Ear, Nose, Voice & Throat (ENT)

Our ENT surgeons diagnose and treat a wide range of hearing related conditions including ear infections, tinnitus, hearing loss and balance disorders, using diagnostic tools and best practice protocols.
Haven Medical also offer:

• Ear Microsuction – a safe, quick and highly effective way of removing ear wax, particularly useful for those people who have recurrent ear infections or who wear hearing aids.

• Grommet insertion which is a common procedure done in children when a small ear tube is inserted into the ear drum in children who suffer with recurrent ear infections. This procedure improves any hearing loss associated with glue ear and infections and limits the implications that has on daily life/ language development and learning.

Chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, deviated septum, nasal polyps, and nasal fractures are among the issues that our ENT surgeons can diagnose and treat at Haven Medical. They may recommend medications or perform minimally invasive procedures such as;

• Flexible nasendoscopy (use of a tiny, thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera at its tip, called an endoscope, is inserted through the nostril to examine the nasal passages, throat, and other structures in the upper airway)

• Nasal cautery which is a simple, quick and effective way to treat nose bleeds.

• Biopsy and surgical excision of nasal lesions under local anaesthetic done with ease on site at Haven Medical

Allergy testing may be suggested to identify any environmental triggers contributing to your symptoms.

Read more about Haven Medical allergy testing.

Specialising in laryngology, a sub-specialty of ENT, we address benign disorders and injuries of the throat and larynx. Conditions treated include recurrent sore throat, voice changes, swallowing difficulties, chronic cough, and upper airway restriction.

Our ENT surgeons, including leading consultant Kate Heathcote,  offer minimally invasive treatments for various throat disorders, such as spasmodic dysphonia, using injections into the larynx, vocal cords, palate, and salivary glands. Appointments are often available within a week or so at our Canford Cliffs clinic.

Our ENT specialists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and management of head and neck disorders and tumours. Early diagnosis through quick access to the appropriate specialists and investigations is key to greater success in both diagnosis and treatment so we are pleased to be able to offer this to our patients through out specialist ENT services.

Earwax is a perfectly normal and healthy substance that is produced by the ears to keep them clean. Over time, the wax will normally work its way out of the ear. However, for some, earwax can build up causing hearing loss, dizziness, discomfort and make tinnitus worse. Microsuction earwax removal is a quick and painless process, whereby a small vacuum is used to remove blockages and excess wax.

Signs you would benefit from ear microsuction include:

• Wearing hearing aids – people who wear hearing aids often experience increased earwax build up
• Feeling your ear is blocked
• Decrease in hearing ability, sounds being muffled, having to ask people to repeat themselves
• Itchy or irritated ears
• Ringing or buzzing sounds
• Hearing your heart beat in your ears
• Tinnitus symptoms worsening
• Repeated ear infections
• Knowing you have small or unusual shaped ear canals, which are prone to wax build up

Regular microsuction earwax removal (every 6 months) is very helpful for those who wear hearing aids or experience repeated ear infections.

What to expect in your ear microsuction appointment:

(If possible, please use an olive oil spray or drops for the three days before your appointment. This can help soften any wax and make the removal easier. Drops and sprays are readily available from pharmacists.)

• A thin camera will be inserted into your ear to evaluate what treatment will be most helpful. Patients are even able to view the findings on a screen if they want.
• If wax is identified, a thin vacuum will be introduced to the ear, under the guidance of a strong magnifier. This enables the gold-standard, safe, effective and comfortable removal of earwax.
• The process takes around 10 minutes per ear.

For some people, a referral to an ENT Consultant or GP will be recommended, perhaps where antibiotics are needed or another issue is identified which would be better treated by another clinician. We can make these onward referrals for you.

Microsuction is:

• The gold-standard way of clearing ear wax and blockages
• 95% – 99% effective at removing wax
• Water free
• Safer than alternatives such syringing, which can damage the ear
• Quick and easy – it takes around 10 minutes per ear
• Safe for children (children need to be able to keep their head still so it may not be suitable for those under 6)
• Proven to help reduce ear infections by keeping the ear clean

Microsuction may not suitable for people who:

• Have perforated ear drums
• Have an active ear infection
• Have had ear surgery
• Have recently had grommets fitted

If you aren’t sure if microsuction is right for you, or a loved one, please do contact the clinic on 01202 110303 who will arrange for a call with one of our aural experts. They will be able to advise you on next steps.

What is tongue-tie?
 

A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the strip of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. Anterior tongue-ties (near the front of the mouth) are normally quite easy to spot, but posterior tongue-ties (deeper in the mouth) can be difficult to see by an untrained eye.
 
Signs of a tongue-tie
Often the signs of a tongue-tie only become clear due to difficulties with breastfeeding. Signs of a tongue-tie include:
 
• Misshapen or blanched nipples after a feed
• Difficulties latching
• Frequent and long feeds as the baby struggles to get enough milk
• Reflux or ‘colicy’ babies
• Painful cracked nipples
• Clicking noises during a feed
• Slowing milk supply
 
Older children and adults can also experience difficulties from a tongue-tie that wasn’t diagnosed or treated during infancy. These might include difficulties pronouncing certain sounds (‘t,’ ‘d,’ ‘z,’ ‘s,’ ‘th,’ ‘n’ and ‘l.’). They may also experience difficulties with oral hygiene and find it harder to clear food from around the teeth.
 
Treating tongue-tie
If the tongue-tie is particularly thin or elastic, it is not uncommon for the piece of tissue to stretch on its own, reducing the impact of the tongue-tie. However, this isn’t always the case, in which case a tongue-tie procedure is possible.
 
What happens during a tongue-tie assessment?
Dr. Heathcote, Consultant ENT will assess your baby or child’s mouth, examining the tongue’s range of motion and the severity of the frenulum restriction. If treatment is needed, she will discuss the next steps and the procedure with you.
 
What does the treatment involve?
The tongue-tie procedure is straightforward and involves releasing the frenulum to allow for better movement of the tongue. This can usually be performed in a quick and safe procedure at our clinic. A round nose set of surgical scissors are used to quickly, and painlessly, release the tie. You will be encouraged to then immediately feed your child, which helps heal the wound quickly.
 
Tongue-tie FAQs
 
How long does tongue-tie surgery take to heal?
Healing after a tongue-tie release is typically quick. Most babies can return to feeding almost immediately, with full healing occurring within a few days to a week.
 
Is tongue-tie treatment available for older children?
Yes, in addition to treating babies, we also offer tongue-tie treatment for older children and adolescents, including more complex cases that may have been missed in infancy.
 
How much does tongue-tie treatment cost?
The cost of the procedure ranges from £300-£400, depending on the complexity of the case. This includes the initial consultation, assessment, and treatment.
 
Many mothers experience difficulties breastfeeding, and the reasons aren’t always due to a tongue-tie, but if you are experiencing some of the symptoms above it may be worth getting an assessment with a tongue-tie expert.
 
To book an appointment with Dr Kate Heathcote, please call 01202 110303 or email hello@thehavenmedical.com
 
Read more about our Tongue-tie Clinic here – Expert Tongue Tie Clinic at Haven Medical