Blog - Page 4 of 7 - CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat

Bilateral myringotomy and tube placement: Should my child have tubes placed?

Bilateral myringotomy and tube placement, or “placing PE tubes”, is the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States, and for good reason. Simply put, for the right child, it is a simple, safe procedure, which can help resolve chronic middle ear infections while preventing future infections and eliminating the need for numerous courses of antibiotics. The question is how do we choose “the right child”. Generally, this decision is made along with the parents after carefully reviewing not … Continued

Should my child’s tonsils be removed?

This is one of those questions that many parents face with inadequate information. Often times it is first-time parents who find themselves being asked to make a decision about a very young child’s health with what must seem like a poor understanding of possible risks and benefits of the procedure. Hopefully, this review and commentary will help you make the right decision for your child. Tonsils and adenoids are really just old-fashioned terms for a type of tissue called lymphoid … Continued

We are Very Pleased to Welcome Vanessa Betancourt, AuD, to the CornerStone Family!

We are pleased to welcome Vanessa Betancourt, AuD, to our staff. Dr. Betancourt joins Meghan Jensen, AuD, in the Audiology Department, along with four board-certified otolaryngologists. She takes special interest in caring for the hearing needs of patients of all ages from infants to seniors and finds it especially rewarding to identify hearing deficiencies early, so that she can help children get access to resources that will allow them to communicate as effectively as other children their age. “My favorite … Continued

Dr. McClelland recognized as Clinical Associate Professor at Wingate University

Wingate University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies has recognized Dr. William A. McClelland as a Clinical Associate Professor for the Harris Department of PA Studies. The physicians at Cornerstone, Ear, Nose & Throat, P.A. have always provided their time and expertise to help in the education of future clinicians in the Union County area. For many years resident physicians in the CMC Union Family Practice Residency Program have rotated through the offices of Cornerstone Ear, Nose & Throat, P.A. to … Continued

Voice Disorder Guide: Diagnosis, Types, and Treatment Options

Each year millions of people are affected by voice disorders. For those who rely on their voice to make a living, such as teachers, doctors, actors, singers, and public speakers, problems like chronic hoarseness and vocal fatigue can be devastating. There are many causes of vocal disorders and the underlying problem with many patients is often multifactorial. Vocal overuse, acid reflux, tobacco use, and chronic allergies are a few of the many potential causes of vocal dysfunction. In addition, any patient with persistent hoarseness should be evaluated to rule out laryngeal cancer, a condition where hoarseness is often the first symptom. Proper diagnosis of the disorder is crucial for appropriate treatment.

What Is An Otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngologists are M.D. or D.O. physicians that are trained in the medical and surgical treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Because of their specialized focus on the ear, nose, and throat, Otolaryngologists are often referred to as ENT Physicians or ENT Doctors. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology is the oldest recognized medical specialty in the United States, dating back as far back … Continued

Vocal Cords In Motion: More Accurate Diagnosis Of Voice Disorders Possible With Digital Videostroboscopy

CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat recently became the only practice in Union County, and one of only two practices in Charlotte, to offer digital videostroboscopy. This diagnostic technique is available at the practice’s office at The Park in Monroe. Vocal cord vibrations are too fast to see with the naked eye. Videostroboscopy is a state-of-the-art technique that provides a magnified, slow motion view of the vocal cords in action. This makes it possible to detect subtle masses, scarring, and deficiencies … Continued

Raising Voices: Helping Patients Recover From Voice Disorders

Each year millions of people are affected by voice disorders. For those who rely on their voice to make a living, such as teachers, doctors, actors, singers, and public speakers, problems like chronic hoarseness and vocal fatigue can be devastating. There are many causes of vocal disorders and the underlying etiology is often multifactorial. Vocal overuse, acid reflux, tobacco use, and chronic allergies are a few of the many potential causes of vocal dysfunction. In addition, any patient with persistent … Continued

Patient Profile: Curing Chronic Hoarseness

Doris Godwin suffered from constant hoarseness for over five years. The 80-year-old had been evaluated and treated in the past for laryngopharyngeal reflux, with no improvement in her symptoms. “I thought it was a problem I would just have to live with” said Doris, “Then a relative suggested CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat.” Doris was evaluated using the Kay Pentax Rigid Videostroboscopy system. A submucosal cyst involving the medial surface of her right vocal cord was discovered. “The cyst was … Continued

Coblation Tonsillectomy: Solving Breathing And Swallowing Problems For Young Patients

When Jonah Breedan was two years old, his parents noticed that he started to breathe through his mouth.. He also began to lightly snore when sleeping, and woke up frequently during the night. His pediatrician monitored Jonah’s condition for three years until his tonsils and adenoids became visibly enlarged and started to actually interfere with Jonah’s eating and his breathing. At that point, he was referred to Daron Smith, M.D. at CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat. “When I first met … Continued

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