Ear

Frequent ear infections, dizziness, and hearing loss can make it hard to focus or rest — and in some cases, they may point to more serious health concerns. Left untreated, hearing loss has even been linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.

At Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City, our board-certified ENTs (otolaryngologists) take time to understand what you’re experiencing. Using advanced diagnostic tools and a personalized approach, we’ll help identify the source of your symptoms and create a care plan that supports your comfort, hearing, and peace of mind.

Ear issues can make daily life more challenging — whether it’s trouble hearing a conversation or feeling unsteady on your feet. We often treat:

• Hearing loss — from age-related and noise-induced to structural causes
• Ear infections — including swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections
• Ear pain and pressure — from fluid buildup, blockages, or infection
• Tinnitus — ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears
• Eustachian tube dysfunction — pressure, popping, or fullness in the ears
• Cholesteatoma — abnormal skin growth in the middle ear
• Eardrum perforations — including surgical repair (tympanoplasty)
• Benign and cancerous growths — affecting the ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear (acoustic neuroma)
  • Cancers of the ear are relatively rare but can occur in the outer ear canal, middle ear, inner ear or within the temporal bone. Early detection and treatment improves outcomes for patients.

We also evaluate many other ear concerns. If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help.

Hearing loss is more than a communication issue — it’s a medical concern that can affect your cognitive, social, and emotional health. Recent studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to increased risk of dementia, memory loss, and social isolation.

At Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City, we evaluate the full scope of hearing loss — from structural and age-related causes to more complex neurological or inner ear conditions. In some cases, hearing aids may not be enough. For patients with more significant loss, implantable devices like cochlear implants (availability varies by location) may offer a path forward.

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, even if they seem mild, getting a professional evaluation is the first step toward protecting your long-term health and well-being.

We use a combination of physical exams and advanced testing to identify the cause of your symptoms, including:

• Tympanometry to check pressure and movement in your middle ear
• Hearing tests to understand how well you hear across different tones
• Otoscopy to look directly at the ear canal and eardrum
• CT or MRI imaging if we need a deeper view of your inner ear structures

Once we know what’s going on, we’ll talk through your options and create a plan that fits you. Treatment may involve:

• Medications to treat infections or reduce inflammation
• Ear tube placement and adenoid removal to improve drainage and reduce infections
• Hearing support through hearing aids or implantable devices like cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids, when appropriate
• Earwax removal to relieve blockages and improve hearing
• Tinnitus support using sound therapy and counseling to reduce discomfort
• Surgery for more complex issues like cholesteatoma or a damaged eardrum
• Microscopic earwax removal using a microscope or otoscope for a clear view of the ear canal to remove excess or impacted wax. Tools like suction or forceps may be used to relieve symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, or dizziness.