What Happens During ENT Exams?

An ENT examination includes checking the ears, nose, throat, as well as the neck. Our ENT doctor Los Angeles serves both adults and children.

Ears

On the first visit, we usually screen for hearing loss. We use pressure to test the eardrum for fluid. The nose is examined using a mirror or headlight and a handheld speculum with which we can view the nasal septum up close. A nose spray will be utilized during the exam. Using mirrors in the mouth, the nose, throat, and voice box are examined closely. We look carefully at the salivary glands, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland. Overall health is accessed throughout. The entire process is usually quick and painless, although some patients may experience slight gagging during the throat exam.

Read more about ear examinations.

Audiometric Testing

For patients complaining of hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues, we may conduct audiometric testing. Our OAE testing is a fast, easy screening for normal hearing. It takes 5 seconds in a quiet room, and is often used for screening newborns. We may screen some patients a bit more closely in our soundproof booth. The audiologist records the softest sounds you can hear in each ear, resulting in an audiograph. We measure pressure in the middle ear and assess fluid in the eardrums of small children using tympanometry, which is fast and easy. Children will be comfortable with our pediatric ENT doctor Los Angeles.

Take this Quiz to see if you know what to expect from your audiologist.

Nasal Endoscopy

If the patient has nasal, sinus, or allergy concerns, a nasal endoscopy is usually performed. You will receive a decongestant nose spray which contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic. After this takes effect, the ENT doctor Los Angeles inserts a tiny camera into the nostril. This makes it easy to see any swelling, drainage, nasal polyps, and septal deformities. Most of these findings can be cultured or biopsied to determine treatment.

Learn more about nasal endoscopy here.

Throat Scoping

For throat problems like hoarseness or swallowing difficulty, a flexible scope may be used to check the throat and voice box. This is a great alternative for those who have trouble with the mirror exam. In some cases, we may need to perform a procedure known as a trans-nasal endoscopy. A long endoscope is passed down into the esophagus to give us a clear view, on a video monitor, of your condition.

More about throat scopes and upper endoscopy.

Allergy Testing

If allergy medicine is not doing enough for a patient, we recommend allergy testing. Small injections and skin pricks are done to test various environmental and food allergens, to assess your reaction, and to determine a safe dose for immunotherapy.

Learn more about allergy testing.

Your Head and Neck Doctors in Los Angeles

We see children, as well as adults! Entrust your child’s care to our pediatric ENT doctor Los Angeles. Our ENT doctor Los Angeles has offices in Culver City and Santa Monica to better serve you. Please call Westside Head & Neck at 310-361-5313 to schedule your appointment today!