Problems involving your ears, nose, throat, or neck can affect how you breathe, hear, sleep, speak, swallow, and participate in everyday activities. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding appropriate relief.
Summit Healthcare provides comprehensive ear, nose and throat care in Show Low, AZ, for children and adults throughout Lakeside and the White Mountains. Led by Aaron Done, MD, PhD, the ENT team evaluates and treats a broad range of conditions involving the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, head, and neck. Dr. Done combines advanced medical and surgical training with a personalized, evidence-based approach to care.
What Is an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist?
An ear, nose and throat specialist is a physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting closely connected head and neck structures. This medical specialty is also called otolaryngology.
An ENT specialist can address concerns ranging from recurring ear infections and nasal congestion to swallowing difficulties, thyroid conditions, and head and neck masses. Because symptoms in these areas can overlap, a comprehensive evaluation helps identify the source of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Conditions We Treat
Summit Healthcare provides ENT evaluation and treatment for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Chronic or recurring sinus infections
- Nasal congestion
- Deviated septum
- Ear infections
- Chronic ear disease
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness and balance disorders
- Sleep-related breathing disorders
- Voice changes
- Swallowing difficulties
- Thyroid conditions
- Salivary gland conditions
- Head and neck masses
- Head and neck cancer
- Facial trauma
- Pediatric ENT conditions
Symptoms involving your ears, nose, or throat may be temporary, but recurring or persistent problems deserve medical attention. An ENT evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to infection, inflammation, structural changes, nerve function, or another underlying concern.
Sinus and Nasal Care
Ongoing congestion, facial pressure, headaches, drainage, or difficulty breathing through your nose may be related to chronic sinusitis, allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or another condition. Although these concerns can produce similar symptoms, they may require different treatments.
Your evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms, previous infections, allergy history, medications, and treatments you have already tried. Dr. Done may also examine the inside of your nose and recommend additional testing when appropriate.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Your plan may include medication, nasal care, management of contributing conditions, or sinus and nasal surgery. The goal is to address the source of the problem while helping you breathe more comfortably.
Ear, Hearing, and Balance Care
Ear conditions can affect more than hearing. Your inner ear structures also contribute to balance, which is why certain ear disorders may cause dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness.
Summit Healthcare evaluates concerns such as recurring ear infections, chronic ear disease, hearing changes, tinnitus, and balance problems. An examination can help identify fluid, infection, eardrum changes, or other possible causes. Additional hearing or balance testing may be recommended according to your symptoms.
Dr. Done’s clinical interests include treating chronic ear disease and hearing disorders, including cochlear implantation. If hearing loss affects communication or daily activities, he can evaluate the potential cause and discuss appropriate next steps.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Snoring, disrupted sleep, and nighttime breathing difficulties may result from obstruction in the nose, throat, or another part of the upper airway. These issues may leave you feeling tired during the day and can sometimes be associated with sleep apnea.
An ENT evaluation looks for structural factors that may be contributing to restricted airflow. These might include nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils, or changes involving the throat. Depending on your condition, treatment may involve medical management, coordination with sleep specialists, or sleep surgery. Recommendations are individualized after the nature and location of the obstruction are carefully assessed.
Voice and Swallowing Concerns
Persistent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, coughing when eating, a sensation of food becoming stuck, or difficulty swallowing should be evaluated. These symptoms may arise from irritation, reflux, inflammation, structural changes, or problems with the nerves and muscles involved in speaking and swallowing.
Dr. Done can examine the throat and voice box to help identify possible causes. Your treatment plan may involve medication, behavioral changes, additional testing, therapy, or a procedure, depending on the findings. Prompt evaluation is especially important when symptoms persist, worsen, or occur with unexplained weight loss, breathing difficulty, or a neck mass.
Thyroid, Salivary Gland, and Head and Neck Care
ENT specialists also evaluate conditions affecting the thyroid gland, salivary glands, and other structures of the head and neck. You may be referred for a neck lump, thyroid nodule, persistent gland swelling, pain while eating, or another abnormal finding.
Dr. Done has clinical interests in thyroid and salivary gland surgery, head and neck cancer care, and facial trauma reconstruction. He carefully evaluates your symptoms and diagnostic results before discussing whether monitoring, further testing, medical treatment, or surgery may be appropriate.
A new or persistent lump in the neck does not necessarily indicate cancer, but it should be assessed. Evaluation can clarify the cause and help you receive timely care when treatment is necessary.
Pediatric ENT Care
Children commonly experience ear, nose, and throat problems, including ear infections, tonsil concerns, sinus symptoms, hearing difficulties, and sleep-related breathing issues. When these problems recur or interfere with sleep, hearing, speech development, school, or daily life, a pediatric ENT evaluation may be helpful.
Summit Healthcare offers pediatric ENT care that considers your child’s age, symptoms, medical history, and comfort. Dr. Done explains findings and treatment options clearly so you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.
Our Provider
Meet Aaron Done, MD, PhD
Dr. Aaron Done is an otolaryngologist who provides comprehensive ear, nose and throat care at Summit Healthcare. He completed his otolaryngology residency at UC Davis Health and earned his medical degree from the University of Arizona. He also holds a PhD in biological sciences from Northern Arizona University.
His clinical interests include:
- Sinus and nasal surgery
- Ear and hearing disorders
- Cochlear implantation
- Chronic ear disease
- Sleep surgery
- Thyroid and salivary gland surgery
- Head and neck cancer care
- Facial trauma reconstruction
Dr. Done provides personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your diagnosis, needs, and treatment goals.
Schedule an ENT Appointment in Show Low, AZ
If recurring sinus problems, hearing changes, dizziness, throat symptoms, sleep-related breathing concerns, or a head and neck condition affects you or your child, an ENT evaluation can help identify the right next steps.
Contact Summit Healthcare to schedule an appointment with Dr. Aaron Done in Show Low, AZ. Call 928-537-4375 to learn more about available ear, nose, and throat services. Summit Healthcare proudly provides specialized ENT care for individuals and families from Lakeside and throughout the White Mountains.
