Otolarngology (Comprehensive ENT)
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic’s ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialty is a full service Otolaryngology department that serves the Middle Tennessee area. We offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for a wide range of ear, nose and throat conditions.
Why Choose MMC?
We are dedicated to providing superior medical, surgical, and audiological treatment of the ear, nose, and throat disorders in a professional, patient centered environment for your entire family. Our ENT experts ensure that your entire family will receive the highest quality of care. We treat all ages, from newborns and up.
Physicians
Audiologists
Voice specialists
Advanced Practice Providers
Pediatric & General ENT
Congestion, sinus infections, earaches, hearing loss, dizziness, strep and tonsil infections and thyroid disorders are the reasons why many of our patients in Middle Tennessee seek our help. We specialize in treating dozens of ear, nose and throat issues for children and adults and we want to help you and your family live a healthy life.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?
- Ear pain, ear drainage, hearing loss, or sudden change in hearing
- Dizziness or sudden change in balance
- Nasal congestion and sinus pressure
- Change in voice quality or hoarseness
- A lump or mass in the neck or neck swelling
- Thyroid disorders or thyroid nodules
- Chronic sinus infections
- Chronic ear infections
- Chronic sore throat
- Chronic voice changes
Our professional and caring providers offer comprehensive ENT care for children and adults right here in Murfreesboro as well as specializing in several common and chronic issues such as sinus and ear infections, sore throat and voice changes. We are dedicated to providing the best medical, surgical and audiological treatment of ear, nose and throat disorder in a professional, patient-centered environment for your entire family. We treat all ages—from newborns and up.
Our ENT (Otolaryngology) services include:
- Evaluation and treatment of all ENT disorders
- Ear tubes for chronic ear infections
- Balloon dilation of the eustachian tubes to treat chronic ear infections or pressure
- In-office ear injections to treat hearing loss or dizziness
- Repair of eardrum perforations (tympanoplasty)
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for chronic infections or pediatric snoring / sleep apnea
- In-office and Intraoperative treatment of nosebleeds
- In-office procedures to treat nasal congestion, chronic nasal drainage, chronic sinus infections
- Surgical treatment for certain types of hearing loss including cochlear implantation for profound hearing loss
- Advanced evaluation of voice disorders and hoarseness including stroboscopy
- Surgical treatment of voice disorders such as vocal cord polyps, nodules and cysts
- Botox injections for spasmodic dysphonia
- Vocal cord injections for weak voice, or paralyzed vocal cord
- Surgical treatment of thyroid disorders such as over active thyroid, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer
- Surgical treatment of salivary gland lesions
- In-office needle biopsies (FNA) of neck masses, salivary gland lesions, or thyroid nodules
Contact us today if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Nasal and Sinus Treatment for Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee
Being able to breathe properly affects every aspect of your life. Since you live in the south, you probably know first-hand how serious allergies and breathing issues can be. From congestion to sinus infections, our providers examine, diagnose and treat your nasal and sinus problems with care and expertise, using a personalized approach. If you have symptoms such as congestion, nasal drainage, runny nose, stuffy nose, sinus pain and pressure, headaches, seasonal allergies, or decreased ability to smell/taste, contact us today.
Are You Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?
- Runny Nose
- Earaches
- Stuffy nose
- Nasal Drainage
- Sinus Pain and Pressure
- Loss of your sense of smell/taste
- Seasonal Allergies
- Headaches
Sinonasal Surgery
Many patients who come to us have already been treated with antibiotics and steroids, or have tried over the counter medications in hopes of alleviating their sinus symptoms. We help patients find a solution to their nasal and sinus issues so they can live a more enjoyable life. Some patients may need additional medical therapy, while others may benefit from procedures or surgery. Many of our patients also benefit from an evaluation for allergies.
Our Sinus Surgery Services
- Balloon Sinuplasty – a revolutionary and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for treatment of sinus symptoms that can be done in the office or in the operating room
- Traditional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – use of endoscopes inside the nose, as well as image-guidance technology (GPS for the sinuses) during surgery to expand natural openings of the sinuses, which allows for improvement of sinus symptoms such as pain, drainage and impaired breathing
- Septoplasty – a procedure performed to straighten the inside of the nose to help patients breathe better
- Turbinate Reduction – a procedure to reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, which help to filter and humidify air. This improves nasal breathing
- Repair of Vestibular Stenosis – a surgical treatment to correct nasal valve collapse, which is caused by weakness of the cartilages of the walls of the nose. This can create an effect similar to using a breathe right strip
- Clarifix – intranasal cryotherapy for treatment of chronic runny/stuffy nose
Contact us today if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and need help breathing better.
Thyroid/Parathyroid Conditions
Comprehensive Thyroid and Parathyroid Care
We offer comprehensive thyroid and parathyroid care at MMC. We are able to obtain the necessary imaging, lab workup and specialist evaluation all in one building. We do our own fine needle aspiration biopsies under ultrasound guidance and are able to offer genetic testing on thyroid nodules, should it be required. Thyroid/parathyroid surgery can be done in our Surgicenter as an outpatient under most circumstances. Our ENT Specialists and Endocrinologists professionally examine, diagnose and treat a variety of Thyroid and Parathyroid issues.
Some of our services include:
- Ultrasound guided fine-needle biopsy of thyroid nodules
- Thyroid surgery for benign disease or thyroid cancer
- Parathyroidectomy
- Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation - Click Here to learn more
- We also have a great team of Board-Certified Endocrinologists at MMC that allows for a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Abnormal Function Symptoms
- Lumps or Masses in the Neck Area
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Unusual Fatigue
- Mood Changes
- Muscle and Bone Aches
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea
- Changes in Metabolism
Our Sinus Surgery Services
- Balloon Sinuplasty – a revolutionary and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for treatment of sinus symptoms that can be done in the office or in the operating room
- Traditional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery – use of endoscopes inside the nose, as well as image-guidance technology (GPS for the sinuses) during surgery to expand natural openings of the sinuses, which allows for improvement of sinus symptoms such as pain, drainage and impaired breathing
- Septoplasty – a procedure performed to straighten the inside of the nose to help patients breathe better
- Turbinate Reduction – a procedure to reduce the size of the nasal turbinates, which help to filter and humidify air. This improves nasal breathing
- Repair of Vestibular Stenosis – a surgical treatment to correct nasal valve collapse, which is caused by weakness of the cartilages of the walls of the nose. This can create an effect similar to using a breathe right strip
- Clarifix – intranasal cryotherapy for treatment of chronic runny/stuffy nose
Contact us today if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and need help breathing better.
What Function Do The Thyroid/Parathyroid Glands Perform?
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are part of the body’s endocrine system. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that sits over the airway in the lower neck. It secretes a thyroid hormone, which is crucial in regulating the body’s metabolism. The parathyroid glands are four small glands that sit outside the capsule of the thyroid gland. These glands help to regulate the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. Proper function of both glands are vital to living a healthy and vibrant life.
What Issue Can Arise With Thyroid Glands?
People can develop thyroid enlargement, thyroid nodules, abnormal function of the thyroid, or even thyroid cancer. Any of these problems can present with a bump or mass in the neck in the area of the thyroid gland, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms of abnormal thyroid function. Thyroid nodules are also often found on imaging done for other reasons. Treating these problems can include laboratory studies, thyroid ultrasound, fine needle biopsy of thyroid nodules, or thyroid surgery.
Why Would I See an ENT About My Parathyroid Glands?
The most common issue we treat is hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Patients with hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid adenoma have elevated calcium levels and parathyroid hormone levels. Our patients often experience symptoms of fatigue, mood changes, muscle/bone aches and abdominal pain/nausea. Hyperparathyroidism is usually picked up on routine labs in a patient's primary care office.
RFA Treatments
A minimally invasive solution for thyroid nodules
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign thyroid nodules. During the procedure, a thin, needle-like probe is inserted into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance. Radiofrequency energy is then applied through the probe to heat and destroy the nodule tissue while sparing healthy thyroid tissue. This can help shrink the nodule and relieve symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or pressure in the neck while preserving existing thyroid function. The procedure is done in our office, in Murfreesboro, which means no need for the operating room or a hospital stay. It is a safe alternative to surgery for certain patients and has a much shorter recovery time.
Am I a candidate for RFA?
Patients are carefully selected for this procedure. An ideal candidate for RFA has symptomatic or visibility conspicuous benign thyroid nodules.
Patients with the following are not candidates for RFA:
- Patients with thyroid cancer
- Patients with pacemakers or metallic implants
- Patients who are currently pregnant
Why Choose RFA instead of surgery?
Thyroid RFA is a non-surgical treatment for thyroid nodules. While surgery results in a visible scar, RFA is minimally invasive, safe and can be completed under local anesthesia. RFA enables patients to resume normal daily activity shortly after with minimal recovery time. While surgery involves removing part of the thyroid gland, which can lead to decreases in thyroid function, RFA preserves the thyroid gland and minimizes the risk of hypothyroidism. Dr. Britni Caplin and the team at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic will evaluate each patient individually and discuss RFA and surgical options available to best fit the patient’s needs.
MMC Patient Testimonial
“For years, I dealt with constant coughing. I visited doctor after doctor and tried countless medications and remedies, but nothing worked. I was told to change my lifestyle and exercise more, but my symptoms only got worse. Eventually, I couldn’t sleep through the night. Any time I would lay on my side, I would cough uncontrollably and struggle just to get comfortable.
I was referred for imaging to investigate my thyroid, where they discovered a benign nodule. Surgery wasn’t an option, so I was referred to Dr. Britni Caplin at MMC ENT.
Finding Dr. Caplin and her nurse, Jenn, was a true blessing. They were professional, respectful and genuinely cared about helping me feel better. Dr. Caplin answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease every step of the way.
The procedure itself was painless with no surgery required, and my recovery was smooth. I was awake during the treatment and felt completely comfortable the entire time. Since then, I’ve experienced an incredible improvement. The nodule has significantly reduced in size, and I no longer cough at night. I can finally sleep again and feel like myself.
I would recommend this procedure to anyone dealing with similar symptoms. It was safe, effective and life changing. Dr. Caplin and Jenn treat you like family, and I’m so thankful to have found them."
Meet Dr. Britni Caplin
Britni Caplin, M.D. is a Board Certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Her areas of expertise include Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation, Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Adult & Pediatric Otolaryngology, Otology, Nasal and Sinus Surgery including Balloon Sinuplasty and other In-Office Procedures and Head and Neck Surgery.
Audiological Services
At Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, we know the effects untreated hearing loss can have on one’s life. Our highly trained Audiologists are committed to providing the best hearing health care by delivering unmatched patient care, the latest hearing technology and expertise in amplification strategies and programming.
Our Services Include:
- Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations to determine hearing health
- Tinnitus Evaluations (ringing in the ear)
- Tympanometry (test for presence of fluid in the ears)
- Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAEs)
- Electrocochleography (ECochG) – diagnostic test for Meniere’s disease
- Electrophysiology (ABR) - diagnostic test to rule out retrocochlear pathologies
- Musician ear molds
- Hearing protection
Hearing Aid Services
Hearing Evaluations
Do you have concerns about your hearing? Do you have ringing in your ears? Maybe you ask your loved ones to repeat information or find yourself turning up the television. If you have answered yes to these questions, our Doctors of Audiology at MMC are trained to evaluate your hearing and address your questions and concerns.
Testing Services
- Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
- Tympanometry
- Tinnitus Evaluations
- Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE)
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in many styles and various levels of technology with different features and connectivity. At MMC, we understand that these options can be overwhelming which is why we consult with you to understand your lifestyle and meet your expectations.
Our list of manufacturers includes:
- Widex
- Phonak
- Unitron
- Oticon
- Signia
- Starkey
Hearing Aid Repairs and Programming
Hearing aids are tiny computers that deliver all of life’s sounds directly to your ears by evaluating your environment multiple times per second. Sometimes, these little computers need adjusting or repairs. If you have hearing aids that need some care, our Doctors of Audiology will assess your devices and make appropriate changes.
If you would like to schedule for in-house repairs and programming, please give our office a call.
Custom Hearing Protection
Hearing loss can occur for many different reasons, but a major contributor to permanent damage is excessive noise exposure. If you spend most of your time in heavy amounts of noise exposure, you might want to consider protecting your hearing with custom products. These devices are molded to your ears giving you the most comfortable experience while enjoying loud concerts, working in industrial settings, or just everyday loud sounds.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
A bone-anchored hearing system maximizes the hearing of individuals with conductive or mixed hearing losses. A conductive or mixed hearing loss exists in individuals with middle ear dysfunction. This means that the individual has a functioning cochlea (organ of hearing in the inner ear), but still has hearing loss because the transmission of sound getting to the cochlea is disrupted in some way. Common causes include chronic fluid in the middle ear, ossicle dysfunction (bones in the middle ear), and surgically repaired middle ears. A bone anchored hearing aid essentially bypasses the disrupted middle ear, and stimulates the functioning cochlea directly through bone-conduction hearing, which involves a hearing aid surgically implanted in the skull bone above the ear.
Cochlear Implant Center
If you have hearing loss that is limiting your ability to communicate, you need to visit our Cochlear Implant Center at MMC. Cochlear implants can provide better hearing and improved quality of life through the latest technology and unmatched care. Murfreesboro Medical Clinic now offers the revolutionary Cochlear Implant to patients throughout Middle Tennessee who suffer from significant hearing loss. Our Cochlear Implant Center sets us apart in the treatment of hearing loss. In addition to cochlear implants, we also provide bone anchored hearing aids and traditional hearing aids.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A Cochlear Implant is a surgically implanted device recommended for a person with moderate to profound hearing loss and poor word understanding. The device essentially replaces the cochlea, which is the organ responsible for hearing, located in the inner ear.
A Cochlear Implant is a great option to consider when hearing aids do not provide the clarity of sound needed to understand speech and spoken language. Communication is needed in every day life, therefore, it is important to maximize a person’s ability to communicate successfully. It is also an option for patients who have tried hearing aids, and found them to be unsuccessful or are still struggling to hear.
To learn more about cochlear implant surgery, including the evaluation, recovery process and outcomes for those seeking to improve their hearing with life changing technology, please watch this video.
If you are you a current Cochlear Implant recipient, please visit our Cochlear Implant Recipient Resources page.
Our Products
Naida™ CI Connect Receiver
Advanced Bionics announces Naída CI Connect receiver, the new design-integrated solution for Naída CI Q90 sound processor. Connect like never before – stream direct, hands-free, any device.
HiRes™ Ultra 3D cochlear implant
Advanced Bionics announces its new cochlear implant, the HiRes Ultra 3D. Built with AB's cutting-edge technology, these implants are safe for a 3.0 Tesla MRI without magnet removal—giving you the freedom of hassle-free MRIs if you ever need one.
We provide comprehensive support for three major cochlear implant manufacturers: Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas and MEDEL.
Additional Treatment Options Provided
We offer a variety of treatment options for individuals with loss of hearing. The treatment option recommended is dependent on the type and severity of the hearing loss. Options include traditional hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids, and cochlear implants. We offer several brands of hearing aids and spend time with each patient to determine the best option for them. Learn more about our hearing aid offerings.
For more information on our Cochlear Implant Center and how to achieve a higher quality of life through improved hearing, please contact us at 615-867-8110.
Cochlear Implant Recipient Resources
If you have hearing loss that is limiting your ability to communicate, you need to visit our Cochlear Implant Center at MMC. Cochlear implants can provide better hearing and improved quality of life through the latest technology and unmatched care. Murfreesboro Medical Clinic now offers the revolutionary Cochlear Implant to patients throughout Middle Tennessee who suffer from significant hearing loss. Our Cochlear Implant Center sets us apart in the treatment of hearing loss. In addition to cochlear implants, we also provide bone anchored hearing aids and traditional hearing aids.