ENT Specialist in Mumbai – A Journalist’s Interview at Kokilaben Hospital

Urvi Raj
2 hours ago
4 min read

As a medical journalist tracking specialist care in metro hospitals, I recently visited Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital to observe patient consultations and interview Dr. Shama Kovale, practicing as an ENT Specialist in Mumbai. With rising urban air pollution, post-viral ENT complications, and lifestyle-related throat and nasal concerns, consultations with ENT specialists have become increasingly common. My goal was to document clinical workflow, examine diagnostic processes, and capture insights directly from the consulting room rather than secondary reports.

Qualifications & Experience of the ENT Specialist in Mumbai

According to information available from her professional profile, Dr. Shama Kovale holds formal postgraduate training in ENT (otorhinolaryngology), qualifying her to diagnose and manage disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related airway structures.

Her clinical experience spans a wide spectrum of ENT complaints—from routine infections to chronic sinus disease, allergic rhinitis, auditory degeneration, and throat concerns related to vocal strain. She described how ENT practice today increasingly emphasizes diagnostic precision using tools such as nasal endoscopy, audiometry, imaging studies, and disease-specific evaluation.

During our interview, Dr. Shama Kovale explained that decision-making in otolaryngology hinges on three factors: symptom severity, measurable diagnostic evidence, and patient expectations regarding recovery or long-term benefit. Her tone was measured and data-oriented—reflecting the approach expected from consultants recognized among urban readers seeking the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai for chronic or unresolved symptoms.

Clinic Setup & Environment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The ENT clinic space at Kokilaben Hospital appeared well-organized and equipped with modern diagnostic tools. Patient flow followed a structured path: registration, preliminary assessment, consultation, and diagnostic scheduling. Consultation rooms housed ENT examination chairs, endoscopy equipment, and otoscopy and laryngoscopy tools that enable real-time visual assessment of airway spaces.

Audiology support was available for hearing evaluation, reflecting integration of multidisciplinary care within the hospital ecosystem. Staff maintained sterile workspace procedures, controlled lighting during examinations, and guided patients calmly through diagnostic preparations.

The environment illustrated the broader expectations associated with an ENT Specialist in Mumbai practicing inside a large multispeciality hospital—precision-oriented consultations supported by equipment and collaborative care infrastructure.

Common ENT Complaints & Patient Trends – Journalistic Observations

Patients represented diverse age groups—from school-age children presenting with recurrent ear infections to elderly patients undergoing hearing and balance assessments. Dr. Shama Kovale noted recurring causes behind ENT conditions in the city:

rising air pollution affecting nasal passages
viral infections leading to prolonged throat discomfort
workplace vocal strain among teachers, performers, and call-center workers
hearing decline due to aging
untreated sinus inflammation progressing to chronic cases

She emphasized that ENT symptoms, when ignored, can escalate into more persistent issues requiring longer recovery timelines.

Benefits & Risks of ENT Treatments – A Neutral Perspective

Dr. Shama Kovale explained that ENT treatments range from conservative medication to minimally invasive interventions or surgical correction depending on the diagnosis.

Potential Benefits

reduced pain or discomfort
restored nasal breathing or improved airflow
improved hearing and communication ability
lower risk of infection recurrence through structured therapy
improved sleep quality due to airway correction

Potential Risks

temporary symptom aggravation after procedures
anesthesia-related concerns during ENT surgeries
recurrence of chronic ENT symptoms
postoperative infection risk, although minimized with sterile protocols

She emphasized that ENT care outcomes depend heavily on timely follow-up and adherence to medical instructions.

Approximate Cost Range

Costs vary depending on diagnostic requirements, hospital category, and treatment type. Broad estimates for ENT services in Mumbai include:

ENT consultation: ₹800 – ₹2,200
Diagnostic nasal endoscopy: ₹1,800 – ₹8,000
Audiology/ hearing assessment: ₹2,000 – ₹9,000
Tonsil / adenoid procedures: ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000+
Sinus surgery / nasal correction: ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000+

These figures are approximations and not hospital-specific. Expected fees depend on technology used, insurance, hospitalization needs, and recovery pathways.

Aftercare & Precautions Shared During the Interview

Dr. Shama Kovale highlighted essential precautions for ENT patients before and after treatment:

maintain hygiene to avoid bacterial contamination
avoid self-prescribing nasal sprays or antibiotics
use ear or nose medications strictly as directed
limit vocal strain after throat-related treatments
avoid exposure to smoke, allergens, and irritants
maintain hydration for mucosal recovery
watch for discharge, bleeding, fever, or breathing difficulty
attend scheduled follow-up consultations without delay

She noted that many ENT complications arise due to incomplete treatment cycles or neglecting postoperative monitoring.

Interview Reflections – A Journalist’s Perspective

Observing consultations firsthand showed that communicating diagnostic clarity to patients plays an equal role to performing examinations. Dr. Shama Kovale’s consultation style relied on explaining the clinical rationale for each test or treatment.

Urban ENT care appears increasingly influenced by patient awareness, digital health searches, and rising air pollutants. Patients often seek clinicians recognized as trusted experts or listed among the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai, reflecting heightened expectations.

Rather than medical persuasion, consultations emphasized realistic goals, structured treatment plans, and gradual symptom improvement timelines.