Breathe easier with Mount Nittany Health
Existing patients can request an appointment using MyMountNittanyHealth.com and new patients can call 814.466.6396 to schedule an appointment.
What do ear, nose and throat doctors treat?
ENT doctors, also called otolaryngologists, specialize in treating conditions of the ears, nose, throat and related parts of the head, face and neck. From recurring sore throats and sinus infections to hearing loss and balance issues, our ENT specialists will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. With two convenient locations in State College, you can receive exceptional ENT care close to home in Central PA.
Ears
Otolaryngologists provide medical and surgical treatment of a wide array of ear conditions, from ear infections to earwax buildup to more complex issues like ear tumors. If you need ear surgery, our ENT surgeons perform procedures like myringotomy, which relieve pressure and fluid buildup in the ear.
Other conditions our ENTs treat include:
- Tinnitus: Buzzing or ringing in the ear
- Meniere’s disease: An inner ear condition that causes vertigo, loss of balance and hearing loss
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A disorder of the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat
- Barotrauma: Pain in the ear due to changes in pressure
- Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear): Inflammation of the outer ear canal
We also provide comprehensive audiology services through a licensed, certified doctor of audiology, including:
- Diagnostic hearing tests
- Ear protection for all ages, including infants and children
- Hearing aid services
- Hearing screenings
Nose
Our ENT specialists treat nasal obstruction and sinus conditions that can make breathing difficult or cause head pain. We use advanced techniques, including Fusion Compact™, for endoscopic sinus surgeries and nasal fracture repair.
Other nasal conditions we treat include:
- Allergic rhinitis: Sneezing, runny nose and congestion due to allergies
- Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal cavity that can obstruct airflow and cause breathing difficulties
- Deviated septum: Misalignment of the nasal cavities that causes congestion and breathing issues
- Nasal obstruction: Blockages in the nasal cavities
- Epistaxis: Frequent or severe nose bleeds
- Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal membranes
- Smell disorders: Loss of or changes in sense of smell
Throat
Our otolaryngologists treat a wide variety of throat conditions, from speech and swallowing disorders to diseases of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords. Our skilled surgeons perform tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures at our State College Surgical Center to treat conditions like:
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat connecting the nose, mouth and neck)
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, causing hoarseness or difficulty speaking
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
- Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing throat irritation
- Sleep apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep
- Voice disorders: Problems with pitch, loudness or quality of the voice
- Postnasal drip: A condition that causes nasal mucous to drip into the throat, causing irritation
- Canker sores: Painful sores in the mouth and throat
Our goal is to help you speak, swallow and breathe more comfortably.
Head
Our otolaryngologists specialize in conditions affecting the nerves that control the face, sight, smell and hearing, including facial and cranial nerve disorders. We treat a wide range of head and neck disorders, including:
- Thyroid disorders: Conditions affecting the thyroid gland, like hyperthyroidism or goiters
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): Conditions that affect the joints, nerves and muscles around the jaw
- Congenital abnormalities: Structural issues like cleft palate and others affecting the head and neck
Schedule your ENT appointment today
Existing patients can schedule an appointment through MyMountNittanyHealth, and new patients can call 814.466.6396.
ENT locations in Central PA
Our skilled ENT specialists can evaluate and treat your condition at two convenient locations in State College:
Meet our ENT providers in Central PA dedicated to providing the highest quality care.
Brent R. Driskill, MD
Sydney N. Hancock, AuD
Jesse Jennings, MD
Jessica Leech, PA-C
ENT treatment options
Many ear, nose and throat conditions can be treated without surgery. Our ENT specialists specialize in non-invasive treatments, such as earwax removal, and often recommend lifestyle changes, like using humidifiers for nasal congestion.
However, some conditions require surgical intervention. Common procedures performed by our ENT specialists include:
- Tonsillectomy: Removing the tonsils
- Adenoidectomy: Removing the adenoids
- Myringotomy: Relieving ear pressure by making an incision in the eardrum
- Sinus surgery: Correcting sinus-related disorders
- Nasal fracture repair: Realigning the nasal bone after injury
- Laryngeal surgery: Removing part or all of the voice box
Our audiologists also diagnose and treat hearing disorders. We’re here to help you find the most effective treatment, including hearing aids.
Ear, nose and throat care at Mount Nittany
The dedicated ENTs at Mount Nittany Health are here to diagnose and treat your ear, nose and throat condition — whether it’s a simple issue or something more complex. Our team includes nurses, advanced practitioners and other specialists who work together to provide care that’s tailored to your needs.
We use the latest technology, such as Fusion Compact, which allows for real-time imaging during nasal surgeries. This method results in less invasive procedures and better outcomes.