Speech therapy addresses and manages disorders related to speech and communication, including voice issues, fluency problems like stuttering, as well as swallowing and feeding difficulties across all age groups. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose, and create personalized treatment strategies for children experiencing language and speech disorders, as well as individuals coping with speech impairments resulting from strokes, injuries, or other medical conditions.

 

Services

Counseling: Our speech therapists provide education, guidance, and support to individuals, families, and caregivers. Counseling focuses on helping clients accept and adapt to challenges related to communication, feeding, swallowing, and related disorders.

Prevention and Wellness: Our SLTs promote awareness programs aimed at reducing behaviors that contribute to communication disorders, feeding issues, and swallowing difficulties. These initiatives aim to lower the occurrence of delays in spoken and written communication and associated symptoms.

Screening: We design and implement effective screening programs and facilitate appropriate referrals. These screenings are typically conducted in educational settings to identify children with language and literacy challenges.

Assessment: Our speech therapists are skilled in administering standardized tests and providing comprehensive diagnoses related to communication and feeding issues.

Intervention: We offer intervention sessions tailored for children with communication disorders, oral and written language difficulties, feeding, swallowing, and fluency challenges. Our therapists use various intervention modalities, including Alternative and Augmentative Communication.

• Enhanced children’s ability to comprehend and articulate ideas, thoughts, and emotions
• Clearer speech to improve understanding by others
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities
• Improved swallowing function
• Enhanced vocal clarity
• Development of early literacy and essential social skills
• Boosted self-confidence
• Improved fluency through diverse breathing exercises
• Improved language learning through stimulation

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Otology specialty focuses on the hearing and vestibular sensory systems, their functions, diseases, diagnosis, and treatment. Our surgeons possess specialised training and skills that enables them to perform surgeries within the skull, targeting parts of the brain and nervous system associated with hearing and balance. Neurotologists also treat conditions such as acoustic neuromas, glomus tumors, VVRT (vestibular-visual reflex testing), V-HIT (video head impulse test), and other disorders located deep within the skull.

Symptoms:

Otological conditions can manifest through a variety of symptoms that may affect both hearing and balance. Common symptoms include:

• Hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Ear pain or discomfort
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Balance problems or unsteadiness

 

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing otological conditions involves a comprehensive evaluation by an otologist or neurotologist. Diagnostic procedures may include:

• Hearing Tests: Audiometry to measure hearing levels and detect hearing loss.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRI to visualize the ear’s internal structures and identify abnormalities.
• Balance Tests: Electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) to assess balance function.
• Tympanometry: Measures the movement of the eardrum to evaluate middle ear function.
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Tests inner ear (cochlea) function.
• Electrophysiological Tests: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) to assess the auditory nerve and brain pathways.

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A cochlear implant is a surgically inserted electronic device designed to enhance hearing. It is particularly effective for individuals with severe hearing loss in one or both ears who struggle with communication despite using hearing aids.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices designed to restore hearing for those who are deaf or have severe hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve, enabling the brain to interpret sound.

A cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the ear to send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, unlike hearing aids, which simply amplify sound. When hearing aids are ineffective for severe hearing loss, cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing, enhancing communication and quality of life. These implants are suitable for individuals of all ages, from children as young as 6 to 12 months old to adults.

Cochlear implants can be used in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Adults often begin with one cochlear implant paired with a hearing aid, and if hearing loss worsens in the aided ear, they may eventually use cochlear implants in both ears. For children with severe bilateral hearing loss, cochlear implants are commonly placed in both ears simultaneously, particularly for infants and young children who are still developing their language skills.

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Hearing plays a crucial role in your everyday experiences.

We specialise in treating hearing loss and related auditory problems in patients of all ages. Our range of services, including hearing aid and assistive listening device dispensing, and rehabilitative services for hearing loss, dizziness, balance issues, tinnitus, and hyperacusis (extreme sound sensitivity). Our hospital is staffed with experienced audiologists and nurses who work closely with otolaryngologists and other healthcare professionals. We also specialised in comprehensive audiological evaluations for patients experiencing any degree of hearing loss or balance issues.

Audiological services we provide:

• Pure Tone Audiometry
• OAE
• Digital Heraing Aid (BTE,RIE,ITE,ITC &CIC )
• Impedance Audiometry
• Speech Audiometry
• Tinnitus assessment
• Newborn hearing test
• Tympanometry
• Reflexometry
• Acoustic Reflex Decay test

 

Why Choose Kerf Hospital

State-of-the-Art Technology

Kerf Hospital utilizes the latest technology and equipment for audiology testing and treatment. This ensures precise diagnostics and effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Patient-Centered Care

Our approach to care is centered around our patients. We take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns, providing personalized treatment plans and compassionate support throughout your journey to better hearing and balance.<br>

Commitment to Excellence

Kerf Hospital is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care. We adhere to strict quality and safety protocols, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Convenient and Accessible

Our hospital offers flexible scheduling and a convenient location, making it easy for you to access the care you need. We also provide resources and support to help you navigate insurance and financial options.

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Snoring and sleep apnea represent a widespread but often overlooked health issue. While snoring is commonly perceived as a minor annoyance, it can signal more serious conditions such as hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring results from turbulent airflow in the throat due to airway narrowing during sleep. In some individuals, this narrowing can cause a complete blockage, leading to breathing pauses that may last over 30 seconds. This condition is known as apnea. Unfortunately, apneas can occur multiple times during sleep, disrupting the sleep cycle and causing excessive daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Over time, this condition can negatively impact heart and lung health.

Common signs of Sleep Apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, often noticed by someone else
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating, even after waking up
• Insomnia
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• High blood pressure

 

Diagnosis & Treatment

Our ENT Specialist may assess your symptoms and sleep history to determine the presence of sleep apnea and recommend further testing for a precise diagnosis. This evaluation might involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other physiological functions at a sleep center. Various tests can detect sleep apnea, including:

Nocturnal Polysomnography: This test involves being connected to equipment that monitors your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
Home sleep tests:These straightforward home tests help measure your breathing rate, blood oxygen level, and breathing patterns.

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The nasal passage, divided into two sides by the nasal septum, allows airflow into the lungs. A Deviated Nasal Septum occurs when the septum is shifted to one side or grows abnormally, leading to nasal airway obstruction and resulting in sinus issues. Infections in the nose and sinuses can cause difficulty breathing, a reduced sense of smell and taste, and recurrent headaches. Overgrowth of the lining tissue in the nose can lead to nasal polyps.Advances in this field, coupled with the integration of new technologies such as navigation systems, microdebriders, and improved medical management, have enhanced the effectiveness of sinus treatment at our hospital.

Diagnosis

With advanced diagnostic tools, our specialists can achieve precise diagnoses. Carefully planned, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures through the nostrils, along with endoscopic surgical interventions, are ideal for addressing obstructive and infectious conditions. These surgical techniques, combined with medications and anti-allergy treatments, offer a permanent solution for patients.

Treatments

Rhinology, primarily addresses conditions such as allergies, nasal obstructions, nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis. Patients typically consult ENT specialists with symptoms like postnasal drip and facial pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead. Sinusitis is more prevalent in individuals with allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, or abnormal nasal structures.

To treat these conditions, a variety of techniques utilizing the latest technology are employed. Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, is used to treat chronic or recurring sinus infections by widening narrow or obstructed sinus drainage pathways. This technique is especially beneficial for recurrent frontal sinus diseases where multiple surgeries have failed. Turbinate surgeries are also performed to alleviate nasal obstructions and breathing difficulties. Minimally invasive techniques and endoscopic approaches are used for procedures such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), Septoplasty, and Tuboplasty.

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Adenoids are lymph nodes situated in the throat behind the nose. They form part of the lymphatic system, aiding the immune system in fighting infections and illnesses. Acting as a crucial first line of defense, adenoids work in tandem with tonsils to protect the body from infections. However, when adenoids become infected, they can lead to several health issues, including:

Middle Ear Infection: Adenoids are located near the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. When adenoids are infected, the infection can spread to the ear, potentially causing a middle ear infection. Untreated, this can lead to significant consequences, such as hearing loss.
Glue Ear: When adenoids are enlarged or inflamed, they can block the Eustachian tubes, preventing normal mucus drainage from the middle ear. This results in a buildup of sticky mucus that affects hearing and can lead to nasal blockage, mouth breathing, obstructive sleep, and other problems.
Sinusitis: Infection can spread to the air-filled cavities within the skull and facial bones, causing sinusitis.
Chest Infection: Infected adenoids can lead to chest infections, affecting the bronchi (bronchitis) or lungs (pneumonia).
Vomiting: Children with inflamed adenoids may swallow significant amounts of pus while sleeping, leading to thick vomiting.

 

Symptoms of Infected Adenoids

Since adenoids are constantly exposed to germs, infections are common. Infected adenoids swell, reducing nasal airflow and causing symptoms such as:

1. Mouth breathing
2. Snoring during sleep
3. Nasal-sounding speech
4. Dry and sore throat from mouth breathing
5. Green or yellow nasal discharge

Diagnosis of Infected Adenoids

To assess the size and condition of the adenoids, a doctor may use several diagnostic tools, including:

1. A special mirror to view the mouth
2. A long, flexible tube with a light (endoscope)
3. X-ray imaging

 

For a detailed diagnosis of infected adenoids, additional tests may include:

1. Endoscopy
2. Computed Tomography (CT) scans
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

Treatment of Infected Adenoids

Treatment options depend on various factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health, symptom severity, and the underlying cause of the inflammation. If oral medications do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be recommended to treat infected adenoids and prevent further complications.

Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is responsible for enlarged adenoids, antibiotics are the first line of treatment. They are also used to treat related bacterial infections, such as sinusitis and ear infections.
Adenoidectomy (Adenoids Surgery): Surgery to remove the adenoids becomes necessary when they are significantly enlarged and cause additional health problems. This procedure generally has no side effects when performed on children.

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Tonsils, also known as palatine tonsils, are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat. They function similarly to lymph nodes and play a crucial role in our immune system. When these tonsils become inflamed, the condition is called tonsillitis. This inflammation is often caused by viruses, such as adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, but can also result from bacterial infections, including Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococcal strains.

 

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is most commonly seen in children from preschool age to mid-adolescence and is characterized by the following symptoms:

Swollen and reddened tonsils
Sore throat
Painful swallowing
High fever
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Hoarse or scratchy voice
Breathing difficulties
Stomach pain
Headache
Neck pain or stiffness
In infants and toddlers, symptoms include:

Excessive drooling due to difficulty swallowing
Refusal to eat

 

Diagnosing Tonsillitis

When a patient presents with symptoms of tonsillitis, a doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, which includes:

1. Examining the throat, ears, and nose with a lighted instrument to check for infection
2. Looking for a rash (scarlatina) associated with strep throat
3. Checking for swollen glands
4. Using a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s breathing
5. Examining the spleen for enlargement

 

To confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment, the doctor may recommend:

1. Throat swab
2. Complete blood count (CBC)

 

Treatment of Tonsillitis

Treatment options for tonsillitis include medications and, in persistent cases, surgery.

 

Antibiotics:If a bacterial infection is identified, antibiotics will be prescribed. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.

 

Surgery: If symptoms do not improve with antibiotics, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary. Tonsillectomy is also recommended if tonsillitis causes:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
2. Breathing difficulties
3. Problems swallowing, particularly solid foods
4. An abscess that does not respond to antibiotics

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The thyroid gland, situated at the base of your neck, plays a crucial role in regulating body metabolism and ensuring proper growth and development through hormone production.

Thyroid disorders arise when there is an abnormal production of thyroid hormones, categorized into two main types: hyperthyroidism, characterized by an excess of thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism, where hormone production is insufficient.

These disorders vary in severity, from mild conditions like goiter (an irregular enlargement of the thyroid gland) to more serious illnesses such as thyroid cancer. Effective management and treatment of these disorders typically require medical intervention.

Thyroid disease can affect individuals of any age or gender, including infants, adults, men, and women. There has been a notable increase in cases of thyroid disorders due to both overactive and underactive thyroid glands in recent years

 

Thyroid Diseases

The most prevalent thyroid disorder involves the inadequate production of thyroid hormones, where the gland either produces too much or too little hormone.

Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid results in hyperthyroidism, characterized by symptoms such as increased appetite, sudden weight loss despite normal food intake, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle weakness, heightened heat sensitivity, and menstrual irregularities.

Hypothyroidism: Conversely, an underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism, which manifests slowly compared to hyperthyroidism. This disorder causes symptoms like weight gain, constipation, joint pain or swelling, heightened sensitivity to cold, muscle aches, and irregular menstrual cycles in women.

Goiter: In some instances, the thyroid gland enlarges due to a severe iodine deficiency, resulting in a condition known as goiter. Typically painless and often transient, goiter does not usually lead to complications and may resolve on its own. It’s important not to confuse goiter with thyroiditis, where the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid, causing inflammation. Both conditions can cause lumps to form in the neck.

Thyroid nodules: Another thyroid disorder is a thyroid nodule, which occurs when a portion of the thyroid gland swells and contains fluid or blood.

Thyroid cancer: One of the potentially life-threatening consequences of thyroid dysfunction is thyroid cancer, which manifests as a thyroid nodule and often presents without symptoms. Diagnosis of whether a nodule is cancerous requires a series of thyroid function tests conducted by a doctor.

Thyroid Testing: Following a thorough investigation and physical examination, our specialists organize a tailored testing regimen based on the suspected thyroid condition. This may include essential tests such as Thyroid Ultrasound, RMR, ANS Monitoring, and comprehensive Lab Services. These tests enable our thyroid experts to formulate effective treatment plans for optimal outcomes.

Thyroid Treatment: Treatment for hyperthyroidism is customized based on individual symptoms and underlying causes. Mild cases can often be managed with anti-thyroid medications, beta-blockers, and other appropriate medications. In more complex situations, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended to remove a significant portion of the thyroid gland.
For hypothyroidism, oral medications are prescribed to restore adequate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms effectively.

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Laryngology is a subspecialty within otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) that focuses on disorders and injuries of the larynx, commonly referred to as the voice box. Located at the front of the neck, the larynx houses the vocal cords and is crucial for swallowing, sound production, and acting as the gateway to the windpipe, thus playing a vital role in maintaining the airway.

Many laryngeal disorders stem from injuries or strain to the vocal cords, which can result from speaking too loudly or too softly, smoking, frequent throat clearing, singing, excessive talking, screaming, or coughing. Over time, consistent vocal misuse and abuse can lead to permanent changes in vocal function and potentially result in the loss of voice.

 

Diagnosis

Laryngeal diseases are typically diagnosed by an otolaryngologist or a laryngologist. The initial evaluation involves a physical examination, which may include the use of a mirror or scope to visualize the throat and larynx. Based on the patient’s symptoms, additional tests may be necessary, such as biopsies, imaging studies, or further endoscopic examinations.

If vocal cord paralysis is suspected, the doctor will confirm it with a scope examination. In some cases, a laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) may be ordered to measure the nerve input to the laryngeal muscles. This test can aid in diagnosing the condition and predicting the likelihood of vocal cord function recovery.

 

Treatments

Treatments for laryngeal conditions vary based on the specific diagnosis. For issues stemming from vocal abuse, overuse, or misuse, treatment may be as simple as resting the voice. Voice or singing therapy, typically conducted by a speech-language pathologist, may also be recommended.

For laryngeal cancer, treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Surgery might also be necessary to address polyps, nodules, or cysts. Treatments for vocal cord or laryngeal conditions are highly individualized, taking into account the patient’s age, overall condition, and profession.

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Our Head and Neck Unit offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the investigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of a wide range of head and neck conditions. These include head and neck cancer care, benign congenital and acquired neck lumps, thyroid and parathyroid diseases, complex voice and swallowing disorders, and facial plastic surgery and reconstruction.

Our treatment is supported by various services aimed at enhancing the quality of life. These include speech and swallowing therapists who assist patients in regaining lost functions and nutritional therapists who help patients with swallowing difficulties maintain a healthy weight.

 

Head & Neck Conditions

• Head and Neck Cancer
• Thyroid surgery
• Facial trauma
• Congenital Anomalies
• Hearing loss
• Facial paralysis

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