Johns, an otolaryngologist and director of the Emory Voice Center, who is familiar with Mr. Hammett's care.

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She says John was recently let go from the medical practice where he was an otolaryngologist for 30 years.

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Our favorite otolaryngologist, New York City-based Dr. Melissa Pashcow, offers one that pertains to ears: the use of Q-tips to remove ear wax.

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"Hearing loss is a medical condition, but we don't want people going without help, " says Sreekant Cherukuri, the Chicago otolaryngologist who designed it for patients who couldn't afford high-end hearing aids.

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You may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders (otolaryngologist) if the problem has been persisting for some time, is not responding to treatment, or has occurred frequently.

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On direct examination through the scope, an ENT surgeon (otolaryngologist) can visualize the vocal cords to observe for decreased motion of one or both of the cords as a patient makes certain phonations or sounds.

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An otolaryngologist an ear, nose and throat doctor will probably confirm what you already know and send you to an audiologist, who will give you a test and tell you the same thing, but also will provide a printout showing how you scored.

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