Ask the Expert—Health & Wellness 2025

Leah Goss,

Sarah Shearer, M.D. & Simone Barker, M.D.
Sacramento Ear, Nose & Throat

Simone Barker, M.D., and Sarah Shearer, M.D., are comprehensive otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) who work primarily out of Sacramento ENT’s Folsom office. Dr. Barker completed training at the University of Virginia. Dr. Shearer completed training at Georgetown University. Their interests are in pediatric ENT, adult sleep, sinonasal disorders, endocrine surgery, and voice and swallowing concerns.

When would a child need to see an ENT?

ENTs treat a variety of the most common childhood illnesses, from recurrent ear infections to issues with sleep and snoring. If your child has frequent ear infections, they may meet criteria for ear tubes. These tubes are placed in the eardrum and prevent fluid from accumulating behind the eardrum. If your child has frequent strep throat or significant snoring and sleep disturbances, removal of the tonsils may be indicated. These are concerns to discuss with an ENT.

What are the treatment options for adult sleep apnea?

While CPAP remains the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, there are many patients who can’t tolerate this therapy and are looking for other options. For those patients, the surgical and non-surgical treatments offered depend on the severity of sleep apnea, each patient’s specific goals and an individual’s anatomy and pattern of airway collapse. Surgeries that may be offered include procedures that widen the throat or improve nasal breathing. Additionally, the Inspire device may be an option.

What is the Inspire device?

The Inspire device is a small sleep apnea treatment device that is surgically implanted. It works by stimulating a nerve that controls the tongue to help the tongue maintain its position in the mouth while the patient sleeps. This prevents narrowing of the airway during sleep. This is an option to consider in patients who have moderate to severe sleep apnea and feel that CPAP is uncomfortable or doesn’t work for them.

1561 Creekside Dr. Ste. 180. Folsom. 916-984-8830. sacent.com