Ear & Hearing Care in Austin, TX

Common Ear and Hearing Care:

Ear and Hearing Center

At our clinic, Dr. Daniel Slaughter and Dr. Ryan Salvador, both board-certified otolaryngologists, provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for all ear-related conditions. With more than 40 years of combined experience, they are dedicated to delivering exceptional ear health and hearing care to patients in the Austin area.

Our on-site audiologist, Bill Boggess, MS, offers complete hearing evaluations and expert hearing aid fitting and maintenance services, ensuring a full spectrum of care under one roof.

We utilize advanced diagnostic technology, including binocular microscopic ear evaluation, in-office mini-CT imaging of the middle ear, and specialized hearing and balance testing labs. These tools allow our team to provide accurate diagnoses and the most effective treatment options available.

If you’re experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, balance issues, or other ear-related concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Slaughter or Dr. Salvador today to receive the highest standard of care.

ear infections (otitis media)

Ear infections, also called acute otitis media, occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed. They can happen in one or both ears and are a common problem in kids and adults. These infections often require recurring antibiotics.

Symptoms of Ear Infection

Common signs of ear infections include:

• Ear pain or pressure
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• In children, tugging or pulling at the ear

Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Salvador thoroughly evaluate the possible causes, such as allergies, chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, and adenoid enlargement. In most cases, ear infections can be treated medically. When infections persist, ear tubes may be placed in the eardrum to relieve the pressure and prevent future infections. This is a simple procedure that can be performed safely in children and in the office for adults. Eustachian tube dilation is also a less invasive technique that can correct persistent ETD and associated issues.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

Swimmer’s Ear occurs when the ear canal becomes infected, often from water exposure or irritation. Symptoms may include pain, drainage, and facial swelling. Our physicians can gently clean the ear canal and identify the infection type. Treatment includes specialized ear drops designed to quickly resolve discomfort and infection.

Eustachian tube dysfunction

The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear and helps regulate ear pressure. Inflammation in this area can lead to pressure buildup, hearing loss, popping sensations, or dizziness. With a comprehensive allergy, sinus, and nasal evaluation, our physicians can identify and correct the underlying issue. Treatment may include medical therapy, trans-tympanic steroid injections, eustachian tube balloon dilation, or ear tube placement.

Our Allergy Center and Sinus and Nasal Center can offer state-of-the-art care for these conditions. In some cases, an injection of a steroid into the middle ear (trans-tympanic dexamethasone therapy) may be necessary. This is a simple office procedure and it may “wake up” the Eustachian tube. Occasionally, “tubes” may need to be placed as an office procedure to relieve this pressure.

For patients with persistent eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), we offer a new approach with Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Surgery. In this procedure, a small balloon is placed through the nose and into the eustachian tube without the need for any incisions. The balloon is then used to inflate and expand the eustachian tube for 2 minutes. The patient in our office is under IV sedation by a board-certified anesthesiologist. There is no pain or recollection during the procedure. Studies have shown this may provide a permanent solution to this condition in many patients.

Tinnitus (Hearing loss and ringing)

Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) can result from aging, noise exposure, or other ear disorders. Our team provides comprehensive hearing testing for all ages using advanced diagnostic equipment.

Tinnitus is a big problem for some patients. Often coming on suddenly and sometimes associated with sudden hearing loss. Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Salvador will perform a microscopic ear exam to identify correctable causes of hearing loss.

What Causes Tinnitus?

The following conditions can cause tinnitus:

• Earwax buildup
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Middle ear fluid
• Hearing loss

Many other causes of ringing also need to be evaluated, including medications, Ménière’s disease, and increased CSF pressure. Comprehensive hearing testing will also be performed to evaluate the inner ear function.

How is Tinnitus Treated?

Sudden hearing loss and tinnitus are considered an emergency, as this viral infection can permanently damage your hearing. A simple office procedure, trans-tympanic dexamethasone perfusion, has the potential to reverse this hearing loss and treat the ringing.

Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Salvador provide a thorough evaluation and have many options for therapy, including medical therapy, trans-tympanic dexamethasone perfusion, among other treatments. One option is “Tone Therapy,” which uses a unique form of sound therapy to reduce or eliminate the patient’s tinnitus.

Hearing Aid Services

While hearing aids are widely available, proper diagnosis and fitting are crucial for long-term success. The difference is in the detailed evaluation by a Board-Certified ear, nose, and throat physician at the time of your hearing aid appointment.

Ear wax, middle ear fluid, and allergy issues can all mask as traditional hearing loss. If it is nerve hearing loss, are there treatments that can restore the nerve hearing? Leaving this evaluation to a hearing aid sales shop can leave you with inadequate care.

Working with our audiologist, Bill Boggess, MS, we provide precise hearing testing and offer the latest digital hearing aid technology, customized to your hearing profile and lifestyle needs. We provide a patient-centered approach that allows us to tailor the device to your lifestyle needs.

Ear Wax Removal

It’s the simple things that can mean so much to patients. Having a blocked ear canal from wax can cause pain, hearing loss, outer ear infections, tinnitus, and dizziness. We treat this condition with gentle removal using an operating microscope to safely remove the wax on the day of your visit.

Hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation)

Adults and kids may develop a hole in the eardrum after recurring ear infections, trauma, or from small tumors called cholesteatoma. Tympanoplasty (repair of the eardrum) is a simple outpatient procedure that Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Salvador can perform to repair the eardrum and restore hearing.

Mastoidectomy

Cholesteatoma (a small benign skin tumor) in the middle ear can erode the middle ear bones and cause a hole in the eardrum. A mastoidectomy can be done to remove this tumor and also repair the middle ear bones (ossiculoplasty) to improve hearing.

Vertigo, Dizziness, and Ménière’s disease

Dizziness can have many causes—from inner ear disorders to neurological conditions. Our office offers a comprehensive balance evaluation using advanced diagnostics such as:

• VNG (Video Nystagmography) testing
• Hearing and balance testing
• Office-based CT imaging
• Microscopic ear examination

Common causes include:

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) — treated in-office using the Epley maneuver
• Ménière’s Disease and Viral Labyrinthitis — treated with medication or trans-tympanic steroid therapy

Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to the best outcomes ad to the best outcomes.

Read Blog Post: WHAT CAUSES DIZZINESS AND CAN IT BE TREATED?

Testimonials

What People Say About Us!

Superb service from Dr. Slaughter’s audiologist, Bill! Always knowledgeable and willing to make your hearing aid experience the best it can be. Also, seen Dr. S’s PA and she is excellent as well.

Click here to read more reviews.

Schedule a consultation

For expert ear, hearing, and balance care, call (512) 601-0303 to schedule a consultation. Our practice proudly serves Austin and the surrounding areas in Central Texas.

Schedule a Consultation