How Are Eustachian Tube Disorders Treated?
According to the National Library of Medicine, the Eustachian tubes are narrow passageways that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. They typically remain closed but open when you chew, swallow or yawn. The Eustachian tubes have three main functions: protecting the middle ear from pathogens, ventilating the middle ear to equalize…
How To Safely Remove Earwax at Home, and When To See an ENT
The right amount of earwax is essential to cleaning and protecting your ears. However, sometimes earwax can build up in the ear and cause problems like earaches, ear infections and even temporary hearing loss. Removing Earwax at Home If you have earwax buildup, you may be tempted to try and clean your ears with a…
Does Your Child Have Glue Ear?
Glue ear is a condition that occurs when the middle ear becomes filled with a thick, glue-like fluid. It’s much more common in children than adults because children’s Eustachian tubes are narrower. While it often resolves on its own, it can sometimes have serious health repercussions if left untreated. In fact, glue ear is one…
Why Does My Child Have Chronic Ear Infections?
Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for most kids. (Remember yours? Ouch.) Most ear infections either resolve on their own or are effectively treated by antibiotics. But sometimes, ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues, such as hearing loss, poor school performance or…
Can Allergies Be the Cause of Frequent Ear Infections?
If you have allergies and experience frequent middle ear infections, you may be interested to learn that the two conditions are closely linked. In this post we review how to recognize an ear infection, why there’s a link between allergies and ear infections, and how to manage allergies. How to Recognize an Ear Infection If…
Beware of Noisy Toy Choices This Holiday Season
From adorable talking dolls to small firetrucks with miniature sirens, noisy toys might actually contribute to hearing loss for kids and their caregivers. And with holiday gift-giving right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to learn more about which toys are on the naughty or the nice list when to comes to noise levels….
Is the Hearing Aid Stigma Dead Yet?
Hearing loss affects one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 and one in two people over age 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. But it’s a misconception that hearing loss only affects older people; one in five teenagers experiences some degree of hearing loss, reports the Hearing Loss Association…
What to do About a Lump Behind Your Ear
Finding a lump anywhere on your body can be a frightening experience. Some people experience lumps behind their ears. They can be hard or soft. Some may be tender to the touch, while others are painless. These lumps can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are benign. Let’s take a look at…
If You’re Experiencing Ear Pain, It May Be Allergies
If you’re experiencing itchy, watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, sneezing or sore throat, you have your allergies to thank. Another symptom you can add to the list is ear pain, which may be the result of inflammation or infection caused by allergies. Below we review what causes allergy symptoms, the types of ear pain associated…
Why Are You Dizzy?
There are many parts of your body that work together to help you balance, including your eyes, inner ears, brain and the nerves in your feet and spine. When one of these body parts malfunctions, it can make you feel dizzy. It’s important to see a doctor for unexplained dizzy spells right away, as they…
