
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...
Is there any remedy for swimmer’s ears?
See an ENT for ear micro cleaning. There are no ear plugs which keep water completely out of the ear canals. Some use Doc's ProPlugs and swim cap. After water exposure, rinse ear canals by cupping ears in the shower (to remove surface chlorine). Towel dry. No q-tips. Get RX for Vosol ear drops from your PCP or ENT. Instill 2-3 drops in both ears 2-3 times a day for a week. Keep out of the pool for 2-3 weeks. Remedy is to quit swimming. READ MORE
My son is 4 years old and is suffering from throat irritation. Could it be a strep throat?
Unlikely. Could be viral, could be allergy, could be reflux, could be acidic food sensitivity, could be surface drying from mouth breathing at sleep. READ MORE
There is a weird sound coming from my son’s throat. What could this be?
Take him to ENT for upper airway exam. READ MORE
I am having a nasal congestion along with sneezing every morning when I get up. What could be the reason for this?
Probable dust allergy. Remove feather pillows, stuffed animals, floor carpets, etc. Get HEPA filter unit. See ENT for nasal exam. READ MORE
Are there any home remedies to manage swallowing pain?
Need to see ENT for evaluation. READ MORE
Are these crackling sounds in my ear from TMJ?
TMJ noise is not a symptom which requires treatment in and of itself. If there is associated pain, locking, or decreased range of motion, evaluation is indicated. Possibly an MRI. Most TMJ symptoms can be treated with dietary modification, i.e. no hard foods, candies, etc, no gum chewing, no howling, splint therapy (mouthguard), mild analgesics (ibuprofen). More severe problems require evaluation by oral surgeon READ MORE
My daughter is 2 years old and is highly sensitive to any kind of sound. Is that normal?
Hyperacusis. May be uncomfortable but usually harmless. More common is female sex (in my experience) and those with high frequency hearing loss. Can check db level of appliance with phone app (Decibel Meter, free). db levels greater than 85dB may be harmful depending on the length of exposure. READ MORE
What is the process to confirm a cancerous lesion?
See a surgeon. Get an exam, biopsy if indicated. May need image guidance, if cavitary. Possible imaging studies (CT MRI, US. PET scan) can be performed. READ MORE
What could be the reason for chronic sinusitis?
Most common cause in children is allergy and recurring viral infections with bacterial secondary infection. Anyone in the house smokes, any mold in house? See ENT for evaluation. READ MORE
In spite of antibiotics, my throat pain is persisting. What should I do?
Most sore throats are viral in origin, Abx will not be useful. Could be reflux, allergy, irritant exposure, etc. See ENT if persists for more than three weeks. READ MORE
I used a neti pot with hot water. Will this cause a reaction in my nose?
Neti pot needs regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and yeast growth. If water too hot, could cause thermal damage to intranasal tissues. READ MORE
Am I at a risk of throat cancer if I quit a smoking habit of 3 years?
Depends on age, year of pack years, alcohol consumption, immune status, presence of diabetes, chronic airway irritant exposure, HPV status. READ MORE
Can I have reduced taste sensation during a sinus infection?
Yes. Taste and smell are related senses. READ MORE
Why is my tongue hurting and burning?
NO alcohol, smoking, acidic/spicy foods for ten days. Rinse mouth with diluted baking soda (half tsp in 8 oz of lukewarm water, 4 times a day). If have acid reflux, take Prilosec 20mg twice a day. If persists, see ENT. Wouldn't hurt to take Vitamins C, E, and zinc tablets. READ MORE
Is it possible to experience nasal blockage after a slight blow to the nose?
Yes. if any bruising, bleeding or asymmetry, see ENT for possible reduction. Could get some relief with Afrin 3-4 times a day. READ MORE
Parotid seroma keeps coming back after draining
Could re-aspirate it. Inject small amount of corticosteroid and apply pressure dressing. Course of clindamycin may be indicated. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- AAFPRS AAOHNS Pacific Voice Foundation, ACS
Areas of research
Laryngology, Voice, Speech and Swallowing Disorders
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