Trusted General ENT Clinic in Austin, Texas

The most common ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) procedures address a variety of issues related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.

• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: Elimination of the adenoids and/or tonsils, often done to treat chronic infections or obstructive sleep apnea.

• Sinus Surgery (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – FESS): Performed to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or blockages in the sinuses.

• Myringotomy with Tube Insertion: Involves creating a small opening in inserting tubes and draining the eardrum to stop recurrent ear infections.

• Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing or resolve chronic sinus problems.

• Rhinoplasty: A cosmetic or functional procedure to reshape the nose, often to correct breathing problems or for aesthetic reasons.

• Tympanoplasty: A surgical technique to restore hearing by repairing a perforated eardrum.

• Laryngoscopy: Used to diagnose or treat conditions in the throat or voice box, often performed for voice problems, hoarseness, or throat cancer.

• Cochlear Implant Surgery: For patients with severe hearing loss, this procedure involves placing a device that stimulates the auditory nerve to restore hearing.

• Thyroidectomy: Partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, commonly done to treat thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.

• Parotidectomy: Surgical removal of the parotid gland, usually due to tumors or chronic infections.

These procedures help treat a wide range of ENT-related conditions, from infections and blockages to tumors and functional impairments.

Dr. Laurence Chu, is a highly skilled medical professional who is well-versed in a range of procedures to treat issues pertaining to the throat, nose, and ears. As part of his extensive medical expertise, Dr. Chu is familiar with many of the procedures performed by otolaryngologists, otherwise known as ENT specialists.

An ENT physician and an otolaryngologist are the same thing. The two terms refer to the same medical specialty.

• Otolaryngologist: This is the formal term for a doctor who specializes in treating conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. “Oto” refers to the ear, “larynx” to the throat, and “ologist” indicates a specialist in the field.

• ENT doctor: This is a more commonly used term that stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, which is simply a shorthand way of describing an otolaryngologist.

Otolaryngologists and ENT doctors are the same type of specialist, but “ENT” is the simpler, everyday term, while “otolaryngologist” is the official medical title. Both terms refer to a doctor who treats a wide range of issues affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck regions.

Dr. Laurence Chu, MD FACS, is a seasoned medical professional with a focus on otolaryngology, or ENT medicine as it is most widely known.

Whether you need advanced surgical procedures or non-surgical management of ear, nose, or throat conditions, Dr. Chu’s extensive experience and comprehensive approach to patient care make him an excellent choice. The best course of action is to speak with your primary care physician or seek a referral to determine if Dr. Chu is the right specialist for your specific needs.

When you first visit, you may anticipate a thorough assessment. Dr. Chu’s goal during this assessment is to thoroughly understand your medical background, assess your symptoms, and choose the best course of action for you.

Dr. Chu will begin with a detailed discussion about your medical history, including any concerns you may have, previous surgeries, allergies, current drugs you’re taking, and any chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. He will then conduct a physical examination, typically assessing the ears, nose, throat, and neck using lighted instruments like an otoscope and a nasoscope to identify any abnormalities, infections, or injuries.

Once the examination and tests are complete, the findings will be discussed with you. He will explain any diagnosed conditions, discuss possible treatments, and suggest the most suitable course of action, which could involve medication, lifestyle changes, further testing, or in some cases, surgery. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed to track your development and modify your treatment strategy.

The procedure commences with our experienced ENT specialists collecting a detailed medical history. Dr. Laurence Chu or a member of his team will inquire about any existing health conditions, prior surgeries, and any ongoing medications. This includes:

• Present symptoms like hearing loss, nasal congestion, or throat pain
• Past medical history, including surgeries or procedures
• Current medications
• Known allergies

The physical examination generally initiates with an external ear check, focusing on signs of abnormalities and infection. The process also thoroughly examines the ear, nose, and throat.

Ear Examination

• Otoscopy: Dr. Chu uses an otoscope to inspect the eardrum and canal for indications of blockage or infection.
• Tuning Fork Tests: These tests are used to detect any hearing loss by utilizing tuning forks to produce differing frequencies.
• Tympanometry: This test checks for any changes in the middle ear’s fluid or pressure levels.

Nasal Examination

• Nasal Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the nose to examine the nasal cavity, sinuses, and back of the throat.
• Rhinoscopy: A light source and a nasal speculum are used to get a detailed view of the nostrils, checking for any signs of infection, obstruction, or inflammation.
• Sinus Palpation: The sinuses are gently pressed to check for tenderness or pain.

Throat Examination

• Pharyngoscopy: Using a tongue depressor, the throat, tonsils, and vocal cords are examined. The patient will be asked to say “ahh” for a better view of the throat and tonsils.
• Laryngoscopy: A lighted instrument is used to visualize the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords.
• Palpation of Neck: The neck is felt for enlarged lymph nodes or masses. Swelling or tenderness of the neck and lymph nodes is also checked.

Considering the patient’s symptoms and the results of the physical examination, additional tests may be recommended, such as:

• Audiometry: A comprehensive hearing test
• Balance Tests: Tests to check balance and dizziness
• Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans to view the ear, nose, and throat structures in detail
• Biopsy: If necessary, Dr. Chu may conduct a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample using a laryngoscope.

The results from the ENT examination will guide the team in determining the appropriate treatment or additional tests. The patient will be informed of the results, and potential next steps, including medication, lifestyle modifications, or possible surgery, will be suggested.

Though some discomfort may be experienced during the ENT exam, especially during nose or throat examination, the procedure is generally not painful. If discomfort remains post-exam, patients are advised to inform the team.

At Laurence Chu, MD, PA, patients receive comprehensive ENT care with a focus on improving quality of life through customized treatments. Whether managing chronic sinus issues, hearing loss, or throat disorders, Dr. Chu is committed to delivering expert, compassionate care. Schedule your consultation today and experience top-notch ENT services in Austin, TX. We serve patients from Austin TX, Del Valle TX, Allandale TX, Manor TX, Dessau TX, and surrounding areas.