Ear, Nose, and Throat
Advanced Ear, Nose, and Throat Care - Close to Home
You shouldn’t have to travel hours to find answers for ongoing ear, nose, or throat concerns. At Decatur County Hospital, our Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) clinic brings specialized care to southern Iowa, making it easier to get the expert treatment you need, right here, close to home.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic sinus infections, recurring ear infections, hearing loss, or a sore throat that won’t go away, our team is here to help you find relief so you can get back to living life without discomfort.
Conditions and Areas of Expertise
Our ENT clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, including:
- Chronic or recurring sinus infections
- Ear infections and ear pain
- Hearing loss and hearing concerns
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness and balance disorders
- Nasal congestion and allergies
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Hoarseness and voice disorders
- Sore throats
- Difficulty swallowing
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Sleep-related breathing concerns
- Head and neck masses
Whether your symptoms are new or something you’ve been living with for years, many ENT conditions can be successfully treated, especially when they’re evaluated early.
Why Choose Decatur County Hospital for ENT Care?
Receiving care close to home means:
- Less travel and time away from work or family
- Faster access to specialty appointments
- Coordinated care with your local healthcare team
- Expert evaluation and treatment close to where you live
From a child’s recurring ear infections to chronic sinus issues or hearing concerns, we’re committed to making specialized care more convenient for the communities we serve.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
You may benefit from seeing an ENT specialist if you experience:
- Frequent sinus infections
- Ongoing nasal congestion
- Hearing changes
- Ringing in your ears
- Recurrent ear infections
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks
- Trouble swallowing
- Dizziness or balance problems
- A lump or swelling in your neck
If these symptoms aren’t improving or continue to come back, it’s time to be evaluated.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been putting off care because the nearest specialist felt too far away, we’re here to help.
Call today to learn more or request an appointment: 641-446-2285
Meet Your Provider
Dr. Austin Bancroft
DO, FACOO
Dr. Bancroft is a board-certified Ear, Nose & Throat specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for both children and adults.
Dr. Bancroft believes patients shouldn’t have to leave their community to receive high-quality specialty care. His goal is to make advanced ENT services more accessible for families throughout southern Iowa while providing personalized care that’s focused on improving quality of life.
Originally from Illinois, Dr. Bancroft earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University before graduating summa cum laude from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences with his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
He completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery through Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, receiving advanced training in both the medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck.
Before joining Decatur County Hospital, Dr. Bancroft cared for patients at Indiana University La Porte Hospital and McFarland Clinic in Ames, Iowa, where he served as department chair. His experience in both academic and community healthcare settings reflects his passion for expanding access to specialty care in rural communities.
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