Diabetes and Hearing Loss

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Hearing loss affects 466 million people worldwide while diabetes affects 422 million people worldwide (World Health Organization). Diabetes and hearing loss have more in common; individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss. What’s the connection? Diabetes can lead to nerve damage; overtime...

What Causes Tinnitus?

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Sanjeev Balamohan, M.D. Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus [TIN-NUH-TUS or TIN-NIGHT-US], is experienced by over 50 million Americans. Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. It can sound like a clicking noise, humming, high-pitch ringing, or even sound like your heartbeat....

Hearing Loss Myths vs. Facts

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. As an Audiologist, I think I've heard it all from patients. Let’s demystify popular hearing loss claims: Myth: My hearing loss is normal for my age. Fact: Yes, hearing loss does occur over time due to aging. However, that does not make any hearing loss “normal...

May is National Better Hearing Month – Get Your Hearing Checked

Hearing loss is on the rise May is National Better Hearing Month and Sound Hearing Solutions and the American Academy of Audiology are encouraging Americans to make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. Healthy hearing means not waiting to check your hearing until hearing loss is so...

Breathing Problems 

Breathing issues may present as chest tightness, persistent cough, wheezing, and shallow breathing. Most breathing issues are associated with lung or respiratory conditions. An otolaryngologist manages conditions of upper respiratory that can cause breathing difficulties; a pulmonologist may be referred if a lung condition is suspected. Common conditions the otolaryngologist...

The Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Alexander Goldin, M.D. Traditionally, surgery may seem like a daunting endeavor. However, if your ENT physician recommends a Balloon Sinuplasty, no need to fear! The days of long recovery are over. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment for chronic sinusitis and infections. Unlike previous...

What Happens if I don’t Treat my Seasonal Allergies?

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Alexander Goldin, M.D. As spring time rolls around, you may be excited for warmer weather. You may also dread the spring if you experience seasonal allergies. Common allergens include pollen and grass, often exposed to during warmer weather. Some people experience allergies during the Fall and...

What is the Best Treatment for Bell’s Palsy?

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Michael Layland, M.D. Before discussing treatment options for facial weakness, we need to review the cause for this disorder. Facial weakness is often called Bell’s Palsy. Typically, the effected individual wakes up feeling fine but is shocked by what they discover in the mirror; one side...

Turbinate Hypertrophy: Turbulence in the Nasal Cavity

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D. Michael Layland, M.D. Turbinates are three bony structures in the nose: the superior turbinate, middle turbinate, and inferior turbinate. Turbinate hypertrophy refers to the enlargement or growth of one turbinate structure. This can obstruct airflow in the nasal cavity, making it difficult to breath or feel...

ENT, Sleep Apnea, and Heart Disease – Oh My!

Isn’t sleep apnea just a fancy name for snoring? NO- sleep apnea is when an individual's throat becomes obstructed or shuts down when they are sleeping. If air is not able to pass through the throat, interruptions in breathing deprive the lungs of oxygen. This increases blood pressure, increases heart...