When do I need to see an ENT?
A patient should see an ENT when they have a prolonged issue with their ears, nose and/or throat. This may include hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, pain in the ears, or sinusitis. While a primary care physician may be able to help with some of these conditions, chronic or recurring issues are best addressed by a licensed and board-certified ENT.
What parts of the body do you treat?
We specialize in ear and sinus diseases and disorders of the eustachian tubes. We treat a variety of ear conditions, including balance disorders, chronic ear disorders and ear injuries. One of the most common sinus conditions we treat is sinusitis, but we also treat nasal allergies, smell disorders and nasal obstructions.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. National holidays may affect these hours.
Where are you located?
We are conveniently located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Our address is 901 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 76104.
What is an otolaryngologist?
An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions. Dr. Marc Dean at the Ear and Sinus Institute is an otorhinologist as he specializes in the medical management of ear, nose and sinus conditions.
What is eustachian tube dysfunction?
The eustachian tubes are small passageways that run between the middle ear and the throat, usually only opening when you chew, swallow, sneeze or yawn. They are responsible for equalizing pressure in the ear and facilitating proper drainage.
When these tubes get blocked or do not open, it can lead to inner-ear pain, fullness and difficulty hearing. This condition is what we call eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Dr. Marc Dean at the Ear and Sinus Institute specializes in ETD.
Are frequent sinus infections normal?
Acute sinus infections are extremely common. Also called sinusitis, these sinus infections may come and go throughout the year and only linger for a short period. They may be caused by changes in weather, colds, flus or allergies. While sinus infections are normal, frequent sinusitis that lasts 6 weeks or longer may warrant a trip to the Ear and Sinus Institute.
How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?
Sometimes when a young child has an ear infection, they are unable to verbalize what they are feeling, making it difficult to tell what is wrong. In these cases, the child may exhibit some physical symptoms to tip the parent off to their condition. If a child has any of the following symptoms, they may have an ear infection:
- Pulling or tugging the ears
- Ear drainage that is milky white with an odor
- Cranky or irritable mood
- Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
What causes ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) may come and go for any number of reasons. It may be an early sign of hearing loss or simply the result of earwax buildup. The only way to understand the underlying cause of tinnitus is to have your ear examined by an ear specialist. Dr. Marc Dean at the Ear and Sinus Institute can diagnose and treat your tinnitus to help alleviate any annoying symptoms.
What insurances do you accept?
We accept most major insurances, including BCBS, Cigna, Medicare, Aetna, United Healthcare. Please call your insurance to confirm that we are in network with your group.
