Your ears, nose, and throat make up a large part of your senses—sixty percent, to be exact. So, when it comes to caring for them, it’s good to know that there’s a place nearby that can help. Fairview Range’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Audiology departments can handle an array of issues and surgeries and are located right here in Hibbing.
Meet Our ENT- Otolaryngology & Audiology Team
Dr. Kristin Fredrickson
Dr. Kristin Fredrickson is an esteemed otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) at Fairview Range. She brings over 22 years of experience to her practice. She earned her medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Tara Ruud, PAC
Physician Assistant Tara Ruud graduated from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.
She has expertise in treating chronic ear disease and sleep apnea, among other conditions.
Jennifer Salminen, CNP
Jennifer Salminen is a family nurse practitioner at Fairview Range. After graduating with her master’s from the University of North Dakota, she specializes in evaluating and treating general ENT concerns.
Gwen Washburn, MS, CCC-A
Gwen Washburn is our audiologist at Fairview Hearing Center. Washburn works with patients by giving hearing aid recommendations and fittings, including follow-up services.
What Does an ENT Do?
An otolaryngologist, or ENT specialist, diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. They are also skilled in performing surgeries on the head and neck, including procedures involving the ears, mouth, throat, nose, neck, and face.
“Our department can treat a wide variety of conditions,” explains Dr. Fredrickson.
What Types of Conditions Do They Treat?
“Our surgical treatment may include excision of head/neck tumors, addressing sinusitis and other nasal obstruction concerns, thyroidectomy, ear tube insertion, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy. We also offer treatment and testing for inhalant allergies, “ Dr. Fredrickson states.
ENT Department Surgery Capabilities
- Tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
- Tympanostomy tube insertion
- Sinus/nasal surgery
- Septorhinoplasty/rhinoplasty
- Chin augmentation/implant
- Thyroid surgery
- Neck surgery
- Skin lesion
- Ear surgery
- Laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy
- Esophagoscopy
- Orbital fracture
- Parotidectomy
- Blepharoplasty
- Oral lesion removal
- Balloon sinuplasty
- Turbinate reduction
- Myringotomies
- Lesion removals
- Uvulectomies
What Are Some Common ENT Issues?
Some common ENT issues include chronic ear infections, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Ear infections, particularly in children, can cause pain and hearing problems. Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, leads to congestion, facial pain, and headaches. Tonsillitis, often characterized by a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, can result from bacterial or viral infections. Allergies are also frequent concerns that ENTs treat.
More severe conditions may also include specific ENT diseases or cancers. “The most common cancers of the head and neck are caused by smoking and any form of tobacco use. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk of head and neck cancer,” states Dr. Fredrickson.
How Can These Issues Be Prevented?
“Quitting smoking, chewing and drinking alcohol are important in preventing most ENT diseases.”
It’s important to wear proper safety equipment, such as masks and eyewear when working on projects that could expose your eyes, nose, and mouth to harmful substances or debris. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier as needed can also support throat care and nasal health by keeping these areas moist and reducing irritation.
Fairview Range Hearing Center
Fairview’s Hearing Center offers full diagnostic, comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatment, hearing aid devices, and full-time walk-in hearing aid support.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance disorders. They work with patients of all ages to identify hearing loss, assess its severity, and develop customized treatment plans, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other auditory devices. Audiologists also provide counseling and education on hearing loss prevention, perform auditory rehabilitation, and conduct research on hearing and balance-related conditions.
What Types of Conditions Do They Treat?
Audiologists treat a wide range of conditions related to hearing and balance. This includes hearing loss caused by aging, noise exposure, infections, or genetic factors. They manage tinnitus, characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, and address balance disorders such as vertigo and dizziness, often linked to inner ear problems. Audiologists also provide care for ear infections, impacted earwax, and other conditions affecting the auditory system.
Fairview Range Hearing Center Capabilities
Unlike other hearing aid dispensers, our Audiologist can diagnose, treat, and habilitate someone with hearing loss. Call the Fairview Hearing Center at 218-362-6188 for more information.
How Are Common Hearing Issues Caused?
A variety of factors can cause hearing issues, both environmental and biological.
- Environmental: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as from machinery, music, or explosions, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss.
- Biological: Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a common condition that occurs as the auditory system naturally deteriorates over time. Genetic factors can also play a significant role, with some individuals being born with congenital hearing loss or predisposed to progressive hearing impairment.
How Can These Issues Be Prevented?
- Limit exposure to loud noises:
- Wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in noisy environments. Keep the volume at safe levels when using headphones or attending concerts.
- Schedule regular hearing check-ups to detect early signs of hearing loss.
- Maintain good ear hygiene:
- Avoid inserting objects into the ears.
- Seek timely treatment for ear infections.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle:
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to support auditory health.
Whether you or a loved one needs ear, nose, or throat care, Fairview Range is here to help. To learn more about their services and surgical capabilities, contact our team at 218-362-6175. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Fairview Hearing Center, call 218-362-6188. Visit us online at fairview.org/range.
