ENT Nebraska - Lincoln

CHI Health audiologists identify, diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the auditory (hearing) and vestibular system which helps with balance and coordination. They employ various testing strategies to measure hearing loss by determining which portions of hearing (high, middle, or low frequencies) are affected and to what degree. Based on their findings, they dispense and maintain hearing aids. 

Learn more about our offerings.

Ready to explore the gift of hearing? Cochlear implants offer new possibilities by utilizing electrical impulses to transmit sound directly to the hearing nerve. Cochlear implants become a more effective solution if hearing loss progresses, ensuring access to clearer sound, even in challenging listening environments.

Prior to surgery, patients will have a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Schmid to understand how the surgery works and what to expect after the surgery.

After the surgery, patients will follow up with an audiologist to program their cochlear implants. Patients who are considering a cochlear implant must have the following to qualify:

• Surgical evaluation
• Audiology evaluation score of 60 percent or less on one or both ears
• CT scan
• Pneumovax vaccine

Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure

Help is now available for patients suffering from sinus pressure. Balloon Sinus Dilation is an in-office procedure that offers instant, lasting relief and quick recovery. Sinus pressure sufferers now have a better option than sinus surgery.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) affects an estimated 5% of the adult population. The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube which links the back of the nose to the middle ear, which is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn or chew. ETD happens when the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly and cause symptoms such as ear pain, pressure, fullness, dizziness, popping, ringing, or muffled sounds in the affected ear(s). This outpatient procedure uses a small balloon inserted through the nose to dilate the Eustachian tube. Once dilated, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the patient is ready to go back to work the next day. 

Nasal Obstructions

There are three major causes of nasal obstruction: 1. Deviated septum 2. Inflamed turbinates 3. Collapse of the nasal valve.

Chronic Nasal Congestion or Drippage

A new available device uses freezing power to freeze the nerves inside the nose that control the swelling of nasal turbinates. It's a simple procedure to help you breathe better that can be done in the office.

Snoring is associated with serious health conditions, and it can be difficult to address. If you struggle with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity or depression, lack of quality sleep may be sabotaging efforts to optimize your health.

Comprehensive Care for Your Patients

The ENT Nebraska Sleep Solutions Clinic offers comprehensive treatment options for snoring and associated conditions. Our unique team of Otolaryngology, Medical and Surgical Weight Loss, and Dentistry specialists collaborate for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment of disruptive sleep.

Patients with the following symptoms, may benefit from a consultation with our Sleep Solutions Team:

• Sleep Apnea
• Snoring
• Morning Headaches
• CPAP
• Nasal obstruction with snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Obesity

Prior to evaluation, patients will be advised to complete a sleep study. Depending on the patient’s area of concern, evaluation will include endoscopy of the upper airway, a thorough discussion of medical history, current health, symptoms and sleep study results. Treatment options will be presented with patient goals in mind. Results and treatment plans will be shared with referring physicians.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator - New Sleep Apnea Solution

We are proud to offer patients a new implant called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator that solves sleep apnea from the inside. It is the world’s first fully implanted device that’s FDA-approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

This new implant solves sleep apnea from the inside. Dubbed a “sleep pacemaker” this device sends signals to the nerve that controls your tongue, preventing it from slipping backward and obstructing your throat while you sleep. The result is snore-free sleep.

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Voice Conditions

• Vocal fold nodules/polyps/cysts/granulomas
• Chronic laryngitis
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Singer's voice problems
• Vocal cord paralysis/paresis
• Muscle tension dysphonia
• Vocal fold hemorrhage
• Spasmodic dysphonia
• Sulcus vocalis
• Vocal fold HPV/papillomas
• Vocal fold Intubation Injuries
• Acid reflux disease
• Aging voice
• Voice and swallowing deficits related to Parkinson's Disease
• Head and neck cancer voice and swallowing disorders

Every voice and swallowing disorder is different – so a customized treatment plan could include any of the following:

• Videostroboscopy for voice evaluation
• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
• Medical treatments, including Botox
• Surgical treatments, including microsurgery, thyroplasty and endoscopic treatment for laryngeal cancer
• Endoscopic treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum
• Speech therapy for voice and swallowing disorders
• Voice therapy for singers, teachers and voice professionals
• Vocal cord dysfunction therapy
• Pre/post-operative teaching
• Voice amplification training
• Voice and swallowing rehabilitation after cancer treatment
• LSVT/LOUD for Parkinson's Disease

Voice and Swallowing Care Specialists

Jill Swanson, MS, CCC-SLP
School: Gustavus Aldolphus College, BA; Idaho State University, MS 
Specialty: Head and Neck Cancer, Dysphagia - Modified Barium Swallow Studies

Rebecca Unzicker, MS, CCC-SLP
School: University of South Dakota, BA; University of Nebraska-Omaha; MS 
Specialty: Head and Neck Cancer, Dysphagia - Modified Barium Swallow Studies