Is My Earache Caused by a Cold or Ear Infection?
It’s common to experience an earache. If you are, it’s important to identify the source of it in order to find relief. In this post, we cover the common cold and an ear infection as the potential causes of earaches to help you uncover if one of these conditions is causing yours. The Common Cold…
How Is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treated?
Your Eustachian tubes are the passageways between your middle ears and the back of your throat. They have several important jobs, including draining fluid from your middle ears and equalizing air pressure between your middle ears and your environment. When your Eustachian tubes don’t function correctly, it means you have Eustachian tube dysfunction. According to…
Do My Child’s Ear Tubes Need to Be Removed?
If your child experiences frequent or severe ear infections, their pediatrician may refer them to a pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician to have ear tubes placed. What Are Ear Tubes? Ear tubes are small, hollow cylinders made of metal or plastic that are surgically inserted into a child’s eardrum. Why Are Ear Tubes…
Should I Fly With an Ear Infection?
Many people feel pressure or a blockage in their ears when they fly, especially during takeoff and landing. While this is usually nothing more than a minor inconvenience that resolves fairly quickly, it becomes a much riskier endeavor if you or your child is flying with an ear infection. Before you head out to catch…
How To Manage Chronic Ear Infections
While the occasional ear infection is rarely a cause for concern, chronic ear infections can be painful, frustrating and even potentially lead to hearing loss. If you have a child who suffers from regular ear infections, read about the ways to treat them and help prevent permanent damage. Symptoms of a Chronic Ear Infection Chronic…
What Is a Cholesteatoma and How is It Treated?
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal mass of skin cells that forms in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Left untreated, the mass can grow in size and lead to complications such as infection, balance issues, hearing loss and facial paralysis, among others. Cholesteatoma Causes Cholesteatomas occur when the Eustachian tubes don’t function properly. When working…
What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is the thin tissue that divides the outer and middle ear. Its job is to vibrate in response to soundwaves hitting it. The vibrations are then sent to the tiny bones in the middle ear and then to the cochlea in order to allow us to hear….
Can You Prevent Ear Infections?
Ear infections are very common, especially among children. Research has shown that up to 80% of children will experience at least one ear infection by the time they are three years old. While ear infections often clear up on their own and are usually not serious, they can be painful and frustrating, especially if you…