Frequent ORL / ENT diseases

Hearing loss can be triggered by various factors: Age (presbycusis), loud noises (noise-induced hearing loss), infections, genetic factors or injuries to the ear. To diagnose hearing loss, a hearing test (audiometry) and an examination of the ear with a microscope are often carried out. Treatment depends on the cause: Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids. Today there are modern options with implantable hearing aids. In the case of an eardrum perforation (hole in the eardrum) or chronic middle ear inflammation, surgery may be necessary, for example a mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty to repair the eardrum. A precise diagnosis helps to find the right treatment and improve hearing.

Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses are inflamed and mucus cannot drain properly. This often leads to nasal congestion, facial pain and headaches. Causes can be allergies, polyps, infections or anatomical anomalies such as a crooked nasal septum. Treatment ranges from nasal sprays and straightening of the nasal septum to endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic cases to open blocked passages and allow sprays and rinses better access to the mucous membrane. It is important to diagnose the exact cause of the inflammation in order to choose the right treatment.

Sleep apnoea is characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, concentration problems and restless sleep. There are two main types: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), in which the upper airways are blocked, and central sleep apnoea, which is caused by a disorder in the central nervous system. OSA is the most common form and can have serious consequences such as high blood pressure, heart problems and an increased risk of stroke. Diagnosis is usually made through a sleep study, and treatment can range from CPAP machines to surgery. Surgical procedures include soft palate tightening or the implantation of an Inspire pacemaker. We will be happy to discuss all the options with you at your leisure.

Snoring becomes problematic when it impairs the quality of sleep or is accompanied by pauses in breathing (sleep apnoea). Risk factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption and anatomically narrowed airways can increase snoring. Treatment without surgery usually requires lifestyle changes, weight loss or the fitting of snoring splints. Snoring splints move the lower jaw slightly forwards and can also help to keep the airways open. We also offer a detailed assessment using sleep video endoscopy (DISE) to identify the exact cause of snoring and discuss surgical therapies with you.

Tinnitus is a persistent or recurring noise in the ear that is not caused by external sound sources. It can be perceived as ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing. Acute tinnitus lasts up to three months, while chronic tinnitus lasts longer than three months. The most common causes are hearing loss, noise damage, ear infections or diseases such as Menière’s disease. Tinnitus that occurs synchronised with the heartbeat can be caused by a malformation of the blood vessels in the brain. Stress, overwork or psychological strain can exacerbate the symptoms. There are various treatment approaches depending on the cause and stress. Acute forms can often be alleviated by treating the underlying disease, while chronic tinnitus can be treated using methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy or physiotherapy to reduce the perception of tinnitus. We work closely with specialists in psychotherapy to ensure interdisciplinary treatment that is tailored to your needs. If you have only been suffering from tinnitus for a short time, you have a good chance that it will go away on its own. In the case of chronic tinnitus, the symptoms can often be alleviated, but it is often not curable.