Allergies and Hay Fever
Millions of Americans suffer from nasal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. Often fragrant flowers are blamed for the uncomfortable symptoms, yet they are rarely the cause; their pollens are too heavy to be airborne. An ear, nose, and throat specialist can help determine the substances causing your discomfort and develop a management plan that will help make life more enjoyable. More.
Cholesteatoma
An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum is called cholesteatoma. Repeated infections and/or and a tear or retraction of the eardrum can cause the skin to toughen and form an expanding sac. Cholesteatomas often develop as cysts or pouches that shed layers of old skin, which build up inside the middle ear. Over time, the cholesteatoma can increase in size and destroy the surrounding delicate bones of the middle ear. Hearing loss, dizziness, and facial muscle paralysis are rare, but can result from continued cholesteatoma growth. More.
Earaches
Otitis media means inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation occurs as a result of a middle ear infection. It can occur in one or both ears. Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis recorded for children who visit physicians for illness. It is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children. More.
Although otitis media is most common in young children, it also affects adults occasionally. It occurs most commonly in the winter and early spring months.
Ear Tubes
Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for children – by the age of five, nearly every child has experienced at least one episode. Most ear infections either resolve on their own (viral) or are effectively treated by antibiotics (bacterial). But sometimes, ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues such as hearing loss, behavior, and speech problems. In these cases, insertion of an ear tube by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat surgeon) may be considered. More.
Hearing Loss
One in 10 Americans has a hearing loss that affects his or her ability to understand normal speech. Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause of this condition and is more prevalent than hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure. However, exposure to excessive noise can damage hearing, and it is important to understand the effects of this kind of noise, particularly because such exposure is avoidable. More.
Nosebleeds
The nose is an area of the body that contains many tiny blood vessels or arterioles that can break easily. In the United States, one of every seven people will develop a nosebleed some time in their lifetime. Nosebleeds can occur at any age but are most common in children aged 2-10 years and adults aged 50-80 years. Nosebleeds are divided into two types, depending on whether the bleeding is coming from the front or back of the nose. More.
Perforated Ear Drum
A hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear, is called a perforated eardrum. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear.
A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge. Pain is usually not persistent. More.
Swallowing Disorders
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be caused by many factors, most of which are temporary and not threatening. Difficulties in swallowing rarely represent a more serious disease, such as a tumor or a progressive neurological disorder. More.
Swimmer’s Ear
Affecting the outer ear, swimmer’s ear is a condition causing pain resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. These symptoms are experienced when water gets trapped in your ear allowing bacteria to spread, causing a painful sensation. Because this condition commonly affects swimmers it is known as swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear affects mostly children and teenagers, but can also affect those with eczema (a condition that causes the skin to itch), or excess earwax. More.
Thyroid
Your thyroid gland is one of the endocrine glands that makes hormones to regulate physiological functions in your body, like metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck, below the larynx (voice box) and wraps around the front half of the trachea (windpipe). It is shaped like a bow tie, just above the collarbones, having two halves (lobes) which are joined by a small tissue bar (isthmus.).
Diseases of the thyroid gland are very common, affecting millions of Americans. The most common thyroid problems are: an overactive gland, called hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves disease, toxic adenoma or toxic nodular goiter) an underactive gland, called hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto thyroiditis) thyroid enlargement due to over activity (as in Graves disease) or from under-activity (as in hypothyroidism). An enlarged thyroid gland is often called a goiter. More.
Tinnitus
Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus or head noises. It may be an intermittent sound or an annoying continuous sound in one or both ears. Its pitch can go from a low roar to a high squeal or whine. Prior to any treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and evaluation by your otolaryngologist. An essential part of the treatment will be your understanding of tinnitus and its causes. More.
Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsils and adenoids are on the body’s first line of defense—our immune system. They “sample” bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose at the risk of their own infection. But at times, they become more of a liability than an asset and may even trigger airway obstruction or repeated bacterial infections. More.
Sinusitis
Have you ever had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn’t go away? If so, there’s a good chance you actually had sinusitis. Experts estimate that 37 million people are afflicted with sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in America. That number may be significantly higher, since the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis often mimic those of colds or allergies, and many sufferers never see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. More.
Sleep
Many ear, nose and throat problems are associated with, or even caused by undiagnosed sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that affects more than twelve million people in this country. In many cases, an ENT problem may not get better until the sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and can affect anyone, at any age, even children. Yet, this condition often remains untreated because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals. If undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences. More.
Snoring
Snoring is common and almost half of adults in the United States snore occasionally. Snoring is caused when air flows past relaxed tissues in throat causes the tissues to vibrate, creating hoarse or harsh sounds. A variety of factors can lead to snoring, including mouth anatomy, alcohol consumption, nasal problems and sleep apnea. Remember, even though snoring can occur in the absence of sleep apnea, without testing, it is impossible to know for sure. More.
Pediatrics
Kids have ENT problems just like adults.
At Ohio ENT, we specialize in treating common and complex pediatric and adolescent ENT issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, ear tubes and ENT surgery.
Ohio ENT’s board-certified Otolaryngologists will work with your child’s pediatrician to coordinate the best care possible.
Sinus
More information can be found here.
Voice
More information can be found here.
Skin Care
More information can be found here.
