How Do I Know If I Have Tonsil Stones?
Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are small, hard bumps growing in the back of your mouth. This condition is actually quite common and can change in size, color, and symptoms depending on the patient. While tonsil stones might seem alarming at first, they usually don’t pose a severe threat to your health. But it’s…
When Should You See an ENT for Swallowing Problems?
Swallowing is an essential function that most people take for granted until something goes wrong. If you have problems swallowing, it’s essential to consult with an ENT for diagnosis and treatment. Usually, difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) is a symptom of another underlying concern. It’s important to address this issue and restore your ability to swallow…
Treatment for Cysts and Tumors in The Nose
When abnormal growth happens in the nose and sinuses, it’s a medical concern that can lead to a variety of complications. Nasal tumors can develop in the nose, or paranasal tumors can occur in the sinuses (air-filled chambers near the nose). The good news is that many growths in the nose are noncancerous. However, even…
What is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
What is Single Sided Deafness? Sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, single sided deafness is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While most patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD affects approximately 60,000…
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). What is Sudden Deafness? Sudden deafness is an unexplained and rapid hearing loss that…
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
How Can Sounds Hurt Your Ears? Background sound is a constant in our busy lives. Normally, background noises are at safe levels that do not negatively impact our hearing. But repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB) can cause noise induced hearing loss. The louder the sound, the less amount of time it takes…
What Is a Ruptured Eardrum? (Eardrum Perforation)
It can happen suddenly: if your eardrum ruptures, then you might notice an immediate change in your ear. While many people experience symptoms related to a ruptured eardrum, there are often situations where this condition occurs with no symptoms at all. What is a Ruptured Eardrum? A ruptured eardrum, also known as a tympanic membrane…
Cold Air Does Not Cause Ear Infections. So, What Does?
How often do kids get told to put on their hats before going out into the cold weather? Not only does a hat help to preserve body heat in cold weather, but many people also believe that covering the ears helps protect against ear infections. When it gets cold, breaking out the coats, hats, and…
Laryngitis – What It Is and What to Do
It’s a strange experience to open your mouth and hear a different sound than your normal voice while talking. If your voice sounds hoarse and you have other symptoms, then it’s possible that you might have a condition of the head & neck called laryngitis. What is Laryngitis? Laryngitis is a condition that affects the larynx (voice box),…
When Should I Be Alarmed About Nosebleeds?
Everyone gets a nosebleed occasionally, and it usually isn’t an indication of a severe health problem. Whether you’ve experienced an injury on the sports field or the nasal passages are irritated by weather conditions, the bleeding often stops within a few minutes. But there are times when you should talk to a doctor or even…