Diagnosis and Management of Meniere’s disease
In 1978, Dr. Silverstein developed a microsurgical procedure, the posterior fossa vestibular neurectomy, to cut the balance nerve while preserving hearing to relieve the dizziness associated with this condition. In 1998 he developed the MicroWick™ which allows medications to be delivered to the inner ear. Gentamicin an antibiotic is used to destroy the balance cells which relieves the vertigo attacks in 80% of cases while preserving the hearing. For this and other contributions to the understanding Meniere's disease, Dr. Silverstein was awarded the 2nd Howard P. House Award in 1994 and the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the international Prosper Meniere Society in 1996. (For more information on Meniere's disease click here.)

Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
It has been estimated that 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, the hallmark of which is ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears when no external physical sound is present. In its severest, unrelievable form, it has been called one of the worst things to plague mankind. Many studies at the Ear Research Foundation have focused on tinnitus and the challenge continues to find a cure for this condition. Most people can cope with the ringing in the ears when they learn that it does NOT indicate something serious is going to happen to them. However, there are some patients that need therapy for this problem. We have instituted a tinnitus clinic which works with the patient using various techniques to help relieve the tinnitus. These include first measuring the loudness of the tinnitus and the frequency, using drugs such as Melatonin and Xanax, electrical stimulation of the ear, music therapy, biofeedback and psychotherapy. (For more information on tinnitus click here.)

Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation is an extremely successful approach to retraining the brain to cope with dizzy signals created from balance disorders originating in the ears.
(For more information on vestibular rehabilitation click here.) 

Sudden Deafness in one ear
Sudden deafness is best treated by an Otolaryngologist as soon as possible after the hearing loss occurs. Treatment options include placing steroids directly into the ear using a MicroWick™ (For more information on Sudden Deafness, click here.).

Integrative Otology - Save Your Hearing Now!
What is the integrative approach to hearing loss and tinnitus? It is the addition of alternative methods of treatment to help those with progressive hearing loss and tinnitus and those who wish to try to delay the aging process and hearing loss by changing life styles. (For more information on Integrative Otology, click here.)

Laser Surgery For Otosclerosis
New Surgery has been developed by Dr. Silverstein to free the frozen stapes bone without using a prosthesis (Laser STAMP). (For more Information on otosclerosis and laser surgery click here.)

Minimally Invasive Office Ear Surgery
Many minimally-invasive ENT surgeries are now being performed in the office at Florida Ear & Sinus Center, saving the patient time and money by avoiding an overnight stay in the hospital. Operative techniques and specialized surgical instruments, now employed world-wide, were developed by physicians at the Florida Ear & Sinus Center. (For more information on minimally invasive otological surgery click here.)

Pediatric Ear Treatment
Fluid in the ear can be removed using a short laser treatment in the office without the need of a pressure equalizing tube, general anesthesia, or hospitalization. The laser tympanostomy uses the laser to create an opening in the ear drum Other pediatric problems are treated using the most advanced techniques. (For more information on Pediatric ENT treatment click here.)

Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss
Many causes of chronic ear infection and hearing loss are treatable either medically or surgically. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment may prevent the need for hearing aids down the road. Diseases of the eardrum or ossicles (the three smallest bones in the body, that conduct sound to the inner ear) can cause severe hearing loss. Chronic ear infection with perforated eardrums can be quite serious, sometimes having the same dire results. With new surgical techniques these common occurrences can be effectively treated on an outpatient basis, often with a remarkable restoration of hearing. (For more information on chronic ear infections click here.)

Laser Treatment of Fluid in Ears
In the office, the laser is being used to make a temporary opening in the eardrum (Laser Assisted Tympanostomy (LAT), a procedure Dr. Silverstein developed, to relieve fluid build-up in serous otitis media (fluid in the middle ear.) The procedure takes a tenth of a second, and the opening heals in 2-4 weeks, depending on its size. This avoids the need for tubes, which can remain in the eardrum for months or years. The Florida Ear and Sinus Center and Ear Research Foundation are the first centers in the USA to use this technique and have performed over 2000 procedures. 80% of adults are cured with the LAT. The LAT eliminates the need for a tube and general anesthesia in 50% of children. This saves tremendous cost of hospitalization and the risks of general anesthesia. Dr's. Silverstein and Rosenberg of the Ear Research Foundation are now conducting a study with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to determine whether early intervention using LAT will avoid the long-term use of antibiotics in children with serous otitis media and thereby reduce the number of children who need pressure equalizing tubes. (For more information on minimally invasive ear surgery click here.)

Sinus Disorders
As one of the most common complaints of people across the country, sinus problems have plagued man for generations. In today's environment, sinus conditions can be particularly problematic because of air-borne pollutants and naturally occurring irritants. Specialists at Florida Ear & Sinus Center can diagnose and suggest treatment, including endoscopic sinus surgery, for chronic sinus problems. (For more information on sinus disorders click here.)

Snoring Surgery (LAUP)
Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone. People who snore and those who share their chambers, are often deprived of the benefits of sound sleep. Some snorers are actually suffering from sleep apnea, a condition that causes the person to briefly stop breathing. It is a serious condition that should be diagnosed and properly treated. A simple laser surgery is now available to "cure" snoring. The Somnoplasty procedure is a new technique that uses radio frequency waves to treat the soft palate. The advantage of this technique is that there is minimal pain after the procedure. (For more information on this procedure click here.)

Acoustic Neuromas and Skull Base Surgery
An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth on the hearing and balance nerve and the eighth cranial nerve. Sometimes called neurinomas or schwannomas, these growths usually occur in a small bony canal that also contains the facial nerve ( seventh cranial nerve). The cause of these slow-growing tumors is largely unknown. Dr. Silverstein is a recognized pioneer in the conservative management of these tumors. (For more information on acoustic neuromas click here.)

Allergy Disorders
Inhalant and food allergies can produce or aggravate many symptoms of hearing loss, Meniere's disease, sinus or nasal disease, headaches, and fatigue. Food elimination does help patients with food allergies. Desensitization injections will help inhalant allergies.(For more information on allergy disorders click here.)

Premier Facial Plastic Surgery Center
We’ve added another dimension to the continuum of care offered by the Silverstein Institute with the addition of our new Premier Facial Plastic Surgery Center, directed by Sumeet Bhanot M.D., a Board Certified head and neck surgeon and Fellowship trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from Yale University. Dr. Bhanot brings his highly specialized training to Sarasota, offering the latest advances in Facial Cosmetic and Rejuvenation Surgery treating the aging face, sun damaged skin, and functional and aesthetic problems of the nose. Dr. Bhanot believes that looking your best can give you an important edge in both your personal and professional life. (For more information on Premier Facial Plastic Surgery Center, click here.)