Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Hearing tests, allergy testing and nasal endoscopy in Kharadi, Pune
The right test helps explain your symptoms and guide treatment. These assessments are part of an ENT consultation with Dr. Halikar.
Hearing assessment
Hearing loss can develop gradually with age or noise exposure, or follow ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum or a build-up of earwax. A hearing assessment begins with an examination of the ear.
Tests such as pure-tone audiometry measure how well you hear sounds of different pitches, and tympanometry checks how the eardrum and middle ear are working. The results show the type and degree of any hearing loss and help decide whether medical treatment, surgery or a hearing aid is the right next step.
Who may need a hearing test
- Adults who find conversations hard to follow, or turn up the TV
- Anyone with ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Children with speech delay, poor attention or repeated ear infections
- Anyone regularly exposed to loud noise
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear, which should be seen urgently
Allergy testing
Allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes. It is often triggered by dust mites, pollen, moulds or pets, is closely linked with sinus problems, and can make asthma worse.
Allergy testing helps identify what you are reacting to, and the type of test is chosen according to your symptoms. Treatment includes avoiding triggers where possible, nasal sprays and antihistamines.
Nasal endoscopy
A nasal endoscopy uses a thin telescope to look inside the nose and at the back of the nose, where the sinuses drain and the adenoids sit. It is done in the clinic, usually after a numbing and decongestant spray, and takes a few minutes.
It lets Dr. Halikar see polyps, swelling, infection or structural problems that cannot be seen with a torch. A similar endoscopic examination can be used to look at the throat and voice box.
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist for hearing difficulty, a nose that is blocked or runny for weeks, repeated sinus infections, or allergy symptoms that do not settle with simple treatment.
Preparing for your visit
Bring any previous reports and scans, and a list of the medicines you take. Some medicines, particularly antihistamines, can affect allergy test results, so please ask the clinic when you book whether anything needs to be paused.
These tests are outpatient assessments, and most people can return to normal activities straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hearing test painful?
No. You listen to sounds through headphones and respond when you hear them. It is painless.
Do I need to stop any medicines before allergy testing?
Some medicines, especially antihistamines, can affect the results. The clinic will tell you if anything needs to be stopped, and for how long.
Is nasal endoscopy safe?
Yes. It is a routine, low-risk examination. You may feel pressure or a tickle, and the spray can briefly numb the throat.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and nasopharyngolaryngoscopy in outpatient care
- Has presented on allergic fungal rhinosinusitis at a state ENT conference
- Organised a CME programme on noise-induced hearing loss
- Member of the Indian Society of Otology and the Indian Association of Otolaryngorhinology
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.