Otolaryngologists like Ian Funnell, MD, who treat the ears, nose and throat, offer top-tier care at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals

By Laura Briedis

There are many acronyms in the medical industry. One of the most recognized is ENT, which stands for a doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose and throat. After all, how many of us can pronounce otolaryngologist—the official name of this medical specialty?

In the 19th century, many doctors and researchers began to focus on the complex system of tissues, tubes and passages connecting the ears, nose and throat, and the many problems that can develop there. Thus, a new medical specialty was born.

A leader in the field, University Hospitals Ear, Nose & Throat Institute offers treatments for patients suffering from everything from hearing loss to sinus infections, snoring and cancer. It is one of the premier programs in the country for diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat disorders; offering medical school and residency training; and engaging in otolaryngology research.

The newest ENT to join the staff at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a Campus of UH Regional Hospitals, is Ian Funnell, MD.

With a degree from the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Dr. Funnell served in the Army for 16 years, where he received his medical training. He was later stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, Fort Benning in Georgia, and most recently Fort Carson in Colorado, before joining University Hospitals this summer. Board certified in otolaryngology, he specializes in head and neck surgery.

“I am a general ENT who does a little bit of everything and enjoys the full spectrum of otolaryngology, from treating a three-week-old baby with tongue-tie to a senior with recurring sinus infections,” says Dr. Funnell. Exposed to the surgical field at a young age by his father’s small business of surgical instrument repair, he settled on ENT during rotations at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. “I love the breadth of care we can provide: combining medical and surgical options, and treatments that range from improving quality of life and function, to saving lives.”

Some of the most common surgeries University Hospitals ENTs do for children are placing ear tubes for recurring infections and hearing loss and tonsillectomies for recurrent infections or sleep concerns. And for adults, they commonly relieve structural problems causing nasal obstruction, hearing loss, recurrent infections and more. Generations ago, before the widespread use of antibiotics, it was standard procedure for children to have their tonsils removed to prevent recurrent infections of the throat and ears, and few children graduated from school with their tonsils intact. Nowadays, however, it is not as common and, as a result, more people are getting their tonsils removed at a later age.

“It is always a balance of weighing the problems against the discomforts of treatment, but effective surgical care can often prevent years of future issues,” says Dr. Funnell.

There are many conditions Dr. Funnell says can improve with surgery, ranging from restricted airflow to sleep apnea, nasal congestion, thyroid issues, ear infections, and hearing loss. He can offer many of the same treatments available downtown at UH Cleveland Medical Center at community hospitals like UH Geauga Medical Center, and is excited to be a part of the team of physicians there.

“My wife is from Bainbridge and we moved back home so our three kids could be around family,” says Dr. Funnell, a Massachusetts native. “While in the military, we never lived in one place for longer than a few years, so I am excited to put down roots here and build a life with my family.”

Should You See an ENT?
A specialist of the ear, nose and throat, an ENT can do surgery and treat many different medical conditions. According to Ian Funnell, MD, if you have recurring issues, he can help break the cycle by properly diagnosing and offering treatment options.

You should consult with an ENT if you have any of these problems:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Recurring sinus infections
• Frequent nose bleeds
• Constant runny nose
• Persistent sore throat
• Balance issues
• Chronic ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Excessive snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Neck masses

For an appointment with an ENT, call 440-914-7239.

UH Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road, in Chardon. For more information, visit UHhospitals.org/ENT. For an appointment with an ENT, call 440-914-7239.