What Are the Common Causes of a Perforated Eardrum
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the eardrum. Symptoms of a perforated eardrum may include ear pain, fluid drainage from the ear, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and nausea or vomiting. Your ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist will usually identify a perforated eardrum through a visual inspection using an otoscope. Your specialist…
What Are the Best Types of Earplugs for Preventing Swimmer’s Ear?
One of the best ways to escape the heat this summer is to go for a swim. However, one consequence of swimming, especially for children with pre-existing ear issues, is an infection known as swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear happens when water gets trapped in the ear, and bacteria grow, infecting the outer ear canal. Certain…
What Does the Color of Your Earwax Mean?
Our earwax plays an important role in the health of your ear. Not only does it lubricate the ear canal to prevent the skin from drying out and becoming irritated, it also traps debris and germs. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe it needs to be removed. This isn’t true. According to an article published in…
How Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treated?
Your Eustachian tubes are the passageways that connect your middle ears to the back of your throat. Their jobs are to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and to allow air pressure to equalize between your middle ear and your environment. Sometimes, the Eustachian tubes are not able to do these jobs, and…
How Are ENT Disorders Diagnosed?
Some experts believe that otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty. ENT physicians, also known as otolaryngologists, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. We review how some common ENT conditions are diagnosed below. Middle Ear Infections A middle ear infection is caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, which can sometimes grow…
Three Common Causes of Ear Pain
We’ve all experienced pain or pressure in the ear at some point in our lives. If you are currently experiencing discomfort in your ear, read ahead about a few of the more common causes, as well as what treatment may be necessary. Middle Ear Infections Ear infections are much more common in children than adults….
What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
Your eardrum is the thin membrane that divides the outer ear and middle ear. Its job is to vibrate in response to soundwaves; the vibrations are then sent to the tiny bones in the middle ear and then onto the inner ear and the brain. Sometimes, the eardrum can rupture, which means a hole forms…
How Can I Prevent Ear Infections?
While ear infections are usually not serious, they can cause unpleasant symptoms like ear pain, fever and even temporary hearing loss. If you or your child suffers from recurrent ear infections, it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Risk Factors for Ear Infections While anyone can develop…
What Is a Double Ear Infection & How Is It Treated?
What’s worse than when your child has an ear infection? How about when they have a double ear infection? Double ear infections, also known as bilateral otitis media, mean you have an infection in both of your ears simultaneously. Below we review how ear infections occur, what the symptoms are, the difference between bilateral and…
How to Protect Your Ears While Flying
People are traveling again, and with summer right around the corner, there’s a good chance you’re planning a long-awaited trip as well. However, before you head off to catch your flight at Denver International Airport it’s important to have all you need to protect your ears when flying. Noise From Planes Can Damage Your Hearing…