Children under the age of three average one to two ear infections a year. These occur when fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear following a viral or bacterial infection. Younger children are most susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are short and still developing, making them prone to swelling and blockages.
The majority of ear infections will run their course in about a week. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, eardrops, and warm compresses. If a bacterial infection is a cause, antibiotics are prescribed. Children who experience chronic ear infections may benefit from ear tubes.
- The Ears: The unique domain of Otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
- The Nose: Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of Otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and a sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of Otolaryngologists’ expertise.
- The Throat: Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to Otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
The Head and Neck:
This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, Otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face.
A hearing test, or audiogram, is an important part of your visit. The testing not only checks your hearing but also gives the ear, nose, and throat specialist a more thorough assessment of your inner ear and whether there might be a physical cause for your hearing difficulty. A hearing test helps answer three important questions:
- Do you have hearing loss?
- What is causing your hearing loss?
- What is the best way to improve your hearing?
Most individuals have not had a hearing test since they were in elementary school! Along with the physical examination of your ears that will be performed during your visit, the hearing test allows the physician important data to create a more thorough plan of care for you.
For many allergy sufferers, common triggers include mold, pollen, dust, and animal dander. While some experience allergies year-round, many experience seasonal allergies with spring and fall taking the prize here in Middle Tennessee. For a month-by-month breakdown of seasonal allergy triggers here in Middle Tennessee, check out our blog, “When are Seasonal Allergies the Worst?”
Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull that are interconnected. There are four cavities: one behind the cheekbones, one on the center of the forehead, one between the eyes, and one behind the nasal cavity. They link to the nasal passage. Their primary function is to humidify the air we breathe and improve our voices.
Your throat helps you swallow and speak. When there are issues with the throat, it affects your quality of life. You can also develop severe issues like cancer in the throat. Regular check-ups with your doctor is the first step in throat health.
Thyroid nodules are solid fluid-filled lumps that develop inside the thyroid. They present themselves under different conditions. One could be the presence of a cyst. Another could be adenoma which includes an overgrowth of healthy thyroid tissue. Your doctor will help you make a diagnosis.
Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, perceiving that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others and experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and also might experience depression.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which an individual’s breathing stops periodically during sleep. These episodes can last ten seconds or longer and may occur hundreds of times each night, preventing restorative sleep and leading to daytime fatigue, irritability and memory or concentration problems. OSA increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. We work with other medical and dental specialists to offer many treatments including CPAP, oral appliances and a variety of cutting edge procedures.
