Most of us rely on our sense of sound to navigate the world. But for many Americans, hearing loss can make it more difficult to interact. While one in four people in the United States aged 65 and older struggle with disabling hearing loss, that hearing loss may have begun as tinnitus. Let’s delve into what tinnitus is and when you need to see your ENT doctor or medical specialist.
Tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing and other related noises in a person’s ears. Many times, the noise that a person hears is caused by an internal condition within the ears or elsewhere in the body. Additionally, no one else can hear the noises or ringing that you’re hearing.
While tinnitus is a common problem, it is also a nuisance. In addition to affecting a person’s ability to hear clearly, this condition can affect a person’s balance. Ear ringing also primarily affects older adults, with 15% to 20% of the older population suffering from this condition.
Once you have made it known that you are suffering from ringing in your ears, your doctor will as you a series of questions, take some tests, and offer a remedy. Most of the time, doctors can trace ear ringing to an underlying problem that is affecting a patient.
You’ll want to be as detailed as you can when describing the ear ringing you’re experiencing. You also want to let your ENT doctor or medical professional know when the ear ringing began. Were you swimming? Did you hurt your head? Are you experiencing pressure in your sinuses? Did you chew food and noticed that your ear ringing began quickly afterward? The more information you can provide to your doctor, the more effectively they can treat your tinnitus.
While many people who suffer from tinnitus describe a ringing sound, there are other sounds that a person can hear that are equally as annoying and debilitating as incessant ringing. Many patients complain of hearing sounds that are similar to buzzing, roaring, ocean waves crashing on a rock, hissing, humming, and even clicking sounds. This may make it more difficult for a patient to understand what’s happening to them.
Since ENT doctors treat conditions of the mouth, nose, and ears, it’s vital that you describe the sounds you’re hearing in your ears with as much detail as you can. Believe it or not, different sounds in the ears may mean different conditions.
Oftentimes, ringing ears affect people who have just awakened from an evening of sleep. Then, a little while later, the noise in the ears is gone. If this has happened to you in just one instance, it may be a good idea to jot this down or document it. While you may be able to bypass a visit to your ENT doctor, it may be a good idea to see one if the ringing happens each morning or the noise in your ears sticks around.
A doctor will want to discuss the pattern of ear ringing or ear noise that you are having. Be sure to write down each time that the ear ringing occurs. If you find that you seem to have many instances during which you are experiencing ear noise, then it may be time to pay a visit to your doctor.
There may be a multitude of reasons that you have ringing in your ears. Were you taking a shower and accidentally hit the wall of your shower stall with your head? This may cause some ear ringing. You may also have some sort of blockage in your ears that could lead to some hearing issues. There are even certain medications that can aggravate and amplify ear ringing. Aspirin, for example, is known to cause ear ringing. Regardless of what is causing your ear ringing, you want to get to a doctor so that they can perform tests and remedy your tinnitus.
Your Plano, TX ear nose and throat doctor help treat that ear ringing that you have, along with sinus infections, throat issues, and more. As your experienced ENT in Plano, we offer comprehensive care for tinnitus. Make an appointment to come and see us today.
Laryngitis can cause a multitude of issues especially if you use your voice to make a living. While in many cases, your ability to speak can be restored within two to six weeks, it’s vital that you seek medical treatment from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. Let’s delve into understanding laryngitis and how an ENT medical professional can help you now.
One of the biggest symptoms of laryngitis is a voice with hoarseness. Some other common symptoms of laryngitis include sore or dry throat, dry cough, feelings and sensations of tickling in the back of the throat, feelings of rawness in the throat, or you may have no voice at all. For any or all of these symptoms, you want to get to an ENT doctor fast. Ear nose and throat doctors will be able to give you a complete examination and provide the best course of treatment to restore your speaking voice.
There are several reasons that a person may succumb to laryngitis. Your ENT doctor may ask you what events did you participate in or your general health before the onset of your condition. The loss of a voice may be caused by a viral or upper respiratory infection. Illnesses such as a cold, sinusitis, or even bronchitis can cause a person to lose their voice.
Laryngitis can also develop due to drinking alcohol, cigarette smoke, or simply overusing your voice. Your ENT doctor will take the time to assess your condition while learning what led up to you losing your voice. It’s important that you seek the medical assistance of an ear nose and throat doctor to ensure that there are no underlying conditions that may be causing your voice loss.
Many people turn to home remedies to treat their lack of voice. Some people drink hot teas that include spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and even turmeric. A warm water and salt combination is also a popular remedy for people to treat their laryngitis. Folks will take equal parts of salt and warm water, place both in a glass, stir, and gargle with the mixture to combat laryngitis. Even though home remedies may take away the soreness and help to restore some of your speaking voice, you want to visit one of your ENT doctors to receive a comprehensive checkup.
As many of us rely on home remedies such as herbs, tea, and over-the-counter medications to treat laryngitis, there are certain circumstances that you should seek medical attention from ENT doctors immediately. Some of those circumstances include: you find yourself coughing up blood, you notice that you have a fever or feel very hot alongside the loss of your voice, you’re not able to breathe, and you’re drooling uncontrollably.
Laryngitis is a common ailment but can effectively be treated by quality ENT doctors. At Ear Nose and Throat Associates of Texas, we work hard to provide quality care for patients who are suffering from a lack of a speaking voice. You’ll receive a complete diagnosis of your issue while learning what may have caused it in the first place. Contact our dedicated, experienced ENT team today and restore your voice.
It is estimated that about 15% of adults who are 18 years and older usually have some form of trouble hearing. Some make an effort to see an ear nose and throat doctor. Sadly, others let it slide and only seek an ENT doctor when the condition is too serious. You must know when to see a doctor when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. The following signs and symptoms should compel you to see an ear nose and throat doctor right away.
Temporary hearing loss is common, especially if you are exposed to loud music or noise more frequently. In most cases, your hearing will revert to normal when you get out or avoid loud noises. But when the hearing loss is persistent and continues to decline significantly, you should arrange to see an ENT specialist straightaway. Hearing impairment is gradual and gets worse with time if not treated early.
If you find that you are consistently struggling to keep up in social conversations and meetings, or you are always turning up your TV’s or radio’s volume, you may have a hearing impairment. It may be conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss. You should see an ear nose and throat doctor who will conduct tests and decide the appropriate treatment option. ENT doctors may recommend a hearing aid for your hearing loss or use a surgical treatment called Neurotology.
Sinusitis refers to the inflammation or swelling of the sinuses that causes facial pain, runny, and stuffed nose. Most people get sinus problems after catching a cold. This is called acute sinusitis and typically goes away within two to four weeks. However, other conditions such as allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and a deviated septum can cause sinus blockage. This may lead to subacute sinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, or chronic sinusitis.
You may experience bad breath, fever, dental pain, loss of smell, discolored postnasal drainage, facial pressure, pus in the nasal cavity, and persistent body exhaustion. Ear nose and throat doctors may recommend decongestants, antibiotics, antihistamine, antifungal medicine, or immunoglobulin. The treatment depends on the cause of your sinus infection. At worst, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause bone infection, meningitis, and brain abscess.
It is common to have a sore throat after catching a cold, and this may not necessitate a visit to an ENT. Viral infections triggered by the common cold or flu are the major causes of sore throats. Typically, sore throats caused by viral infections will clear up after some days after applying home remedies such as drinking plenty of liquids or gargling with warm saltwater. However, when your sore throat is persistent and lasts for a couple of weeks, it may be a sign of tonsillitis, diphtheria, strep throat, or whooping cough. A chronic sore throat may be caused by strained vocal cords, allergies, or acid reflux. As such, you need to see an ear nose and throat doctor when you have a chronic sore throat.
If you are experiencing a consistent ringing in your ears even when you are in a quiet environment, you may be suffering from a condition called tinnitus. You may temporarily experience tinnitus after attending a loud concert or club, but it normally subsides after a couple of days. However, when you constantly experience the ringing, humming, and buzzing sounds in your ear, you should have an ENT in Frisco, TX, examine your ears. Tinnitus may be caused by an ear injury, age-related hearing loss, and complications with the circulatory system. Luckily, an ENT specialist can detect tinnitus early and apply the appropriate treatment.
An ear nose and throat doctor will easily detect the above-discussed signs and symptoms after conducting a test or an examination. That’s why you should visit an ENT doctor near you if you experience persistent hearing loss, chronic and recurrent sinusitis, tinnitus, or chronic sore throat.
According to data, one in four adults in America aged 65 and older is dealing with some form of disabling hearing loss. While many factors can contribute to hearing loss, doctors continue to help a large number of individuals who experience hearing loss alongside Sinusitis. Let’s explore the correlation between hearing loss and sinus issues. Let’s also explore how medical treatment can remedy many of the sinus issues that people experience.
Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities surrounding an individual’s nasal passages become swollen and inflamed. A cold or even allergies can trigger acute Sinusitis. Although the condition may resolve on its own, a vast number of individuals have to seek medical care to treat and alleviate symptoms of Sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can last for several weeks, causing severe pain in the nasal cavity, headaches, and even hearing loss. As doctors continue to study Sinusitis, they continue to treat individuals who succumb to nasal congestion, sore throat, facial pain, dental pain, fatigue, bad breath, dental or tooth pain, and more debilitating conditions.
Those who suffer from sinus infections can find them a huge hindrance. For many, daily activities come to a halt, and rest is required. A person’s sinuses are lined with small hair-like formations that “sweep” mucous through the sinus cavity so that it can exit. When an infection is present swollen membranes in the sinus prevent that cilia or those small hair-like formations from performing their job properly. ENT doctors have an array of effective treatments for sinus infections. They rely on patient information and tests to execute the best course of action and medications to help relieve the effects of sinus infections among patients.
The sinuses are located in close proximity to the ear canal. Once those sinuses become swollen, red, clogged, and congested, your hearing can become compromised. The Eustachian tubes –the tiny passageways that connect the middle ear to the throat–can become clogged during a sinus infection. The Eustachian tubes can also prevent fluid from passing through. Not only will you experience temporary hearing loss but you may also experience ear pain, pressure in the ear, and sounds that resemble as if you are traveling underwater or in a tunnel.
Thankfully, the medical community continues to study Sinusitis and its effects. Doctors offer patients treatments and solutions that feature a combination of remedies and therapies. Some include surgical and medical treatments, sinus irrigation, steroid nasal sprays, oral corticosteroids, and more.
ENT doctors–or otolaryngologists– can see patients who are suffering from Sinusitis and tailor therapy that is effective and significant in reducing sinus symptoms. While you wait to see your doctor, you may consider investing in a humidifier. Moisture can provide significant relief from Sinusitis. You may also find that nasal sprays can help in alleviating the pressure that you feel in your sinus cavity. Many individuals find that a warm compress or washcloth placed on the face can help to relieve sinus pressure too. Another way to help with your Sinusitis is to try to keep your head elevated as much as possible. While Sinusitis can cause fatigue you may want to lie down. However, it’s important to keep your head in an elevated position during your rest.
Sinusitis is a painful condition that can hamper someone’s day. Your Texas ENT doctors can assist and stand as an experienced medical team that is devoted to treating patients who suffer from allergies, Sinusitis, and related conditions. To receive the best care, the Texas doctors may provide treatment that includes testing, surgery, immunotherapy, and more. They utilize the most groundbreaking technology to help treat patients with the most severe sinus conditions. Your Texas ENT doctors have locations in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and Anna. Contact them today and receive the relief you need, want, and deserve.
Palatine tonsils, located at the top of the throat, work with other tonsils in the mouth to catch germs, like viruses and bacteria, and prevent them from entering your nose and mouth. Most people go their entire life without even thinking about their tonsils, but for some, tonsils can be a source of discomfort or recurring illness.
If your ENT doctor recommends a tonsillectomy, here are four things you should know.
One of the most common procedures for an ENT doctor is the tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure during which ear nose and throat doctors remove the palatine tonsils from a patient. Removal is done by using a scalpel, cauterization, or ultrasonic vibrations to cut the tonsils.
Doctors remove the palatine tonsils of both children and adults, with the procedure being more common among children. Tonsillectomies are usually performed as day surgeries, and take around 30 minutes to complete, though the time period may be longer if your ENT doctor needs to perform other procedures at the same time. Most patients are in the hospital for a few hours to half a day and are cleared to go home the day of the surgery.
There are a number of reasons your ENT doctor may recommend you for a tonsillectomy, some of which include recurrent infections, chronic tonsillitis, chronic obstructive symptoms (snoring), severe infections, and abnormal tonsil enlargement.
Before your tonsillectomy, your ENT doctor will discuss the risks and benefits associated with tonsil surgery and help you determine how best to prepare. Generally, doctors advise their patients to avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for up to two weeks prior to their surgery. Additionally, you will probably be asked to fast the night before your surgery.
A tonsillectomy is done under general anesthesia, so you will remain asleep and feel no pain during the procedure.
For most patients, a tonsillectomy will cause a sore throat for seven to 10 days following the surgery, and your voice should return to normal within two to six weeks. Immediately following the procedure and for the next day or so, it is normal to see blood in saliva and some patients experience fevers of up to 102 degrees.
Pain medication may be prescribed based upon your needs, and it should always be taken exactly as directed. Most patients are able to take over-the-counter pain relievers in addition to prescription medication, but be sure to check with your doctor as you recover.
Dehydration is one of the most common side effects of surgery, especially in children, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids during the recovery process. Your doctor will also discuss what types of food you should be eating and what you should avoid during your recovery period.
Suffering from Bell’s Palsy can be a scary thing, but it’s worth remembering that as long as you go to an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor as soon as you begin to notice symptoms, then you will likely be able to recover between two weeks and six months from the initial onset of symptoms. ENT doctors specialize in issues like Bell’s Palsy. However, it’s worth knowing something about this condition before being diagnosed.
Bell’s Palsy is an issue with the nerves in one’s face, which cause the facial muscles to be weakened and even suffer from temporary paralysis. This can cause issues, like a stiff or a drooping face. Symptoms like this should be treated as soon as possible by a doctor. Bell’s Palsy is considered rare, with only around 200,000 cases a year, but it is treatable.
There is rarely a slow build-up of symptoms to warn you that issues with Bell’s Palsy are coming. Rather, they rapidly appear. These symptoms include drooling that the sufferer can not control, difficulty chewing food, an inability to make facial expressions, and a drooping face. There are also other symptoms, which could be a part of a much broader spectrum of issues. These include headaches, dry mouth, and issues with hearing.
Typically, Bell’s Palsy develops as a result of another condition such as a cold or infection. However, viruses and bacterial issues such as HIV and Lyme Disease have been linked to Bell’s Palsy as well. There are other underlying conditions that can contribute to Bell’s Palsy, as well. Some of these conditions include diabetes, which can increase a person’s risk f developing Bell’s Palsy.
Of course, there are more issues that are related to these symptoms than just Bell’s Palsy. If you’re suffering from and of the symptoms listed above or fear that you’re at a high risk of developing Bell’s Palsy, you should seek medical attention from ENT doctors are as soon as possible so you can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. An ear nose and throat doctor is a trained professional in their field, and it’s best to rely on their expert advice than to ignore Bell’s Palsy or try and treat it through an at-home or do it yourself solution, which could only make the issues you’re experiencing worse.
Going to ENT doctors at the first sign of Bell’s Palsy symptoms is one of the most important things you can do. Even though Bell’s Palsy is very treatable, early diagnosis and treatment plan could save you a lot of grief later on. By seeing an ENT, you avoid further complications that could arise and you’ll be on the path to recovery much more quickly.
Earning its name from one of the common ways that you can get it, water entering the ear canal while swimming, swimmer’s ear is actually an infection of the outer ear. Though irritating and at times painful, swimmer’s ear is also treatable with assistance from ear nose and throat doctors. So, it’s important to seek medical assistance from an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor if you’re concerned that you may be suffering from this infection.
Here are three warning signs that you might just have swimmer’s ear.
Just like most infections, you’ll notice that your ear is irritated first in the case of swimmer’s ear. This includes redness around the irritated area, which may also be itchy and painful. This irritation will primarily be within the canal of your ear, and not on the lobe or outer ear. With that being said, pulling on the outer ear and having pain within the ear canal is exacerbated is another symptom of swimmer’s ear.
With these symptoms you should be in contact with a doctor, preferably an ENT doctor.
Another symptom of swimmer’s ear is drainage in the ear canal. This is a progression from mild symptoms like irritation, and you should schedule an appointment with an ENT immediately. This drainage is an odorless, clear liquid and can range from very mild to heavy. Typically, when the drainage becomes heavy it is a sign that the infection is worsening. This liquid drainage is associated with another symptom, a feeling of fullness in the ear. This fullness or blockage can then lead to having trouble hearing out of the affected ear.
Once you have hit this point, most ear nose and throat doctors would recommend going to the emergency room. That’s because if the pain becomes severe or fever develops you may be experiencing a severe infection. This is why you want to take care of swimmer’s ear at the early signs of infection. After all, ENT doctors are well equipped to handle this type of infection if caught early. Letting it affect your health to such an extreme that you’d develop an infection is unnecessary.
As long as you’re treated properly by ear nose and throat doctors, swimmer’s ear is not a major issue and will clear up in about a week. However, if ignored it can become a much larger issue than it needed to be. That is why it important to be aware of the symptoms and seek out an ENT doctor’s advice.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you have a runny nose, a cough, and a sneeze? You probably think that you have a cold, but allergies share the same symptoms. It is important to understand how a cold and allergies are different, so you can properly treat your symptoms.
If it is allergies, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. An ear, nose, and throat doctor is recommended if you are looking for an allergy doctor in McKinney. Below are the differences between allergies and a cold, so you know the next time you show symptoms which one it is.
Allergies and colds have some of the same symptoms, but there are some key ones that will make knowing the difference easier. Colds often cause body aches, pains, and a fever, unlike allergies. Sore throats are also a symptom that is common with colds, but not with allergies.
Seasonal allergies can result in itchy eyes, which is not a common symptom of a cold. Other allergies, such as mold or food allergies, can cause rashes and wheezing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you most likely have allergies and should schedule an appointment with your ENT doctor in McKinney to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to confirm if you have allergies and figure out which treatment options work for you.
You probably associate getting cold in the winter, which is the time of year when colds are more common. It is possible to catch a cold during other seasons, but it is more likely to happen in the chillier months. When you start noticing symptoms you should try to remember the last time you had the same symptoms.
If the last time you were feeling sick was in the winter, it is most likely a cold both times. If you have been noticing the symptoms when the seasons change into warmer months with pollen, you most likely have seasonal allergies. If you notice that allergy symptoms occur frequently throughout the year, you most likely have allergies to something that is in your environment or food. ENT doctors will be able to provide testing to see exactly what you are allergic to so you can know how to prevent future flare-ups.
When you catch a cold you may notice some symptoms initially. These symptoms slowly become worse, and others may form. This is different from allergies, which begin almost instantly after you come in contact with the allergen.
The duration of the symptoms is also very different. Colds typically go away with treatment after about a week, whereas allergies do not go away without proper treatment. Per year, there is only about a 1% chance that allergic rhinitis or asthma can go away on its own without treatment. To be able to get allergy relief, an ENT doctor in McKinney is trained to help diagnose and treat you.
Once you are able to spot the difference between a common cold and allergies, you will know the next step to take for proper treatment. Ear, nose, and throat doctors are ready to help you feel your best and prevent allergy symptoms.
An ear nose and throat doctor will be there to help you and your loved ones in a time of need. Problems with the ear nose and throat can be scary and tough to deal with for a number of different reasons. By making sure that you are able to keep up on the health of these areas, you can give yourself some much-needed confidence and assurance. Whether you just so happen to be searching for doctors in McKinney or anywhere else, the importance of finding the right one can never be underestimated. Here are just a few ways in which an ear nose and throat doctor can help keep you and the rest of your family members stay safe and healthy.
When it comes to all the different kinds of health problems that you and your family members may happen to encounter, ear nose, and throat issues can be particularly tough if they are not caught in time. Many of these issues only worsen without a quick and accurate diagnosis from a doctor. With regular visits to the right ear nose and throat doctors, you can ensure that these issues will not be allowed to get any worse than they have to be. For example, did you know that Meniere disease is typically seen in people in their 40s and 50s, but anyone of any age can exhibit symptoms of it? An ear nose and throat doctor can not only diagnose an issue once they see it, but they can also get to work on issuing the correct treatment plan that will serve to minimize the kind of damage that can cause even more problems down the line.
Treating issues that can come up in sensitive areas in the body often require some special and unique treatment solutions. Problems with the ear nose and throat are quite sensitive in nature, and because of this, it is a good idea to make sure that you have the right doctors working for you on your side. When an ear nose and throat doctor is working with you and your family members, they will be able to get you the kind of unique and specialized care that you may need to take care of issues in sensitive areas of the body such as the ear nose and throat.
While many people are often worried about the costs that may be associated with the thought of beginning to search for doctors in McKinney and elsewhere, it can help to know that the right doctor will be able to save you money over time. As with many other things in life, going for the first and least expensive option is often only a way to financial ruin. The same concept applies to find a doctor. A cheap doctor may end up seeming attractive at first glance, but they can actually end up costing you much more down the line. By making sure that you invest in the right ear nose and throat doctor for both you and the rest of your family members, you can be sure that you are making the right moves not only for your continued health but also for your wallet.
At Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates of Texas, PA our team of professional, experienced is here whether you happen to be searching for doctors in McKinney TX or doctors in Plano TX. Our staff is ready to answer any questions that you and your loved ones may have as you search for the ideal doctors in McKinney. With a range of different medical services available, our ENT doctors will do our best to make sure that the needs of both you and the rest of your family members are taken care of from the moment you step foot inside of our office, to the moment you step back outside into the world. To learn a bit more information about how we can be of service to you and your family, contact us today.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection when water becomes trapped in the ear. This is a common condition and can last up to three weeks, and it affects the entire ear canal. A doctor in Plano will like to diagnose this condition based on your symptoms along with an office exam. The following are signs of swimmer’s ear and what happens when you see your doctor in Plano. Swimmer’s ear painful, especially with movement on the outside of the ear. Some drainage also occurs with swimmer’s ear.
Ear pain is the first symptom associated with swimmer’s ear. It can worsen when the outer ear is pressed on. Other symptoms include difficulty chewing without pain and itching of the ear canal. To alleviate this pain before visiting a doctor in Plano, you can use a warm compress, which assists in the loosening of congestion and for pain relief. Soak a washcloth in warm water, fold it, and place it on the ear for 10 to 15 minutes. A heating pad is also helpful to ease the pain caused by swimmer’s ear.
When you visit your ent doctor, they will look into your ear canal with a lighted instrument called an otoscope. The appearance of your ear canal might appear red, swollen, and scaly. There might be skin flakes and debris present, as well as tenderness. The doctor will also check to make sure that your eardrum isn’t damaged. A swimmer’s ear diagnosis can usually determined during the office visit with your ear nose and throat doctor. If the swimmer’s ear is not treated, it can lead to other issues such as hearing loss if the ear canal is inflamed. The hearing returns if the infection is treated, however. Since the swimmer’s ear usually occurs in the ear canal, and antibiotic ear drops can help with recovery. Sometimes, your doctor in Plano may prescribe antibiotic drops along with steroids to reduce ear canal swelling.
Swimmer’s ear will start to improve within two days of beginning treatment. Typically, the swimmer’s ear completely clears up within seven to 10 days. It’s important to visit a doctor in Plano right away should you start to feel symptoms, as you don’t want to develop long-term swimmer’s ear and to avoid hearing loss.
Should you feel you have swimmer’s ear, it’s important to contact your doctor in Plano immediately. If you should have severe pain or fever with this condition, it’s best to get to an emergency room. Swimmer’s ear is very treatable when caught early, so if you experience the above symptoms, be sure to consult a physician.