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Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty, M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) | Otology & Neurotology

Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S is a top Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) in Los Angeles specializing in ear problems. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S is an expert in changing the lives of her patients for the better. Through her designated specialty and expertise in the field, Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. She embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Joni Kristin Doherty M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S is a true asset to her field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Learn More About Me
25 years Experience
Dr. Joni K. Doherty, M.D., PH.D., F.A.C.S
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Ringing in ears?

Tinnitus is most often (80%) due to underlying hearing loss and/or noise damage to the inner ear. The hearing organ, called the "cochlea" is a specialized sensory organ that contains READ MORE
Tinnitus is most often (80%) due to underlying hearing loss and/or noise damage to the inner ear. The hearing organ, called the "cochlea" is a specialized sensory organ that contains 'auditory hair cells' (termed for the appearance of cilia (a.k.a., hairs) under an electron microscope). These cells are particularly sensitive to certain pitches or loud sounds and, if damaged, due to noise exposure, they may die and cannot regenerate (i.e., renew). The result can be tinnitus and sensitivity to loud sounds in the frequency range where the hair cells have been lost (i.e., died).

Ear drop issue?

That should not be a problem as long as you do not have a hole in your eardrum.

What do I do about this ear pain?

It sounds like you might be suffering from migraines - do you have sensitivity to bright lights with these headaches? Any nausea, vomitting, diarrhea? Do you clench or grind your READ MORE
It sounds like you might be suffering from migraines - do you have sensitivity to bright lights with these headaches? Any nausea, vomitting, diarrhea? Do you clench or grind your teeth? Many people clench and/or grind their teeth in their sleep and are unaware of it, but this can cause ear pain, so the best thing to do it ask your dentist.

Can’t hear on left side?

You need to come in to see an ENT as soon as possible, since this could be a sudden hearing loss, which we treat as an emergency.

Possible allergy?

Yes, that could be secondary to allergies if they also itch, but if it gets worse or is painful, you should get it checked out.

Watching airplanes okay for ears?

Yes, watching airplanes is safe for the ears, but only with proper ear protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs (over the ears).

Ear pain?

Hello, you may have an ear infection or cerumen (wax) impaction. You should be seen by an ENT and have a hearing test (audiogram).

What is causing a red, hot ear?

You may have primary red ear syndrome, which is the most common form. It’s more likely to affect young adults. Most people (80%) with this condition have migraines or a history READ MORE
You may have primary red ear syndrome, which is the most common form. It’s more likely to affect young adults. Most people (80%) with this condition have migraines or a history of migraines. The symptoms are red ears that burn and may itch. You may notice the symptoms in one or both ears, or they might switch from one side of your face to the other. A typical attack may last 60 minutes. Attacks rarely last longer than 4 hours. They usually happen during the daytime. This condition has no complications and isn’t deadly. Often, they seem to come out of nowhere. Sometimes they result from certain triggers. Common triggers:

-Touching or rubbing your ear
-Heat
-Neck movements
-Exercise

I have terrible ear pain. Could this be an infection?

Yes, ear pain could certainly be a sign of an ear infection. You should go in to get it checked at an Urgent Care or with your doctor, if they are seeing patients at this uncertain READ MORE
Yes, ear pain could certainly be a sign of an ear infection. You should go in to get it checked at an Urgent Care or with your doctor, if they are seeing patients at this uncertain time. Other potential causes for ear pain include: (1) jaw clenching, (2) a tooth infection, (3) impacted ear wax, etc. Be well!

Why can't anyone diagnose my Dad correctly?

It could be a Patulous Eustachian tube. Has he had any imaging studies, like a CT or MRI?

Will repeatedly using earplugs put me at risk of an infection?

Possibly, because they may harbor bacteria or yeast if you are using the same pair repeatedly, and just wearing them often can cause moisture accumulation in the ear canal. Moisture READ MORE
Possibly, because they may harbor bacteria or yeast if you are using the same pair repeatedly, and just wearing them often can cause moisture accumulation in the ear canal. Moisture sets up an environment for infection.

Can swimmer's ears cause deafness?

It is very unlikely for swimmer's ear, which is an outer ear infection (i.e., involves the ear canal rather than middle or inner ear) to cause permanent hearing loss, but it may READ MORE
It is very unlikely for swimmer's ear, which is an outer ear infection (i.e., involves the ear canal rather than middle or inner ear) to cause permanent hearing loss, but it may cause blockage of your ear canal due to debris or pus. If you spend a lot of time in cold water, then your ear canal may already be narrowed by overgrowth of the bone lining the ear canal - this is called exostoses or "surfer's ear" and sometimes requires surgery to remove the bone overgrowth.

I have a pus boil in my ears. Can it become serious?

Yes, this can become serious and you should be seen and placed on antibiotics (by mouth) and possibly have it drained. Meanwhile, warm compresses can help. Antibiotic ointment READ MORE
Yes, this can become serious and you should be seen and placed on antibiotics (by mouth) and possibly have it drained. Meanwhile, warm compresses can help. Antibiotic ointment will not likely be of benefit until it is opened.

What is the hissing sound I am hearing in my ears?

This is called "tinnitus" and is most often due to hearing loss.