Longer days are great… but better nights can change everything.
Summer is often the season when we focus on feeling our best. We spend more time outdoors, take vacations, enjoy family gatherings, and embrace a slower pace. But while you’re planning your next getaway or tackling your summer bucket list, don’t overlook one of the most important investments you can make in your health: quality sleep.
If you regularly wake up feeling tired—even after what should have been a full night’s sleep—your body may be trying to tell you something. Many people assume poor sleep is simply part of getting older, having a busy schedule, or dealing with stress. In reality, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of adults.
The good news? Effective treatments are available, and better sleep may be closer than you think.
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly slows or stops during sleep. These interruptions can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times each night, often without you realizing it.
Each time your breathing pauses, your brain briefly wakes you to reopen your airway. While you may not remember these awakenings, they prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.
As a result, you may spend eight hours in bed but still wake up feeling exhausted.
Sleep apnea symptoms often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss. Some of the most common warning signs include:
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a spouse or family member notices their breathing pauses at night.
Take this quick self-check.
How many of these sound familiar?
☐ I snore loudly or regularly.
☐ Someone has told me I stop breathing while I sleep.
☐ I wake up feeling tired most mornings.
☐ I often wake with a dry mouth or headache.
☐ I struggle to stay awake during meetings, while watching television, or during quiet moments.
☐ I have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
☐ I rely on multiple cups of coffee to get through the day.
☐ I have high blood pressure or have been told it is difficult to control.
☐ My sleep leaves me feeling anything but refreshed.
0–1 boxes checked
Your sleep habits may be healthy, but if you have concerns about snoring or persistent fatigue, it’s always worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.
2–4 boxes checked
Your symptoms could suggest an underlying sleep disorder. Consider scheduling an evaluation to learn more.
5 or more boxes checked
There is a greater likelihood that sleep apnea could be affecting your sleep and overall health. A comprehensive evaluation by an ENT specialist or sleep medicine provider can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options.
This checklist is intended for educational purposes and is not a medical diagnosis.
Sleep isn’t simply about feeling rested. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with increased risk for:
Treating sleep apnea doesn’t just improve sleep; it can have a meaningful impact on your overall health and quality of life.
Even if sleep apnea isn’t the cause of your fatigue, practicing healthy sleep habits can make a difference.
Try these simple tips:
✔ Maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
✔ Limit screen time for at least 30–60 minutes before bed.
✔ Avoid heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
✔ Sleep on your side if you snore.
✔ Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
✔ Exercise regularly during the day.
If these changes don’t improve your symptoms, it’s time to look deeper.
Many people are surprised to learn that ENT physicians play an important role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
An ENT evaluation can help identify whether enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, a deviated septum, tongue position, or other airway issues may be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
At ENT Tex our treatment options are more personalized than ever before, allowing us to find solutions that fit our patients’ unique lifestyle and goals.
Summer is the perfect season for fresh starts. If you’ve spent months or even years thinking your fatigue is simply “normal,” now is a great time to take the first step toward better sleep.
When you sleep better, everything feels better—from your energy and mood to your health and the moments you enjoy with the people you love.
If snoring, daytime fatigue, or restless sleep have become part of your normal routine, don’t ignore the signs. Talk with an ENT specialist to learn whether sleep apnea or another sleep-related condition may be affecting your health. Better nights can lead to brighter days, and there’s no better time to start than this summer!
Get Started Today. Find a Provider Near You.
Few things can ruin the excitement of vacation faster than sharp ear pain during takeoff or landing. Whether you’re flying across the country for a beach getaway or traveling overseas, changes in air pressure can leave your ears feeling clogged, uncomfortable, or even painful. Fortunately, understanding why it happens—and knowing a few simple tricks—can make your next flight much more comfortable.
Inside your ear is a small passageway called the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is simple: keep the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum balanced.
When an airplane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes quickly. Normally, your Eustachian tubes open naturally to equalize that pressure. But if they’re blocked, even slightly, you may experience:
This is known as airplane ear (ear barotrauma), and it’s especially common during landing.
Anyone can develop ear discomfort while flying, but your risk is higher if you’re traveling with:
If you’re already congested before boarding, your ears have a harder time adjusting to pressure changes.
Swallowing activates the muscles that help open your Eustachian tubes. Try:
These simple actions are especially helpful during takeoff and landing. The CDC Yellow Book recommends swallowing, chewing, or yawning during descent to help equalize ear pressure.
If your ears feel plugged:
You should feel your ears “pop.”
Note: Blow gently. Forcing too much pressure can actually injure the eardrum. The Mayo Clinic recommends performing the maneuver carefully to avoid injury.
If you’re dealing with allergies or a stuffy nose:
Reducing nasal swelling can help your Eustachian tubes function more normally. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers additional information about allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays.
Special pressure-regulating earplugs (often sold as “airplane earplugs”) slow the rate of pressure change reaching your eardrum. Many frequent travelers find they make takeoffs and landings noticeably more comfortable. Learn more about how the ear works from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
Many people sleep through descent, which means they aren’t swallowing often enough to equalize pressure. If possible, stay awake during the last 30–45 minutes of your flight so you can actively help your ears adjust.
Babies and young children often have an even harder time equalizing ear pressure. During takeoff and landing, try encouraging them to:
These motions help open the Eustachian tubes naturally. Parents can find additional recommendations in the CDC Yellow Book: Traveling Safely with Children.
Most airplane-related ear pressure goes away within a few hours. However, if symptoms last longer than a day or two, or if you experience significant pain, you should schedule an evaluation with us.
See an ENT if you have:
Persistent symptoms may indicate Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid behind the eardrum, or another condition that may benefit from specialized treatment.
Don’t let ear pain become part of your travel plans. A little preparation before your flight can help your ears adjust more comfortably so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your destination.
If flying always leaves you with lingering ear pressure or discomfort, our ENT specialists are here to help. We’ll identify the cause, recommend treatment options, and help you travel with confidence.
If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve experienced at least one sleepless night with a child tugging at their ear, running a fever, or crying from pain.
Ear infections are incredibly common—and while they’re often part of childhood, repeated infections can leave parents wondering:
“Is this normal?”
“Should we keep trying antibiotics?”
“Does my child need ear tubes?”
The good news is that most ear infections get better with appropriate care. Understanding what causes them—and when it’s time to seek additional help—can make those decisions a little easier.
An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum and becomes inflamed or infected.
Young children are especially prone to ear infections because the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose (called the eustachian tubes) are shorter, narrower, and more likely to become blocked during a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Common risk factors include:
Frequent colds
Daycare exposure
Seasonal viruses
Family history of recurrent ear infections
Fortunately, many children experience fewer ear infections as they grow and their anatomy matures.
Symptoms vary depending on a child’s age. Older children may tell you their ear hurts, but younger children often show more subtle signs.
Watch for:
Ear pain or pulling at the ears
Fever
Fussiness or irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Fluid draining from the ear
Loss of balance
Reduced appetite
Some children may only seem “off” during an infection. To learn more about identifying these symptoms early, review our post on when you may have an ear infection.
Not always. Some ear infections are caused by bacteria, while others are related to viruses or inflammation that can improve on their own.
Your ENT physician will determine whether antibiotics are appropriate based on your child’s age, symptoms, and examination. Learn more about our approach to specialized care on our when to see an ENT guide.
Even when antibiotics are prescribed, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment.
Many children will have an occasional ear infection. However, it’s worth talking with an ENT if your child has:
Three or more ear infections within six months
Four or more ear infections within one year
Persistent fluid behind the eardrum lasting several months
Hearing concerns
Ear infections that don’t seem to fully resolve
An evaluation can help determine why infections continue and what options may help.
Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are one of the most common procedures performed in children, and also one of the most misunderstood.
They are not recommended simply because a child has had one or two ear infections. Instead, ear tubes may be considered when repeated infections or persistent fluid begin affecting hearing, development, or quality of life.
When appropriate, ear tubes can:
Reduce future ear infections
Restore hearing affected by fluid
Improve sleep and comfort
Decrease the need for repeated antibiotics
Your ENT will discuss whether tubes are appropriate based on your child’s individual situation as part of our pediatric otolaryngology care.
Yes—but often temporarily. Fluid trapped behind the eardrum can reduce hearing while it’s present, making speech sound muffled.
When fluid lingers for several months or infections become frequent, pediatric hearing evaluations may be recommended to ensure your child is hearing clearly during important stages of language development.
While not every ear infection can be prevented, these habits may help lower the risk:
Stay up to date on recommended childhood vaccinations.
Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of viruses.
Minimize exposure to secondhand smoke.
Breastfeeding, when possible, may lower the risk during infancy.
Manage seasonal allergies through options like sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or pediatric allergy care.
Encourage good hydration during colds to support healthy mucus drainage.
You don’t have to wait until ear infections become severe to ask for help.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child:
Keeps getting ear infections
Has fluid in the ears that doesn’t go away
Seems to have difficulty hearing
Is experiencing speech delays
Continues to have ear pain despite treatment
Has recurring infections that disrupt sleep, daycare, or family life
Many parents come to us simply looking for answers—and that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.
Sometimes the best treatment is reassurance. Other times, there are simple options that can help your child feel better and prevent future problems.
If your child is experiencing frequent ear infections or hearing concerns, our board-certified specialists at ENT Tex are here to help you understand what’s happening and develop the right plan for your family.
You can visit our main site at ENTTex or schedule an evaluation directly at any of our North Texas clinic locations:
Frisco Location (Centennial Medical Pavilion)
McKinney Location (Eldorado Office Park)
Plano Location (W. Plano Pkwy)
As parents, it’s completely normal to wonder:
“Is this something they’ll outgrow?”
“Should I call the pediatrician again?”
“Do we need to see a specialist?”
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our pediatric ear, nose, and throat care specialists at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Texas treat many common childhood conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. While many issues improve on their own, others benefit from an evaluation that can provide answers, peace of mind, and—when needed—a personalized treatment plan.
Most importantly, seeing an ENT doesn’t automatically mean your child needs surgery. In many cases, parents leave with reassurance, practical guidance, or simple treatments that help their child feel better.
Here are eight of the most common reasons families visit a pediatric ENT.
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, especially during the first few years of life.
While occasional ear infections are expected, repeated infections may lead to hearing problems, missed school or daycare, poor sleep, and frustration for the whole family.
An ENT physician can help determine:
Whether infections are occurring more often than expected
If fluid remains behind the eardrum
Whether hearing has been affected
If additional treatment—such as ear tubes—may help reduce future infections
Remember, ear tubes are just one possible option. Learn more about our private practice approach to low-cost, high-quality ENT care at ENT Tex. Many children simply benefit from monitoring or medical management.
Does your child always seem stuffy—even when they don’t have a cold?
Persistent congestion may be caused by:
Allergies
Enlarged adenoids
Chronic sinus inflammation
Structural differences inside the nose
If congestion is affecting sleep, breathing, or daily activities, an ENT can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
Many children snore occasionally, especially during a cold.
However, loud or frequent snoring every night isn’t always normal.
Other signs to watch for include:
Pauses in breathing
Restless sleep
Mouth breathing
Daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Behavioral changes
These symptoms may be signs of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing or pediatric sleep apnea—conditions that are often highly treatable. Explore when to consult an ENT for childhood sleep and breathing issues.
Large tonsils don’t always require treatment.
But when enlarged tonsils or adenoids begin causing problems, an evaluation may help.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty swallowing
Frequent sore throats
Loud snoring
Sleep apnea
Mouth breathing
Chronic bad breath
An ENT can discuss whether observation, medication, or surgery is the most appropriate next step based on your child’s symptoms.
Children don’t always tell us when they’re having trouble hearing.
Sometimes the clues are subtle.
Watch for signs like:
Frequently asking “What?”
Turning up the television
Difficulty following conversations
Delayed speech
Trouble in school
Failing a school hearing screening
Early evaluation is important because hearing plays a critical role in language development, learning, and social interaction.
Not every speech delay is caused by hearing loss, but hearing is one of the first things that should be evaluated.
Even mild hearing difficulties caused by fluid behind the ears or chronic ear infections can affect language development.
ENT providers work closely with audiologists, pediatricians, and speech-language pathologists to identify contributing factors and ensure children receive the right support as early as possible. Learn more about our specialized pediatric ENT evaluations.
Children can catch many colds each year, especially during the early school years.
But if symptoms linger or keep returning, it may be something more.
An ENT can help when your child experiences:
Persistent nasal drainage
Congestion lasting more than 10 days
Facial pressure or pain
Frequent sinus infections requiring antibiotics
Ongoing symptoms despite treatment
Identifying the cause can help reduce repeated illness and improve your child’s quality of life.
Finding a lump in your child’s neck can understandably be concerning.
Fortunately, many neck masses in children are harmless and may simply be enlarged lymph nodes that develop while fighting an infection.
However, any lump that:
Persists for several weeks
Continues to grow
Returns repeatedly
Is present without illness
should be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician or an ENT.
Most causes are not serious, but it’s always best to have them examined to determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed.
One of the biggest misconceptions about seeing a specialist is that you need to wait until a problem becomes severe.
You don’t.
Many parents come to us simply because they have questions, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Whether your child has had one too many ear infections, snores every night, struggles with chronic congestion, or you’ve noticed a change that just doesn’t seem quite right, an evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Sometimes the answer is, “Let’s simply keep an eye on it.”
Sometimes there’s a simple treatment that can make a big difference.
And occasionally, we’ll recommend additional testing or a procedure—but only when it’s truly the best option for your child.
The important thing to remember is this:
You know your child best. If something feels off or you find yourself wondering whether it’s time to see a specialist, it’s always okay to ask.
Our goal isn’t to recommend unnecessary treatment—it’s to help children breathe easier, hear better, sleep more soundly, and thrive.
If you have questions about your child’s ears, nose, throat, hearing, sleep, or related concerns, our team at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Texas is here to provide expert guidance and compassionate care across our North Texas clinic locations.
Schedule an appointment with ENT Tex today to learn how we can help your child feel their best.