Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Care in Glenwood, MN

Glacial Ridge Health System provides ENT care for children and adults, addressing conditions that affect hearing, breathing, swallowing, voice, and the neck. Our ENT physician, Dr. Gary Ford, cares for patients with both common and complex ENT concerns.

ENT problems often begin with mild symptoms but can interfere with daily life when they persist or recur. Specialty evaluation helps determine the cause of symptoms and whether observation, medical treatment, or a procedure is appropriate based on clinical findings.

When to See an ENT Specialist

An ENT evaluation may be appropriate if you or your child experiences:

  • Recurrent ear infections or persistent ear pain
  • Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or balance problems
  • Ongoing nasal congestion, sinus pressure, or facial pain
  • Frequent sore throats or difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness or voice changes lasting longer than a few weeks
  • A lump, swelling, or discomfort in the neck

If symptoms persist, recur, or do not respond to treatment, an ENT specialist can help clarify the diagnosis and guide care.

ENT care for hearing, balance, and ear health, including:

  • Ear infections (acute and chronic)
  • Earwax buildup and blockage
  • Eardrum perforation
  • Ear pain or pressure
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Hearing loss

Diagnosis and treatment for breathing and sinus issues, such as:

  • Chronic or recurrent sinus infections
  • Nasal congestion and obstruction
  • Facial pain or sinus pressure
  • Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
  • Rhinitis (inflammation of the nose)
  • Nasal deviation

Care for voice, swallowing, and throat-related concerns, including:

  • Sore throat and recurrent tonsillitis
  • Tonsil and adenoid problems
  • Acid reflux–related throat irritation
  • Post-nasal drainage
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Sleep-related breathing concerns

Evaluation and management of neck and gland conditions, such as:

  • Thyroid nodules and thyroid disorders
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Neck masses or lumps
  • Salivary gland mass or swelling
  • Lipoma (benign tumor)
  • Neck cancer

When treatment requires a procedure, options may include:

  • Septoplasty (septum surgery)
  • Turbinate resection (improves airflow)
  • Tonsillectomy
  • Adenoidectomy (adenoid surgery)
  • Thyroidectomy (thyroid surgery)
  • Myringotomy (drains ear fluid) and ear tubes
  • Biopsy and evaluation of neck or thyroid concerns

Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available, depending on your condition and individual needs.

To schedule an appointment, call Glacial Ridge Hospital at 320.634.4521.