Audiologic Testing

Patients who suffer from hearing loss, or other hearing- and balance-related conditions, may benefit from audiologic testing. Comprehensive diagnostic exams can determine the causes and severity of, and best treatment for, hearing-related conditions. Audiologic tests are usually performed after other diagnostic tests have indicated the presence of a possible hearing problem or balance-related condition.

Audiogram

An audiogram uses sounds of specific frequencies and intensity levels to determine what a person can hear in each ear. The sounds are heard through headphones, and the patient is asked to identify each sound and the ear in which it was heard. The sounds become fainter and fainter, ultimately determining the lowest level at which a patient can hear. An audiogram may also include speech in the form of two-syllable words to determine how well a patient can comprehend what is being heard. For results to be considered normal, a patient must be able to hear a normal speaking voice, a whisper and the ticking of a watch.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry examines and diagnoses the middle ear by varying air pressure in the ear canal to see how the ear responds. A probe is inserted into the ear to change the air pressure, produce a tone and measure the responses. The patient may not speak, move or swallow during the test because doing so can affect ear pressure. Tympanometry measures the functionality of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Abnormal findings may be the result of fluid in the middle ear, a perforated ear drum or impacted ear wax.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test

The brainstem auditory evoked response test (BAER) examines brain waves that have been stimulated by a clicking sound in order to evaluate the auditory pathways in the brain. Electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes, and the patient listens to a clicking noise through headphones. The electrodes record the brain’s reaction. The BAER is commonly used to diagnose nervous-system abnormalities and hearing loss in infants and children.

Otoacoustic Emissions Test

Otoacoustic emissions testing (OAE) measures response to sound from the cochlea. The hair cells inside the cochlea vibrate in response to sound. The test is performed by inserting a microphone and two speakers into the ear to emit a sound and then record the response signal. The test is often performed on children when hearing loss is a possibility. Absent or very soft response signals may be the result of hearing loss, fluid behind the ears or damage to the cochlea.

CSF Leak Repair

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a condition where the fluid that surrounds the brain leaks into the nose and sinuses. Head trauma, surgery, or even birth defects can make a hole in the membranes that hold this fluid. It then leaks into your nose or ear, causing a watery, runny nose.

The main surgical approaches for the surgical repair of CSF leaks are intracranial and extracranial. Over the last decade, endoscopic surgery has established itself as the most widely used technique for the repair of CSF fistula.

The endoscopic-guided approach for repair of CSF rhinorrhea offers the benefit of both panoramic and detailed image of the site of surgery, in fact owing to the specific direction of view of endoscopic lens system. It is possible to inspect the circumference of the operating field at 360° by rotating the telescope around its longitudinal axis which enable direct endonasal access to the anatomical structures at rhinobase without the need for cutaneous incision or cutting through bony segments and without dislodgement of bone structure

Ear Surgery

A thorough ENT examination will be done to reveal the diagnosis.

Surgical options include Myringotomy with grommet insertion, Tympanoplasty, Mastoidectomy to treat diseases of the mastoid bone , BAHA- (Bone Anchored Hearing AID), Cochlear Implant surgery.

Mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty are surgical procedures of the middle ear performed in order to close a hole in the ear drum, remove the infection in the middle ear and mastoid bone and to improve hearing. RR Multispeciality Hospital is the leading hospital in Madurai for the surgical management of this condition called chronic suppurative otitis media..

Patient will be fit for discharge from hospital within a day or two after surgery, toeing International standards.

Nose Surgery

Minimally invasive technique such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus surgery with the help of latest technologies such as Karl Storz Spice HD Endoscopy Camera, Microdebrider, Laser, Coblator and better medical management protocols are employed in our institution for better results.

No external scars. This surgery is performed with the patient sedated by our anaesthetist in the operation theatre, and the surgery is carried out completely intra-nasal. Then the patient wakes up from sedation and monitored closely. This is carried out as a day care procedure toeing International standards. Patient will be discharged 24 hours from the time of surgery.

A deviated septum is a common condition that involves a displacement of the septum, the wall that separates the nostrils, to one side of the nose. In adults, the septum is made of cartilage and bone, and helps to support the nose and its mucous membranes, and enables regular air flow. A deviated septum often develops as a result of an injury to the nose. This condition may cause one nasal passage to be smaller than the other, which can affect breathing if the difference is great enough. A deviated septum may also be the underlying cause of sinus problems, snoring or sleep apnea.

Surgery involves a procedure called septoplasty, which repositions the septum in the center of the nose. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty, or nose-reshaping surgery, which enhances the appearance of the nose while correcting structural abnormalities. 

Thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that control every aspect of your metabolism, from your heart rate to how quickly you burn calories.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the most routinely performed surgical operation

There is a significantly less intraoperative or postoperative complications in coblation tonsillectomy in comparison with traditional method. Coblation was associated with less pain and quick return to normal diet and daily activity. Coblation tonsillectomy is an advanced method.

During a coblation tonsillectomy, radio waves are used to ionize a saline solution, energizing the ions enough to enable them to cut through tissue and remove the tonsils. Because this procedure is performed without heat, less postsurgical pain and more efficient healing has been reported.

Tonsillectomy by using laser have shown less intraoperative bleeding and shortened the operative time.

Adenoidectomy

An adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the adenoids, glands located behind the nose above the roof of the mouth. The function of the adenoids is to help fight ear, nose and throat infections by screening bacteria as they enter the body. At times, however, the adenoids themselves may become chronically infected and require removal; this condition is known as adenoiditis.

The majority of adenoidectomies are performed in children, frequently in combination with tonsillectomies. In such cases, the procedure is called an adenotonsillectomy. The adenoids usually shrink by adolescence, so adults rarely undergo the procedure

Adenoidectomies are normally performed with coblator and microdebrider in our hospital as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia, but patients usually remain in the clinical setting under observation for about one day to prevent complications.