Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat

Ear Doctor in Southern California

If you have hearing loss, you may not be aware of it, especially if it has happened over time. Your family members or friends may notice that you’re having trouble understanding what others are saying. At Southern California Ear, Nose, & Throat, we handle everything from hearing loss and vertigo to external ear canal problems and Tinnitus. You won’t get better one-on-one care from any other ENT practice in Southern California. We have offices in Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach.

Audiology Services

Our audiologist Dr. Eckardt offers in-office care providing the following audiology services for patients of all ages:

  • Hearing Tests
  • Otoacoustic Emissions Testing
  • Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Testing

We offer evaluation and treatment for the following:

Ear Procedures & Conditions Treated

  • Disorders of the hearing bones
  • Congenital deformities (lop ear, pits )
  • Cysts and tumors
  • Skin Cancers
  • Ear wax
  • External ear canal problems

Find the Office Closest to You

We have several ENT office locations in Southern California for your convenience. Click below for more information for specific office information:

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Ear Services at Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat

What ear conditions does SCENT diagnose and treat?

Southern California Ear, Nose & Throat offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of ear conditions including hearing loss, vertigo and balance disorders, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fluid in the ears and recurrent ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, eardrum perforations, ear wax buildup, disorders of the hearing bones, congenital ear deformities, cysts and tumors, skin cancers of the ear, and external ear canal problems. Whether your concern is common or complex, the SCENT team has the expertise and technology to help.

How do I know if I have hearing loss?

Hearing loss is often gradual and can be easy to overlook especially in its early stages. In many cases, family members or friends are the first to notice that you are having difficulty understanding what others are saying. Other signs include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV louder than usual, struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments, or feeling like speech sounds muffled. If any of these sound familiar, scheduling a hearing evaluation with the SCENT audiology team is a great first step.

What audiology services does SCENT offer?

SCENT’s audiologist, Dr. Susan Eckardt, Au.D., provides in-office audiology care for patients of all ages. Services include comprehensive hearing tests, otoacoustic emissions testing, tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing, tinnitus evaluation and treatment, hearing aid fittings and management, and custom swim molds. Whether you are experiencing new hearing concerns or managing an ongoing condition, the audiology team offers personalized, expert-level care from diagnosis through treatment.

What is tinnitus and can it be treated?

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears without an external source. It can range from mildly annoying to significantly disruptive to daily life and sleep. While tinnitus is not always curable, it is very much manageable and SCENT offers specialized tinnitus evaluation and treatment options to help reduce its impact on your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent ringing or noise in your ears, an evaluation with Dr. Eckardt is a worthwhile first step.

What is vertigo and how is it related to the ear?

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not, and it is most commonly caused by a problem in the inner ear the part of the ear responsible for balance. Common inner ear causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease. SCENT evaluates and treats vertigo and balance disorders, working to identify the underlying cause and provide a targeted treatment plan to help you regain stability and confidence in your daily activities.

What is eustachian tube dysfunction and what are the symptoms?

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps regulate ear pressure. When it doesn’t open and close properly, patients may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, muffled hearing, popping or clicking sounds, pain, or recurring fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Eustachian tube dysfunction is common in both adults and children and can contribute to recurrent ear infections. SCENT offers evaluation and treatment to address this condition and its downstream effects.

What is an eardrum perforation and how is it treated?

An eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear. It can be caused by ear infections, sudden pressure changes, a direct injury, or placing objects in the ear. Symptoms may include ear pain, drainage, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to ear infections. Small perforations sometimes heal on their own, but larger or persistent ones may require medical or surgical intervention. SCENT’s team can evaluate the extent of the perforation and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What is EarWell and who is it for?

EarWell is a non-surgical ear reshaping system designed for newborns with ear deformities or abnormal ear shapes. Because a baby’s ear cartilage is highly flexible in the first weeks of life, the EarWell device can gently mold the ear into a more typical shape without the need for surgery but it is most effective when started within the first few weeks after birth. If you have noticed that your newborn’s ears have an unusual shape, reaching out to SCENT as soon as possible will give your baby the best chance for a successful, non-surgical outcome.

Does SCENT treat ear wax buildup, and when is removal necessary?

Yes ear wax (cerumen) removal is offered at SCENT’s audiology department. While some ear wax is natural and protective, excessive buildup can cause symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, ringing, itching, or even dizziness. Safe and effective professional removal is available for patients whose ear wax buildup is causing symptoms. It is important to avoid attempting to remove ear wax at home with cotton swabs, as this can push wax deeper into the ear canal and cause further problems.

Where can I receive ear care at SCENT and how do I get started?

SCENT offers ear services across all four of its Southern California locations Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. To schedule an appointment, you can request one online through the SCENT website or call the office most convenient to you: Long Beach at (562) 427-0550, Los Alamitos or Newport Beach at (562) 596-9889, or Huntington Beach at (714) 898-2221. The team looks forward to helping you protect and restore your hearing and ear health.