More tests and examinations - Dr. Maria Giopanou Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Tinnitus evaluation

Tinnitus is non-external sounds of various intensity and frequency (like insect inside the ear or the sound of waves or other) that can be heard almost all time and especially in a quiet environment. This condition cause extreme frustration to the patient and is more common in elderly people.

Tinnitus can co-exist with light or heavier hearing loss or can be caused extreme noise or loud sounds.

In such cases we perform a complete hearing examination to spot the lesion that causes this symptom. Once diagnosed the patient is given specific therapautic instruction or is asked to perform more examination (such CT/ MRI etc).

Voice evaluation

Voice changes (e.g. hoarseness) can be easily detected by patients or their environment. This changes can be sudden or can be settled gradually. A sudden loss of the voice can be caused by an infection of the respiratory system or by extreme use of voice (e.g. screaming). In other cases, such as smokers or singers and teachers, the changes in the voice can be settled more gradually (in a period of a month or more).

In our office we perform both laryngoscopy and endoscopy of the larynx to detect the possible causes and give further instructions.

Swallowing evaluation

Swallowing difficulties are quite often, especially in elderly with co-existing neurological problems. These patients complain about inability to swallow solid food and/or fluids or choking during lunch time. Sometimes these patients need a lot of water to promote even a very small quantity of food from oral cavity down to oesophagus.

Using endoscopic examination we can easily identify any neurological or other dysfuction in the area.

Following the examination results we proceed to the best therapeutical solution or to more evaluation-if needed.