Do you need a referral to see Dr Essa? 

• No referral needed.

What happens at your first consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor?

At your first appointment with Dr Essa, your history and symptoms will be discussed. Depending on your condition, your ears, nose and throat will be examined before tests are ordered.

What should you bring to the first consultation?

If you are on any medication or currently taking a prescription drug, bring the bottles along with you to the first appointment. Take note of the time you have taken these medications and the frequency.

Other important documents to bring along are:

• ID card

• Medical aid number and information

• Medical records

What medical aid is our practice contracted to?

We currently accept all medical aids.

What are the signs of hearing loss?

Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, perceiving that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others and experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and also might experience depression.

What causes snoring?

Snoring typically is caused by vibration of tissues within the oral pharynx (the uvula and palate). Nasal obstruction can be another cause. In mild snoring, these measures may help: losing weight, sleeping on your side rather than your back, avoiding sedatives and alcohol. Surgery can reduce the size of the soft tissue of uvula and palate, and also relieve nasal obstruction.