Tracy Jakob, MD is an ENT Specialist practicing at her clinic in Houston, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive ENT care, registered with The Texas Medical Board and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are medical doctors and surgeons who diagnose and treat a wide array of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, from common issues like sinus infections and hearing loss to complex cases such as head and neck cancers, often working in collaboration with your primary care physician. Dr. Jakob serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (281) 578-1910 to schedule an appointment.
With over 35 years of dedicated experience, Dr. Jakob brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and care to her patients. She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1987, completing an internship and residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the same institution in 1993. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she is Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Jakob is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She offers consultations in Spanish.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Jakob is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Jakob's approach to ENT care prioritizes comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans. She meticulously examines each patient's unique needs, employing the latest diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to address a wide range of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck concerns. This patient-centered strategy ensures that each patient receives the most effective and appropriate care, fostering a trusting relationship built on clear communication and mutual understanding.
By working together, you and Dr. Jakob can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Advantage HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Group Health Network
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate Plus POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Prime Health Services
- Signature Administrators PPO
- SureFit Houston
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Jakob offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Allergic Reaction: If you have an allergic reaction affecting your nose, throat, or ears, an ENT doctor can identify the cause and provide treatment options to alleviate your symptoms.
- Ear Cancer: An ENT doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating different types of ear cancers.
- Dysphagia: Dysphagia means swallowing is painful or difficult; an ear, nose, and throat doctor can find the reason and suggest ways to improve swallowing.
- Postnasal Drip: Postnasal drip is when mucus from your sinuses drains into the back of your throat, leading to discomfort. An otolaryngologist can help relieve your symptoms.
- Loss of Smell and Taste: Experiencing a change or loss in your ability to smell or taste? An ENT doctor can perform tests to determine the cause and suggest appropriate management strategies.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: Mixed hearing loss means you have trouble hearing both from problems with the inner ear and problems with the outer or middle ear, and an ENT doctor can help diagnose and treat the underlying causes.
- Sore Throat: If you have a sore throat that's making it hard to swallow or is accompanied by other symptoms, an ENT specialist can help determine the underlying issue and provide relief.
- Throat Cancer (Nasopharyngeal): Developing in the upper throat behind your nose, nasopharyngeal cancer is a serious condition best addressed by the expertise of an ENT surgeon for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Nasal Polyp: Suffering from nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell? Nasal polyps, treated by an ENT doctor, might be the cause.
- Common Cold: If your common cold develops into a sinus infection or other complication, an ENT doctor can diagnose and treat these secondary issues.
- Sudden Deafness and-or Hearing Loss: Sudden onset hearing loss can have many causes, and an ENT specialist is the right doctor to see for diagnosis and treatment to potentially improve your hearing.
- Wheezing: Experiencing wheezing? This breathy sound might be due to a number of conditions, and an ENT can help determine the cause and manage your symptoms.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Jakob offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): If you're having trouble swallowing, a FEES procedure uses a special camera to visualize your swallowing process and identify the cause.
- Sleep Study: If you suspect you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, a sleep study helps your doctor identify the problem and recommend the right treatment.
- Sphenoidectomy (Sinus Surgery): A sphenoidectomy is a type of sinus surgery that targets a deep sinus cavity to help treat chronic infections or other sinus-related problems.
- Rhinoseptoplasty: A deviated septum can cause breathing problems; rhinoseptoplasty is a surgical solution to correct this.
- Ear Tube Placement: This procedure involves placing tiny tubes in the eardrums to relieve pressure and allow fluid to drain, improving hearing and preventing further ear infections.
- Tonsillectomy: Tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils, often recommended when tonsillitis becomes a recurring problem.
- Balloon Sinuplasty: Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery, offering a quicker recovery time and often less discomfort.
- Head and Neck Surgery: If you have a head or neck issue requiring a surgical solution, this type of surgery offers treatment options to address the problem surgically.
- Ear Surgery: If you're experiencing hearing loss, chronic ear infections, or other ear-related issues, ear surgery may be an option to correct the problem and improve your hearing.
- Nasal Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): A deviated nasal septum can make breathing difficult; septoplasty corrects this by straightening the nasal cartilage and bone.
- Diagnostic Nasal and Sinus Endoscopy: This procedure involves a small camera being inserted into your nose to visualize your nasal passages and sinuses, helping your doctor identify the cause of your symptoms.
- Intranasal or Sinus Procedure: If you have sinus pain, pressure, or breathing problems, an intranasal or sinus procedure might help clear blockages and improve airflow.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Jakob is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an ENT specialist, a patient found relief from their persistent allergy symptoms, enabling them to enjoy daily activities without discomfort.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their ear cancer, maintaining a positive outlook and quality of life. The patient's proactive approach, guided by their ENT specialist, allowed them to effectively navigate the challenges of the condition.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
18300 Katy Fwy Ste 305, Houston, TX, 77094
Phone: (281) 578-1910
View on Map - Practice
14140 Southwest Fwy Ste 200, Sugar Land, TX, 77478
Phone: (281) 578-1910
View on Map - Practice
915 Gessner Rd Ste 280, Houston, TX, 77024
Phone: (713) 464-2928
View on Map
- University Tex SW (Residency Hospital) - 1993
- University Tex SW (Internship Hospital) - 1988
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School) - 1987
- American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving ENT care with Dr. Jakob:
- What kind of conditions does an ENT specialist treat?
- Dr. Jakob, an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor and surgeon who treats a wide range of conditions affecting the head and neck. Her expertise includes ear problems (infections, hearing loss, dizziness), nasal and sinus issues (allergies, sinusitis, breathing problems), and throat conditions (voice disorders, swallowing problems, tonsillitis). She also specializes in thyroid surgery and head/neck tumors.
- Do I need a referral to see an ENT?
- Dr. Jakob's office accepts many insurance plans. While some, like HMOs, require a referral from your primary care physician, others, like PPOs, do not. Please check with your insurance provider to understand their specific referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- What is sleep apnea and how can an ENT help?
- Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. Dr. Jakob, an ENT specialist, can examine the entire airway to identify the specific blockage areas and offer treatments, including surgery, that other sleep specialists may not provide.
- I have frequent sinus infections. When should I see an ENT instead of my primary care doctor?
- If your sinus infections are chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks), recurrent (happening 4 or more times a year), or not improving with your primary care doctor's treatment, you should consider seeing an ENT like Dr. Jakob. She can perform a nasal endoscopy to better evaluate the situation and determine the underlying cause.
- What is a hearing test (audiogram) like?
- Dr. Jakob will conduct a simple, painless hearing test in a soundproof booth. You'll wear headphones and indicate when you hear tones of different pitches and volumes. This helps her determine if you have any hearing loss and its severity.
- What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
- Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, while vertigo is a specific type of dizziness, often involving a spinning sensation. Dr. Jakob can perform tests to determine the cause of vertigo, which frequently originates in the inner ear.
- Is it normal for my voice to be hoarse for a long time?
- Hoarseness from a cold or overuse should resolve within a couple of weeks. If hoarseness lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, it's important to be evaluated by Dr. Jakob. She can perform a laryngoscopy to diagnose the cause, which could range from acid reflux to vocal cord nodules or other issues.
- My child gets a lot of ear infections. Do they need ear tubes?
- Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are often recommended for children with recurrent middle ear infections or persistent fluid in the ear that affects hearing. The tiny tubes help ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup. Dr. Jakob can evaluate your child to see if they are a good candidate for this common and safe procedure.
18300 Katy Fwy Ste 305
Houston TX 77094
Phone: (281) 578-1910
Tracy Jakob, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1346223856
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Tracy Jakob are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.