
Ronald R. Ward, MD
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
1000 Magnolia Avenue Suite A Larkspur California, 94939About
Dr. Ronald Ward is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Larkspur, California. Dr. Ward specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
Education and Training
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California MD 1972
Board Certification
American Board of Otolaryngology
Provider Details

Ronald R. Ward, MD's Expert Contributions
Tinnitus: A Proposed Rating System for Workers' Compensation Claimants
By Ronald R. Ward, M.D., F.A.C.S. (OTO/HNS) & Robert Sweetow, Ph.D. (Audiology) The United States Dept. of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that nearly 250 million dollars are spent annually on workers' compensation for hearing loss disability. Tinnitus is a...
What causes my tongue to become white so frequently?
Either mouth breathing at sleep or some substance is irritating tongue mucosa. If taking antibiotics, it could be mild thrush. READ MORE
My son is feeling dizzy and the doctor says its vertigo. Is it possible for a 7 year old to have vertigo?
Yes. Should be seen by ENT to check for vertiginous migraine, hearing loss, viral disorder READ MORE
I have a pus boil in my ears. Can it become serious?
Apply hot moist compresses. Bactroban is good topical antibiotic. D/C Q-tip usage in ears READ MORE
Help, please. Question about laryngitis treatment.
Probable chemical, irritant laryngitis from marijuana. Laryngitis is rarely bacterial in nature. Antibiotics rarely indicated. READ MORE
What is the treatment for swimmer's ears?
Always irrigate ears under shower after swimming (cupping). Ear canals need re-acidification with Acetosol drops. if using ear plugs, clean them with 3% peroxide frequently. May need to see ENT READ MORE
What is the best way to clean ear wax in the elderly?
See ENT for microcleaning READ MORE
My husband is unable to hear properly. Could it be due to wax accumulation?
Need to see ENT for evaluation READ MORE
I applied hot oil on my hair and a little went into my ears. Will it cause any problems?
Should irrigate with water if this happens. If very hot, could cause skin burn or damage eardrum. Avoidance is best. READ MORE
I have severe itching inside my nose. Could it be an allergic reaction?
Probable allergic or irritant rhinitis READ MORE
My nose is runny and I snore. What can I do?
See ENT for evaluation. Lose weight if overweight. Limit alcohol intake. Sleep on side or prone. READ MORE
There is a strange smell from my phelgm everytime I spit it out. Could there be a problem?
Depending on where the phlegm is coming from. Could indicate nasal/sinus infection, bronchitis, etc. READ MORE
I am having a sharp pain radiating from my ears to the back of my head. What could be the reason?
Probable posterior auricular nerve neuralgia. READ MORE
Why does my husband have a runny nose all year long?
Probable allergies. Try Florase and Zyrtec. Get HEPA filters. If persists, see ENT. READ MORE
Does vertigo come with any symptoms or can I have a vertigo attack anytime?
Hearing loss, ringing in ears. If positional, try Epley maneuver. READ MORE
Histopathology report of tonsillectomy
Appears to be usual histologic findings. No evidence of lymphoma or other malignancy. READ MORE
What medicine can I take to prevent a throat infection?
Depends on whether or not you still have tonsils, what your viral/bacterial exposures are, your immune status, smoking status, exposure to airway irritants, etc. If recurring tonsillitis, i.e., 3-4 times a year, a tonsillectomy is probably indicated. If working with children, you are probably having recurring viral infections. Only prevention is to stay away from them, wash hands frequently, and stay out of the line of fire. Best to see an ENT for evaluation and endoscopy. READ MORE
Can nasal sprays be addictive?
Not addictive in the common sense. Vosoconstrictor nasal sprays, e.g., Afrin, used on a regular basis can lead to tachyphylaxis and rebound turbinate congestion. These sprays are meant to be used only occasionally ally or colds/sinus infections to keep airway open. Over use can cause a reflex parasympathetic reaction, i.e., congestion, in attempt restore autonomic nervous system controls. This condition responds to oral medications, i.e., prednisone for short Tx period, topical corticosteroid spray. Also, spray must be discontinued, no smoking. Have him see ENT MD for evaluation. READ MORE
I have a pus boil inside my nose. What can I apply to ease the pain?
Apply hot, moist compresses. Topical anesthetic medications probably not the best idea. Obtain Bactroban ointment and apply three times a day to area involved with q-tip. Take ibuprofen or naproxen. No picking READ MORE
There is a watery secretion from my ears. What could it be?
Could be liquified cerumen, or drainage from tympanic membrane perforation, drainage from external otitis, foreign body in ear canal. If persists, see ENT for microscopic ear exam. READ MORE
Is seasonal allergies a lifelong problem?
The short answer is yes. Depends on what the allergens are and your recurrent exposure. May need to using flonase prophylactically during spring and summer months. Zyrtec is good OTC antihistamine. if more severe problem, see allergist READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- AAFPRS AAOHNS Pacific Voice Foundation, ACS
Areas of research
Laryngology, Voice, Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Ronald R. Ward, MD's Practice location
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