At ENT Associates of Central PA, We Care About Your Health

A: Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

Their unique skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage ENT-specific disorders in both children and adults.

A: The Ears – Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
The Nose – About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and the sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose is also part of otolaryngologists’ expertise.

The Throat – Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

The Head and Neck – This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

A: You can find any patient forms you may need on the Patient Forms page. The office staff will let you know of any forms that will need to be completed prior to your appointment. If you have any questions, please call (814) 944-5357.

A: The length of a patient’s visit will depend on any concerns the patient, physician or physician assistant has, and how long it takes to address each of these concerns. Our goal is to give each patient the time he or she needs for the diagnosis and symptoms presented – no patient is rushed out of the office.

A: Your exam will be tailored to your symptoms; however, you should be prepared to share a detailed medical history and receive a thorough examination of the different areas of your ears, nose, and throat. Since otolaryngology is a specialty, your doctor may use unusual equipment to get a better picture of your overall condition. An otoscope could be used to illuminate your eardrum so your surgeon can better understand your ears and ear pathology. Tuning forks and microscopes may also be used. To see the insides of your nasal cavities more clearly, a speculum or endoscope may be used. The doctor may use a flexible, fiberoptic nasendoscope for better visualization of the back of your nose or your voice box.

A: Yes, our doctors see patients of all ages.

A: We are open from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

A: You can make an appointment by calling us at us at (814) 944-5357.

A: Your insurance company may require you to obtain an authorization or referral for you to see the doctor. If your insurance requires a referral from your family doctor, the referral must be in our office the day before your visit. Please call (814) 944-5357 to verify that we have your referral.

A: We are located at 3341 Beale Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601