Question 1

How do I know if my ear discharge needs surgical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Clear, transient discharge during a cold may resolve with antibiotics, but foul-smelling, recurrent, or blood-tinged discharge that does not dry up often indicates chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with a tympanic perforation or cholesteatoma. In such cases, high-magnification microscopy and CT temporal bone imaging are needed to determine if tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy is warranted.

Question 2

What causes persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus can stem from prolonged noise exposure, age-related sensorineural hearing loss (presbycusis), middle ear fluid, otosclerosis, wax impaction, or vascular conditions. A comprehensive diagnostic audiogram and impedance test help isolate whether the cause originates in the outer, middle, or inner ear.

Question 3

Who is a candidate for a cochlear implant?

Accepted Answer

Children born with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who show limited benefit after structured hearing aid trials, as well as adults with post-lingual severe-to-profound hearing loss where hearing aids fail to provide adequate speech clarity, are evaluated for cochlear implantation. Dr. Anav Rattan has completed dedicated certified fellowship training in this field at KEM Hospital Mumbai.

Question 4

How is chronic sinusitis differentiated from common allergic rhinitis?

Accepted Answer

Allergic rhinitis typically presents with itchy watery eyes, sneezing fits, and clear nasal discharge triggered by dust or pollen. Chronic sinusitis persists beyond 12 weeks with thick discoloured mucus, facial pressure/pain over the cheeks or forehead, nasal congestion, and reduced smell. In-clinic diagnostic nasal endoscopy provides immediate visual distinction.

Question 5

When is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) recommended?

Accepted Answer

FESS is indicated when chronic sinusitis or nasal polyposis fails to resolve after optimal medical management (such as intranasal steroids, saline irrigations, and targeted antibiotics), or when there is anatomical obstruction blocking the sinus drainage pathways.

Question 6

When should hoarseness of voice be evaluated by an ENT specialist?

Accepted Answer

Any change in voice or hoarseness persisting for more than 2 to 3 weeks must be evaluated via rigid or flexible video laryngoscopy. This rules out vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, papillomas, or early neoplastic lesions, particularly in smokers or professional voice users.

Question 7

What are the indications for tonsillectomy in adults?

Accepted Answer

In adults, recurrent acute tonsillitis (5 or more episodes in a year), peritonsillar abscess (quinsy), unilateral tonsillar enlargement, chronic cryptic tonsillitis with persistent tonsilloliths and halitosis, or severe obstructive sleep apnea are standard indications for surgical removal.

Question 8

How can parents recognize enlarged adenoids in children?

Accepted Answer

Key symptoms include chronic mouth breathing, loud snoring during sleep, frequent pauses in breathing (pediatric sleep apnea), recurring ear infections due to Eustachian tube blockage (glue ear), and daytime sluggishness or behavioral changes.

Question 9

What is 'glue ear' and does it require ear grommets?

Accepted Answer

Glue ear (Otitis Media with Effusion) is the accumulation of thick fluid behind the intact eardrum without active fever. It leads to muffled hearing and speech delays. If fluid persists past 3 months despite medical treatment, tiny ventilation tubes (grommets) are placed through the eardrum to restore normal hearing.

Question 10

What is BPPV and how is it treated at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when microscopic calcium crystals (otoconia) become dislodged into the semicircular canals of the inner ear, triggering intense spinning sensations when turning in bed or looking upward. It is diagnosed using the Dix-Hallpike test and treated right in the clinic with canalith repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak Directly With Our ENT Specialists