Ear pain, persistent nasal congestion, recurring sinus infections, hearing difficulties and voice changes can affect everyday comfort, communication and quality of life. While some symptoms resolve on their own, persistent or recurring problems may need evaluation by a specialist. If you are looking for an ent doctor in andheri, Dr. Shama Kovale provides specialised ear, nose and throat care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Andheri West, Mumbai.
Dr. Kovale is a senior consultant ENT surgeon with more than 23 years of clinical and surgical experience. Her areas of expertise include voice and swallowing disorders, airway conditions, cochlear implants and endoscopic ENT procedures. Her approach combines detailed assessment, appropriate investigations and individualised treatment planning for adults and children.
What Does an ENT Doctor Treat?
An ENT specialist, also known as an otorhinolaryngologist, diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck. Depending on the symptoms, treatment may involve medication, minor procedures, rehabilitation or surgery.
A consultation may be appropriate for persistent earaches, hearing changes, recurrent sinus infections, nasal blockage, throat discomfort, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties or breathing-related concerns. Early assessment can help identify the cause and prevent some conditions from progressing.
Dr. Shama Kovale has specialised experience in both routine and complex ENT conditions, with additional expertise in laryngology, which focuses on the voice box, voice and swallowing function.
Common ENT Conditions Treated by Dr. Shama Kovale
1. Ear Infections and Hearing Problems
Ear pain, discharge, blocked ears, ringing sounds and reduced hearing can arise from several causes, including infections, wax buildup, eardrum problems or age-related hearing changes. Persistent symptoms should be examined rather than treated with unprescribed ear drops or home remedies.
Depending on the findings, an ENT evaluation may include examination of the ear canal and eardrum, hearing tests or other investigations. Treatment is based on the underlying cause and may involve medication, professional wax removal, hearing rehabilitation or surgery.
Dr. Kovale has specialised training in ear microsurgery and cochlear implant surgery. Cochlear implants may be considered for certain people with severe hearing loss who receive limited benefit from conventional hearing aids, following a detailed assessment.
2. Sinusitis and Nasal Blockage
Sinusitis can cause nasal congestion, facial pressure, reduced sense of smell, nasal discharge and headaches. Persistent symptoms may be associated with chronic inflammation, nasal polyps, allergies or structural problems such as a deviated septum.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include nasal saline irrigation, prescribed medication or other targeted therapies. For selected patients who do not respond adequately to medical treatment, endoscopic sinus surgery may be considered.
Dr. Kovale has experience in endoscopic ENT surgery and the evaluation of nasal and sinus conditions. A specialist assessment helps determine whether symptoms require medical treatment, further testing or a surgical opinion.
3. Voice Disorders and Hoarseness
Voice changes can affect teachers, singers, public speakers and anyone who relies on clear communication. Hoarseness may result from voice strain, inflammation, acid reflux, vocal fold lesions or other conditions.
Persistent hoarseness should not be ignored, especially if it lasts more than a few weeks. A specialist may examine the larynx using an appropriate endoscopic procedure to assess the vocal folds and identify the cause.
Dr. Kovale has advanced training in phonosurgery and voice disorders. Depending on the diagnosis, care may include voice therapy, behavioural changes, medical treatment or selected procedures. The goal is to address the underlying problem while preserving voice function whenever possible.
4. Swallowing Difficulties
Difficulty swallowing, coughing while eating, food sticking in the throat or repeated chest infections can indicate a swallowing problem. These symptoms may have several causes, including neurological conditions, structural abnormalities or problems with the coordination of swallowing muscles.
A swallowing assessment may include flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) or a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, when clinically indicated. These tests help the care team understand how swallowing functions and whether food or liquid may enter the airway.
Dr. Kovale has specialised training in voice and swallowing disorders and established a dedicated Voice and Swallowing Centre at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Evaluation and treatment are tailored to each patient’s symptoms and test results.
5. Airway Conditions and Complex ENT Problems
Some ENT conditions affect the airway and can interfere with comfortable breathing. These require careful assessment because symptoms may arise from several different causes. Dr. Kovale’s areas of expertise include airway disorders and selected airway reconstructive procedures.
Severe breathing difficulty, noisy breathing that develops suddenly, or an inability to swallow saliva requires urgent medical attention rather than a routine appointment.
Qualifications and Clinical Experience of Dr. Shama Kovale
When choosing an ENT specialist, patients should consider formal qualifications, relevant subspecialty training and experience managing their specific condition.
Dr. Shama S. Kovale completed her MBBS, Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (DLO) and MS in ENT at B.Y.L. Nair Hospital and Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai.
Her advanced training includes:
- Fellowship in Phonosurgery: Specialised training in voice surgery at Bombay Hospital.
- Cochlear implant training: Advanced training under Dr. Milind Kirtane at P.D. Hinduja Hospital.
- Voice and swallowing training: Further specialised training under Dr. Peter Belafsky at the University of California, Davis, USA.
She has worked at established institutions including Hinduja Hospital, Bhagwati Hospital and A.J.B. ENT Hospital before practising at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Her professional activities also include medical research, journal reviewing and speaking at national and international ENT conferences. Her profile records recognition through India Today’s Top Docs awards for voice specialisation in 2019, 2020, 2024 and 2025.
ENT Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Dr. Kovale practises at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Andheri West. The hospital provides a clinical setting where ENT consultations and investigations can be coordinated according to the patient’s needs.
Dr. Kovale leads a dedicated Voice and Swallowing Centre, offering specialised assessment for voice, swallowing and related airway concerns. Depending on the clinical situation, patients may need diagnostic endoscopy, hearing assessment, swallowing studies or input from other healthcare professionals.
For those searching for a Best ENT in Mumbai, it is important to choose a specialist whose experience matches the symptoms and condition being treated. Patients looking for ENT Specialists Near Me in Mumbai can consider Dr. Kovale for assessment of ear, nose, throat, voice, swallowing and selected airway conditions.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
Consider booking an appointment if you experience:
- Repeated ear infections or persistent ear pain.
- Reduced hearing, ringing in the ears or recurring ear discharge.
- Long-lasting nasal blockage or repeated sinus symptoms.
- Hoarseness or voice changes that do not improve.
- Difficulty swallowing or coughing frequently while eating.
- Persistent throat discomfort or recurring ENT symptoms.
A consultation can help identify the likely cause and determine the next steps. Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or other rapidly worsening symptoms.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Consult Dr. Shama Kovale at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for timely evaluation and expert hearing care.
Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
When booking, mention your symptoms and bring previous prescriptions, hearing test results, scans or other relevant reports to help the doctor assess your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What conditions does Dr. Shama Kovale treat?
Dr. Shama Kovale treats a range of ear, nose and throat conditions, including ear infections, hearing problems, sinus disorders, voice changes, swallowing difficulties and selected airway conditions. She also has specialised training in cochlear implants and endoscopic ENT surgery.
2. When should I consult an ENT doctor for hoarseness?
Consult an ENT specialist if hoarseness persists for more than a few weeks, keeps returning or is accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing or other concerning symptoms. Sudden breathing difficulty requires urgent medical care.
3. Does every sinus problem require surgery?
No. Many sinus conditions can be managed with medication and other non-surgical measures. Endoscopic sinus surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate medical treatment or when the diagnosis indicates that surgery could help.
4. How can I book an appointment with Dr. Shama Kovale?
You can contact Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital to enquire about an appointment with Dr. Shama Kovale. Call +91-91528 50769 or email drshamakovaleent@gmail.com for appointment-related information.