ENT is a specialist area of medicine involved with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat.
Your ears, nose and throat are involved in many vital functions such as breathing, eating, and hearing. Any type of problem in them can cause significant health problems and affect quality of life.
At The Cavell Hospital in Enfield, East London, experienced Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultants provide fast assessment for any problems or concerns. Treatment can be planned and arranged for you, and should surgery be needed, this is usually carried out at our sister site, The Kings Oak Hospital.
Common reasons people visit our ENT Consultants include:
Ear
- Hearing problems
- Wax impaction / blocked ears
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Chronic (long-term) ear infections
Nose
- Nasal blockage
- Nose bleeds
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps
- Sinus issues
- Nasal injury
Throat
- Voice difficulties such as a change in voice
- Swallowing difficulties
- General discomfort in the throat
- Recurrent throat infections
- Neck lumps & bumps (e.g. in the parotid gland, which produces saliva)
The specialty also covers thyroid and parathyroid issues, along with certain types of head and neck cancers, which are unfortunately becoming increasingly common.
Many patients can find relief from their concerns with a simple outpatients-based procedure. If you are looking to improve your quality of life and find reprieve from your symptoms, why not book a consultation with one of our ENT specialists at The Cavell Hospital today?
As can be seen in the list above, there are a wide variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. Many of these conditions can be treated effectively without the need for any type of surgery.
Sometimes, medical advice and lifestyle changes are all that are needed to bring you relief from your symptoms, and your Consultant will help you with this.
If possible, hearing loss is a concern, a dedicated soundproof audio booth on-site allows hearing tests to be carried out quickly and easily.
Infections in the ear can often be successfully treated with eardrops. If hearing loss is found to be caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear (glue ear), grommets may be an option. These tiny plastic tubes allow fluid to drain from the ear, preventing a build-up of fluid.
Small holes in an eardrum will usually heal naturally over time. If the hole is particularly large, you may require a myringoplasty, to reconstruct the ear drum using a skin graft.
Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty can be helpful for people who suffer from frequent or particularly severe popping ears.
Some tonsil problems are best treated by the surgical removal of the tonsils (a tonsillectomy).
Recurrent or long-lasting nasal blockages may be treated with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and/or a Nasal Polypectomy (removal of polyps). If the nasal blockage is being caused by a deviated septum (the bone and cartilage separating the two nostrils), a Septoplasty to straighten it may help.
An unexplained or new lump in your neck may require a biopsy (small tissue sample). This will be sent away for examination under a microscope. If any type of cancer is confirmed, you will be referred on to an appropriate Specialist Cancer treatment team.
More extensive surgeries may require referral to a neighbouring facility, but your Consultant will continue to manage your treatment.
When you visit The Cavell Hospital for your private ENT appointment, your Consultant will take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They will want to know:
- What symptoms you have?
- How long you have had these symptoms?
- Whether you have already received any treatment(s)?
They will carry out a clinical examination of the affected area(s) and may feel your neck for the presence of swollen glands.
They may use an otoscope to examine your ears, and a bright light shone into your mouth can help highlight some problems.
Many nose and throat conditions can be best investigated with an endoscopy. An endoscope is a small, thin tube with a camera and light at one end. It is usually connected to a video screen and transmits a real time video feed to it. A nasal/throat endoscopy involves passing the endoscope up your nose and around into the back of your throat. As the endoscope is moved along, your Consultant can look for anything unusual, such as a blockage, lump or swelling.
Additional investigations may sometimes be required, including X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. These can all be arranged for you easily if needed.
Some symptoms or conditions may require a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue that is then sent away for investigation). Depending on the location of the area to be biopsied, this may be carried out under ultrasound guidance.
Once any results are back your Consultant will discuss them with you and explain suitable treatment options to you. Treatments for ENT conditions may include:
- Watchful waiting
- Medication
- Surgery
Many of the people who visit our Consultant ENT Surgeons live locally, either in Enfield itself or nearby. They appreciate being able to access expert help without having to travel to a Central London location such as Harley Street.
Choosing to have your Ear, Nose & Throat treatment at The Cavell Hospital comes with a host of benefits, such as:
- Expert Assessment, FAST – Many ear, nose and throat conditions are more easily treated when diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. If symptoms in your ear, nose or throat are pronounced enough to be causing you concern, you’ll value fast access to expert help. By getting assessment earlier, you’ll be able to get started with any treatment sooner.
- Convenient appointments – With appointments available throughout the week, it is easy to find a time that fits your availability. While most ENT consultations are done in person at The Cavell Hospital, remote consultations are available by telephone or video call if required (and where clinically appropriate).
- Consultant-led care, always – We believe in a bespoke approach to ENT treatment and your Consultant will carefully tailor any treatment to your specific needs. In addition, you will always see the same Consultant, ensuring excellent continuity of care.
- Teamwork – Your Consultant ENT Surgeon is supported by a wider healthcare team, including nurses, anaesthetists, dermatologists, and radiologists. This multidisciplinary team approach to treatment ensures you will always see the most appropriate specialist
- Recommended by patients – In an independent survey, 98.6% of people said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.
- Location - The Cavell Hospital is in Enfield, North London, and easy to travel to by private or public transport. Our car park has 80 spaces.
If you find yourself worried or concerned about any symptoms in your ears, nose or throat, expert help is available. For peace of mind and known expert care, please contact us to book your private ENT appointment now.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Cavell Hospital and helping you to access the support you need without delay.
