ENT services

Hawthorn ENT provides specialist assessment and treatment across a broad range of adult and paediatric ear, nose and throat conditions. The appropriate investigation and treatment depend on your history, examination and individual circumstances.

Nose and sinus

Nasal symptoms may result from inflammation, allergy, infection, structural narrowing or a combination of factors. Assessment may include examination of the external nose, nasal endoscopy and review of imaging where appropriate.

Treatment may include saline irrigation, medication, management of allergy or inflammation, office-based procedures, or surgery where there is an appropriate indication.

Children’s ENT

Children commonly present with problems involving the tonsils and adenoids, ears, hearing, nasal breathing and sleep. Assessment takes account of the child’s symptoms, examination, development and the effect on sleep, eating, school and family life.

  • Recurrent tonsillitis

  • Large tonsils or adenoids

  • Snoring and sleep-related breathing problems

  • Recurrent ear infections

  • Glue ear and hearing concerns

  • Persistent nasal obstruction

  • Other common paediatric ENT conditions

When tonsil or adenoid surgery is being considered, the reasons for surgery, alternatives, expected recovery and risks are discussed with the family. Intracapsular tonsillotomy may be considered for selected children as an alternative to total tonsillectomy.

Head and neck

The head and neck contain lymph nodes, salivary glands, the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the larynx, throat, skin, nerves and major blood vessels. Similar symptoms can therefore arise from different conditions.

Assessment may include examination of the mouth, throat and neck, flexible nasendoscopy, ultrasound, CT or MRI, blood tests and needle biopsy. Multidisciplinary review is arranged where appropriate.

Ear

Ear symptoms can affect hearing, comfort, balance or the sensation of pressure. Assessment may include examination with an otoscope or microscope and review of hearing tests.

  • Hearing loss or a change in hearing

  • Blocked or pressured ears

  • Recurrent or persistent ear infections

  • Ear pain or discharge

  • Wax requiring specialist removal

  • Tinnitus and selected balance symptoms

Throat, voice and swallowing

Persistent throat and voice symptoms may arise from inflammation, vocal use, structural lesions, movement disorders or other conditions affecting the larynx and throat.

  • Persistent hoarseness or change in voice

  • Throat discomfort that does not settle

  • Difficulty or pain with swallowing

  • A persistent sensation of a lump in the throat

  • Recurrent tonsil problems

  • Conditions requiring examination of the larynx

A fine flexible nasendoscope may be used in the consulting room to examine the throat and larynx. Further investigation is arranged according to the findings.

Urgent symptoms

Hawthorn ENT is not an emergency service. Sudden breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, rapidly progressive swelling or another medical emergency requires urgent assessment. Call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.