Ear, nose and throat care supports hearing, balance, nasal breathing, voice and swallowing. Similar complaints can have different causes: hearing loss may arise from wax, middle-ear disease or inner-ear damage, while a blocked nose may reflect inflammation, structural narrowing or both. A careful examination guides an individual plan.
MPGCARE coordinates ENT and audiology assessment in Türkiye through its cooperation with Medical Park and Liv Hospital. The hospital determines diagnosis, surgical suitability, device options and available services. We support appointment planning, communication and travel; paediatric referrals are matched to the child’s age and needs.

Ear, nose and throat diseases: individual overview

This overview describes common consultation topics. It does not mean every patient needs surgery or every technique is available at each hospital. Treatment is agreed after specialist assessment.

Which hearing tests may be used?
Pure-tone audiometry measures hearing thresholds at different frequencies; air and bone conduction help distinguish conductive and sensorineural loss. Speech audiometry examines speech recognition, sometimes with background noise. Tympanometry assesses eardrum and middle-ear mechanics and does not replace a full hearing test. Results are interpreted with examination findings and daily communication difficulties.

OAE, ABR and hearing tests in children
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) assess responses produced by parts of the inner ear. Auditory brainstem response (ABR/BERA) records sound responses using surface electrodes and can help when reliable behavioural responses are difficult. Newborn screening differs from a diagnostic assessment: a result needing follow-up is not a final diagnosis. Age-appropriate visual reinforcement or play audiometry may also be used. Sleep or sedation needs are discussed by the paediatric team.

How should I prepare for audiology?
Bring previous audiograms, hearing-aid details, implant records and medicines. Explain whether the loss was sudden, one-sided or progressive, and any pain, discharge, tinnitus or dizziness. Mention noise exposure and ear surgery. Online checks do not replace clinical testing. Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing requires urgent local evaluation.

What is a cochlear implant?
An external sound processor and implanted receiver with electrodes provide electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve. Unlike a hearing aid, which amplifies sound, an implant offers a different route for sound perception. It may support useful hearing and speech understanding in suitable patients, but does not restore normal natural hearing. Learning the new sound requires practice, follow-up and rehabilitation.

Who may be a cochlear implant candidate?
The team considers hearing-loss type and severity, speech understanding with appropriately fitted hearing aids, ear anatomy, auditory-nerve function, medical suitability and personal goals. Age, duration of loss and a child’s language development also matter. Severe loss alone does not guarantee candidacy. Hearing aids, other technologies and communication options are discussed before recommendation.

What happens before cochlear implant surgery?
The pathway may include aided and unaided hearing tests, speech testing, imaging when indicated, medical and anaesthetic review, counselling and vaccination review. Device and ear selection are individual. The team explains the implant model, processor, accessories, maintenance and support. Vaccination requirements, especially pneumococcal protection, are reviewed according to personal history and local guidance.

Surgery, activation and device programming
Surgery places the internal components; it does not complete the hearing programme. After wound healing, the processor is activated at a separate appointment according to the centre’s plan. Repeated programming or “mapping” adjusts electrical settings. Initial sound may feel unfamiliar. Activation, all adjustments and rehabilitation should not be assumed to fit into a short holiday.

Rehabilitation and realistic hearing outcomes
Listening practice and appropriate speech and language therapy help the brain learn the signals. Device use, hearing history and follow-up influence progress. Children need a family-supported communication plan. Outcomes vary: normal hearing, immediate fluent speech or equal benefit cannot be promised. Agree who will provide programming and rehabilitation after returning home.

Implant risks and safety precautions
Risks include anaesthetic complications, infection, dizziness, loss of residual hearing, tinnitus changes, facial-nerve injury and device failure or revision. Meningitis risk and vaccination are discussed. MRI conditions depend on the exact model: inform imaging teams, carry the implant card and follow device-specific instructions. Availability and ongoing servicing must be confirmed.

Rhinoplasty: appearance and breathing
Rhinoplasty changes external nasal shape and may address structural support or functional obstruction. Assessment examines skin, cartilage, bones, nasal valves, previous surgery and patient goals. Open or closed techniques are chosen by anatomy and requirements; one is not automatically better. Photographs or simulations help discussion but cannot guarantee final appearance. Realistic aims and preservation of breathing are central.

Septoplasty and septorhinoplasty: what is the difference?
Septoplasty corrects the internal septum primarily to improve obstruction due to deviation. It usually does not aim to reshape the outside. Septorhinoplasty combines this correction with external structural surgery when needed. Allergy, turbinate swelling and sinus disease can also cause blockage and require separate treatment. An incidental deviation without relevant symptoms does not automatically require surgery.

Nasal surgery recovery, alternatives and risks
Medical treatment or observation may be alternatives depending on the cause. Splints, temporary swelling, bruising and congestion may occur; external shape can settle over months. Bleeding, infection, septal perforation, smell changes, persistent obstruction, asymmetry and revision are possible. The surgeon gives individual advice on nose care, activity, spectacles, work and flights. Travel must allow the required review rather than assume a fixed recovery date.

How are other ENT treatments planned?
Ear microsurgery, sinus surgery, tonsil or adenoid surgery, voice procedures and sleep treatment have distinct indications. Endoscopy, imaging or biopsy is selected to answer a clinical question. Hearing, breathing, voice and swallowing goals are discussed with risks and alternatives. Children, complex ear disease and suspected tumours may require multidisciplinary care.

When should I seek urgent local care?
Sudden hearing loss, breathing difficulty, increasing throat or neck swelling, inability to swallow saliva, severe persistent bleeding or new neurological symptoms require urgent local care. After surgery, concerning bleeding, high fever, increasing pain or wound problems should be reported according to discharge instructions. Do not wait for a travel consultation or online reply.

Documents and itemised cost planning
Send age, symptoms, ENT reports, audiograms, imaging reports, previous operations and medicines through MPGCARE’s designated channel. For implants, include hearing-aid benefit and device records. The hospital confirms assessment and suitability; MPGCARE coordinates an itemised estimate. Clarify surgery, implant, processor, activation, mapping, rehabilitation, tests, accommodation and future maintenance separately before booking.

Travel and continuity of care
Free Sarp–Trabzon transfer is offered for patients arriving by road and free airport–hospital transfer for those arriving by air. Timing, route and accompanying-person arrangements are confirmed beforehand. The treating team approves return travel and follow-up. Implant programming and reviews may require repeat visits; ongoing care is planned before departure.

Patient information sources: NHS: hearing tests · NIDCD: cochlear implants · CUH: implant assessment · NHS: nasal surgery

CDC · NHS · CUH