expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Robert Sataloff, MD

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S. is Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine. He also holds Adjunct Professorships in the Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and he is on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts. He serves as Conductor of the Thomas Jefferson University Choir. Dr. Sataloff is also a professional singer and singing teacher. He holds an undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Music Theory and Composition; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from Combs College of Music; and he completed Residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and a Fellowship in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sataloff is Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Voice Foundation and of the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research. He also has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Graduate Hospital; President of the American Laryngological Association, the International Association of Phonosurgery, the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and The American Society of Geriatric Otolaryngology, and in numerous other leadership positions. Dr. Sataloff is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice; Editor Emeritus of Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; Associate Editor of the Journal of Singing; on the Editorial Board of Medical Problems of Performing Artists, and is an editorial reviewer for numerous otolaryngology journals. He has written over 1,000 publications including 69 books, and he has been awarded more than $5 million in research funding. His H-index is 41 (as of October 2020). He has invented more than 75 laryngeal microsurgical instruments distributed currently by Integra Medical, ossicular replacement prostheses produced by Grace Medical, and a novel laryngeal prosthesis (patent pending). He holds a patent on a unique thyroplasty implant. His medical practice is limited to care of the professional voice and to otology/neurotology/skull base surgery. Dr. Sataloff has been recognized by Best Doctors in America (Woodward White Athens) every year since 1992, Philadelphia Magazine since 1997, and Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Doctors” since 2002.
50 years Experience
Dr. Robert Sataloff, MD
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Jefferson Med Coll-Thos Jefferson Univ, Philadelphia Pa
  • Accepting new patients

Ear drum question?

If there is a hole in that eardrum, you should not be putting anything in there. Also, you should consider seeing an ear specialist and having the whole repaired.

Nasal/allergic rhinitis?

I would suggest that you see an ear nose and throat doctor to be certain that you do not have laryngopharyngeal reflux which can cause those symptoms as well as allergy. It is READ MORE
I would suggest that you see an ear nose and throat doctor to be certain that you do not have laryngopharyngeal reflux which can cause those symptoms as well as allergy. It is also possible that you have both. If you have not seen an allergist and had formal allergy testing, you should.

Green grey specks in phlegm?

That is not normal and should be evaluated. You can start with your family doctor, and perhaps with a chest X-ray.

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S

Do I have tinnitus?

It would be worthwhile seeing an ear specialist and having a hearing test. Tinnitus often reflects damage to the inner ear. However, sometimes there are underlying, predisposing READ MORE
It would be worthwhile seeing an ear specialist and having a hearing test. Tinnitus often reflects damage to the inner ear. However, sometimes there are underlying, predisposing factors. You can use your earphones, but at moderate volume. If people standing next to you can tell what you are listening to, the volume is too high.

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S

Is a dorsal hump considered a defect?

No.

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S

What is wrong with my tongue?

There are numerous possibilities ranging from vitamin deficiency to fungal infection to many other problems. I recommend that you be evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Robert READ MORE
There are numerous possibilities ranging from vitamin deficiency to fungal infection to many other problems. I recommend that you be evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S

I have inner ear crystals repositioning?

Crystal repositioning can happen immediately and can last and do recur. Some people require 2 or 3 treatments a day for a few days before the crystals reposition. Usually, the READ MORE
Crystal repositioning can happen immediately and can last and do recur. Some people require 2 or 3 treatments a day for a few days before the crystals reposition. Usually, the condition can be controlled. It sounds as if you are being managed correctly.

What causes a sore throat without exposure?

There are many common causes including infection, allergy, and, most commonly, reflux of stomach acid into your throat. That usually occurs without heartburn. So, people do not READ MORE
There are many common causes including infection, allergy, and, most commonly, reflux of stomach acid into your throat. That usually occurs without heartburn. So, people do not realize that they are refluxing. I suggest an evaluation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Feel free to share this email with him/her.

Happy holidays.

Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., D.M.A., F.A.C.S

Ear wax impacted?

That is very unlikely. You probably are obstructed with cerumen; and your hearing is likely to return when the cerumen is removed completely.

Ruptured eardrum?

Yes, and it can be repaired again.

I have ringing in my ear?

There are a great many possible causes. You need to see an ear specialist.

I have been sneezing a lot today when I woke up, what do I do?

See your pediatrician or family doctor.Do not delay.

Throat closing up?

The first step is evaluation by an excellent ear nose and throat doctor.

Sensitive throat, hypersensitive gagging reflex?

The first step is evaluation by an excellent ear nose and throat doctor.

Vestibular Neuritis, Vestibular Migraine, or something else?

You should make an appointment with an excellent ear specialist. There are many possibilities; but superior semicircular canal dehiscence should be considered because of your READ MORE
You should make an appointment with an excellent ear specialist. There are many possibilities; but superior semicircular canal dehiscence should be considered because of your abnormal test.

Ear infection?

You need to be seen by an ear nose and throat specialist for examination, and possibly for culture. The doctor also will check your TMJ. TMJ problems after dental treatment would READ MORE
You need to be seen by an ear nose and throat specialist for examination, and possibly for culture. The doctor also will check your TMJ. TMJ problems after dental treatment would explain the pain, but not your other symptoms.

I'm losing my hearing?

No. You definitely need to see an ear specialist and have a hearing test, ideally soon.

Thyroid?

You should be evaluated and followed by a thyroid specialist, possibly an endocrinologist, or a thyroid surgeon who might be a general surgeon or ear nose and throat surgeon. READ MORE
You should be evaluated and followed by a thyroid specialist, possibly an endocrinologist, or a thyroid surgeon who might be a general surgeon or ear nose and throat surgeon. Most people would recommend a repeat ultrasound, but needle biopsy might be considered depending on the characteristics of the nodule.

Blocked nose?

See an excellent ear nose and throat doctor, Possibly one who is or will also refer you to an allergist.

How do you clean your tonsils out?

With a water pik Or a soft toothbrush.