3 Main Concerns for First-Time Hearing Aid Users
If you’ve considered hearing aids for a while but are avoiding a consultation, you’re not alone. Many people who experience hearing loss will wait to get a consultation for years. That’s many years of trying to distinguish the mumbles from your family, feeling left out of conversations, having a hard time on the phone and…
When Your Child Should See an ENT: 3 Top Reasons Children Visit the Doctor
Ear, nose and throat concerns are among the top reasons that children see their doctor. This is because they are especially sensitive to issues like ear infections and food allergies, in addition to certain congenital disabilities such as cleft palates requiring treatment at a young age to prevent complications later. The most common conditions we…
Snoring: NothingTo Joke About
People who snore are often the brunt of jokes, but it’s no laughing matter. Chronic snoring is a real problem that can cause relationship tension, drowsiness and fatigue, and lead to lapses in memory and concentration. Often, it’s an indication of a serious health disorder such as sleep apnea. If you are a snorer, you’re…
Should I Fly With an Ear Infection?
The holiday season usually brings with it more travel and unfortunately, more people coming down with colds and other illnesses. This may mean that you or your child might be heading to catch your flight at Fort Wayne International Airport with an ear infection. Ear Infection Causes and Symptoms An ear infection is caused by…
Winter is Coming: Know the Difference Between Indoor Allergies, COVID & the Flu
While many people dread the coming of winter, allergy sufferers often sigh in relief, confident that their seasonal allergies will go away once cold weather sets in. This isn’t always the case—especially for those who suffer from mold and dander allergies. While pollen counts drop in the winter months, indoor allergens such as mold and…
How To Know if You Have Throat Cancer
Throat cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in your throat or voice box. It can be hard to identify, especially in the early stages of the disease, as many of the signs and symptoms can mimic other conditions. What Are the Early Signs of Throat Cancer The earliest sign…
Can Antibiotics Treat a Sinus Infection?
Sinus infections are no fun. If you have one, you may be wondering if antibiotics might help you get over your infection and recover quicker. Unfortunately, in most cases, antibiotics are unlikely to help treat sinus infections. What Causes a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses…
Do You Know Your Baseline?
Why Routine Baseline Hearing Tests Are Important To Overall Health It’s common for people to schedule routine dental cleanings, physical exams, eye exams and other health screenings. Yet, regular baseline hearing tests are far less commonplace, despite 15% of adults or 1.9% of children having some difficulty hearing, according to the CDC. What is a…
What’s Causing Your Chronic Sore Throat?
Sore throats are a common ailment that brings millions of people to the doctor every year. Often, it’s not a sign of any serious condition and will resolve itself in a few days with rest and/or proper treatment. However, if you are suffering from a chronic sore throat that lasts weeks or even months, or…
Children & Ear Infections
If your child suffers from an ear infection more than once, it’s not an unusual situation. Over 80% of children experience at least one ear infection by the age of three. Multiple infections are common. In fact, ear infections are the primary reason parents seek medical care for their kids. Your Child’s Developing Body Children…
Acid Reflux: Is It GERD or LPR?
Many Americans suffer from acid reflux every year. It occurs when stomach acid travels up into your esophagus and often causes the telltale symptom of heartburn. If you experience acid reflux more than a couple of times a week, you likely have a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, some people with…
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Do you have severe allergy symptoms – like itchy, watery eyes, congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip, scratchy throat or hives – when exposed to dust mites, feathers, mold spores, pet dander or pollen? If so, you may be a good candidate for allergy shots. Below we review everything you need to know about allergy shots. What…
What to Know About Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Strep throat is a common infection that can affect both children and adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat, about 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat.” Below we review everything you need…
What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, “Chronic sinusitis is chronic inflammation of the sinus or nasal passages occurring for more than 12 weeks at a time… [It] is diagnosed when at least two of the following four symptoms are present and occur for more than 12 weeks: Purulent drainage [white,…
Learn More About Why You Sneeze
Sneezing is an incredibly common occurrence with many causes. The occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about. However, frequent sneezing, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate certain health conditions. How Often Does the Average Person Sneeze? A comparative study had 80 hospital employees and medical students who were not currently sick or dealing…
How Are ENT Disorders Diagnosed?
Otolaryngologists, more commonly known as ENT physicians, are experts in diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat disorders. Below we review some of the questions your ENT physician may ask you to diagnose your symptoms and how some common ENT disorders are diagnosed. What Questions Will an ENT Physician Ask? Some questions you can expect…
Four Unusual Facts About Your Ears
It’s easy to take for granted all the amazing things our ears let us experience. They let you enjoy our favorite music, hear your grandchildren laughing and playing at Waynedale Park and help keep you balanced and standing upright. However, even though our ears play a vital role in our lives, there’s a lot most…
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Disorders?
Everyone has trouble sleeping once in a while, but if you experience persistent sleep problems, you could have a sleep disorder. Below we review the warning signs of sleep disorders, classifications of sleep disorders and how sleep disorders are diagnosed. Warning Signs of Sleep Disorders The following list includes the most common signs you have…
Earwax 101
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a substance the ears naturally produce. It comprises oils, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt. This combination may sound yucky, but earwax plays a very important role in the ear’s health. We review everything you need to know about earwax below. What Does Earwax Do? Earwax has several important…
What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?
Not a huge fan of going in and getting a monthly allergy shot? Don’t worry—we have just the thing for you: sublingual immunotherapy, better known as Allergy Drops. Allergy Drops are an alternative to treating your allergies without the use of injections. Unlike regular allergy shots, Allergy Drops allow patients to stay home to administer…
What Causes Swollen Earlobes?
Swollen earlobes can have many different causes. Some of these can be treated at home, while others require medical attention. Let’s examine the causes and how to remedy them. Piercings If you or your child recently had their ears pierced, it could cause swelling in the earlobes. A new piercing is a wound and swelling…
Is It Ever Safe to Use Q-Tips in Your Ears?
Earwax, known by ENT physicians as cerumen, is a substance produced by the outer part of the ear canal. Its job is to lubricate the ear canals and protect the ears by trapping debris. Most of the time, old earwax is moved out of the ears through natural jaw movements when talking and chewing. However,…
How Hypothyroidism Can Impact Your Life & Ways of Treating It
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. There are many ways in which hypothyroidism can impact your life, which we review below. Fortunately, hypothyroidism, like many thyroid and parathyroid conditions, is a treatable condition, which we also discuss. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Some of the…
Three Common Causes of Ear Pain
There are several different conditions that can cause ear pain in adults. Let’s look at three possible causes and what you can do to relieve your symptoms. Middle Ear Infections Though ear infections are much more common in small children, adults can still get them occasionally as well, especially those with a history of ear…
Are Your Symptoms the Result of Laryngitis?
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, also known as the voice box. Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms and causes of laryngitis as well as what to do if you believe you have the condition. Symptoms of Laryngitis Laryngitis often affects the way your voice sounds. You may notice hoarseness…
What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
Your eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin tissue that divides the ear canal and middle ear. Its job is to vibrate when soundwaves enter the ear – the vibrations are then sent to the bones within the middle ear. If your eardrum becomes ruptured, it can cause hearing problems. What Causes…
How Your Diet Can Limit Acid Reflux Symptoms
Many of us have experienced the occasional case of acid reflux. However, others experience symptoms such as pain or burning in their chest after almost every meal or a chronic cough caused by irritation. If you’re someone who suffers from regular acid reflux symptoms, let’s look at ways altering your diet can improve your condition….
How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Visit with a Speech Therapist
If your child has been diagnosed with a communication, feeding or swallowing disorder, they may have been referred to a speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPs are trained and licensed professionals who can help your child overcome these types of disorders. If you’re on the fence about speech therapy, know that one study found that, “An average…
The Link Between Hearing Loss & Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection that is characterized by an itchy rash and small blisters. For most people, chickenpox is a mild disease, but for those who aren’t vaccinated and who haven’t had it before, it can result in hospitalization and even death. Fortunately, the number of cases and hospitalizations have dropped dramatically since the…
What are Voice Disorders and How are They Treated?
Research indicates that voice disorders affect 1 in 13 adults every year. They impact your ability to speak normally and interfere with your ability to communicate. However, many people don’t seek treatment for voice issues. Let’s examine some common symptoms and causes, as well as what can be done to treat your voice condition. Symptoms…
Is Your Headache from Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when a person’s stomach contents flow back up into their esophagus. If you experience chronic or severe acid reflux, you may be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some symptoms of this condition include regurgitation, heartburn, sore throat, chest pain, nausea, pain or difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, chronic…
Can Honey Really Help Seasonal Allergies?
You may have heard the myth that consuming honey from Fort Wayne Farmers Market can help relieve your allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. We review what the research says about this topic below. What Is Honey? Bees produce the thick, sweet golden substance known as honey by collecting pollen and nectar…
Can Allergen Immunotherapy Prevent Pediatric Asthma?
Symptoms of asthma include episodes of wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness. In addition to taking medications and avoiding triggers, like pollen in Fort Wayne Parks, to prevent symptoms, research has found that undergoing allergy immunotherapy is a great way to prevent the development of asthma in children. What Is Allergy Immunotherapy? Allergy immunotherapy is a…
How Allergies May Affect Your Hearing
Common allergy symptoms you may experience after visiting The Fort Wayne Riverfront include itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, sneezing and headache. Another lesser-known symptom is hearing loss. There are several ways allergies can contribute to hearing loss, which we review below. What Causes Allergies? Your immune system works to protect your body from diseases, viruses…
If You Lost Your Sense of Smell Due to COVID-19, This May Be Why
Loss of taste and smell is common for people infected with COVID-19. But for some, the symptom lasts long after they’ve cleared the infection. Researchers have found that this has to do with how COVID-19 affects the brain. We review more about what the research shows below. About the Study A study published in the…
Thyroid Cancer is on the Rise in Women: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men. In the past few decades, this gap has widened even further. However, the reasons for the increase may be more complex than you might initially think. Why is Thyroid Cancer More Common in Women? One of the main reasons thyroid cancers and other…
Can Nasal Cautery Help Stop My Child’s Nosebleeds?
Many children will experience the occasional nosebleed that requires no additional medical attention. However, if you have a child that experiences recurrent nosebleeds, nasal cautery may be necessary. Common Causes of Nosebleeds Causes of recurring nosebleeds can include: Picking or blowing nose Colds or allergies Injury Dryness Structural problems in the nose Certain medications Abnormal…
Tips for Relief From Cat Related Allergies
Many people face the dilemma of wanting a cat, even though they are allergic to them. Or maybe they didn’t know they were allergic until they brought their new kitten home from Humane Fort Wayne and now can’t imagine parting with their pet. If you are struggling with cat-related allergies, it’s important to know what…
Could You Be Allergic to Cockroaches?
Not only do they give you the willies, but cockroaches can also cause serious health problems. The saliva, feces and shedding body parts from cockroaches trigger allergies and asthma for many Americans, especially children. In fact, up to 60% of people who live in cities are allergic to cockroaches, which are found in an estimated…
Adult Tonsillectomy & What to Expect
The surgical removal of the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. While tonsillectomies are mostly performed on children, sometimes adults need their tonsils out too. In this post, we review the signs it’s time for your tonsils to come out, how to prepare for surgery, what the surgery entails and what the recovery process is like….
The Allergy EDGE™ Advantage
If you’re one of the millions of allergy sufferers in the U.S., finding a provider that specializes in treatment is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and finding a long-term solution. That’s why Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, P.C. uses the Allergy EDGE™ software system to assure positive patient outcomes from our treatment plans….
Can Allergies Be the Cause of Frequent Ear Infections?
It’s extremely common for children to experience frequent ear infections. It’s even more common among children who have allergies. In this post, we review how allergies predispose people to ear infections and how to manage allergies in order to prevent ear infections. How Allergies Contribute to Ear Infections Most middle ear infections occur after you…
At What Point Does a Child Need Ear Tubes?
Most children get the occasional ear infection, and it is usually nothing too serious. Some will clear up on their own, while others may require antibiotics. However, if your child suffers from recurrent ear infections their doctor may recommend inserting ear tubes. When Are Ear Tubes Recommended? Your doctor will take into account multiple factors…
Ear Tube Surgery Aftercare
If your child’s doctor has recommended ear tubes to treat and prevent chronic ear infections, you may have questions about how to care for your child during recovery. If so, you should follow our guide below. What Happens After Ear Tube Surgery? After surgery, your child will be taken to a recovery room where they…
How to Help Prepare Your Child for Ear Tube Surgery
Has your child’s doctor suggested ear tube surgery to treat their chronic or persistent ear infections caused by allergies after visiting Promenade Park? If so, you may be feeling nervous or apprehensive. To put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled information that can help you feel prepared for your child’s ear tube surgery. Before the…
What Is Ear Tube Surgery?
Ear infections are a common affliction among children. In fact, they are one of the number one reasons parents bring their children to see a doctor. One way to prevent and treat ear infections is with ear tube surgery. During ear tube surgery, tiny tubes made of metal or plastic are inserted into a small…
How to Handle Severe Allergies
Most people who suffer from allergies have mild to moderate symptoms. However, some people experience severe allergy symptoms that can significantly impact their lives and even lead to hospitalization or death if not treated promptly. Severe Allergy Symptoms Symptoms of severe allergies differ from the typical sneezing, watery eyes and scratchy throat that we associate…
How Are Allergies Treated?
If you’re suffering from itchy, red, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and postnasal drip associated with allergies, you’ll do just about anything to find relief. Fortunately, there are many options available. Below we review how allergies are treated. Avoidance The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to practice avoidance. Of course, you…
Seroma: What You Can Do Yourself and When to Get Help
A seroma is a collection of fluid under the surface of your skin. They usually occur during or after surgery and fill space where tissue has been removed. Seromas are usually harmless and will heal on their own. However, in certain cases, they may require further treatment. Why Do Seromas Happen? Seromas seem to form…
What’s Causing Your Behind-the-Ear-Headache
Pain behind your ear can be caused by several different factors. Sometimes it is related directly to a problem with the ear, while other times it might be caused by an issue with your jaw or even compressed nerves causing a headache. Depending on the cause, the pain might be described as: Burning Sharp Pressure…