skin and specializes in skin care treatments to improve the health and beauty of the skin.
Our Esthetician provides expertise in skin analysis, facial care techniques, treatment and protection for aging skin and acne, proper home regimen skin care, acid peels and mineral makeup application and techniques.
Skincare treatments available to patients will include facial peels and procedures, such as microdermabrasion, various types of rejuvenating facials, facial waxing services for hair removal and intensive line treatments which target fine lines and wrinkles.
We offer the added benefit of Hannah Cox, a Licensed Esthetician working closely with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for all of your facial cosmetic needs.
A life time resident of Moore County in North Carolina, Hannah is enthusiastic about helping to provide her community and surrounding areas with the best facial skin care available. Click for more about our Esthetician Services.