Muffled hearing, ear pressure, even hearing loss can be due to something as simple as ear wax, especially if it’s deeply impacted. Trying simple things like oil can help loosen the wax, however for some it just won’t budge. Typically ear wax naturally migrates out of the ear canal as we chew food or talk, moving our jaws. If it’s embedded, it’s best to let an ENT expert help. Various techniques of irrigation, micro-instrumentation, and suctioning are used to remove the ear wax under microscopy. Avoiding any over-the-counter devices are best, given you can injure your ear drum or possibly more. We have even removed pieces of devices from our patient’s ear canals when they accidentally broke or dislodged in the canals. Q-tips or candling? We recommend neither. Keep it simple, come in and just get it treated by ENT experts.

Are you struggling to understand people in crowded restaurants? Do you ever feel like people are mumbling? Are you constantly increasing the volume or relying on closed captioning to understand what the actors are saying on the television? Well, you’re not alone. One in 8 people in the U.S. suffer with hearing loss. The incidence of hearing loss increases as people age and can be caused by the aging process, prolonged noise exposure, infections, or genetics. Treatment for hearing loss depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Options include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and in some cases, medical or surgical interventions to address the root cause. Regular hearing tests and protecting your ears from loud sounds can help prevent further damage.

Infections of the ear can affect the outer, middle and inner part of the ear organ. A bacterial infection of the outer ear, “swimmer’s ears”, can happen from water exposure causing swelling, pain, and muffled hearing. Moisture can also breed a fungal infection of the outer ear which can be very itchy and even painful. Middle ear infections, “otitis media”, which is the classic type of infection we see most frequently in children, can cause pain, hearing loss, tinnitus and even vertigo. For adults with fluid behind the ear drum, it is recommended to examine the eustachian tube located in the back of the nose using a fiberoptic scope to evaluate for anything that might be blocking its opening. Inner ear infections are more likely to cause vertigo, dizziness and hearing loss. Interestingly, some ear symptoms do not even come from the ear itself. Instead, it can be referred pain from the throat or even from grinding your teeth.

Ever taken a flight with a cold or with your nose congested and you experience severe ear pain and muffled hearing upon descent? Your eustachian tube was likely affected by a sinus infection. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pain, pressure around the eyes, headaches, and colored nasal discharge. One common complication of sinusitis is ear infections, as the sinuses and ears are interconnected through the eustachian tube in the back of the nose. When the eustachian tube opening becomes blocked or inflamed, it can cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, leading to pain, ear fullness, hearing loss, and even an infection. Treatment for sinusitis typically involves nasal decongestants, saline sprays, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. In some cases, corticosteroid nasal sprays or allergy medications may be recommended to reduce inflammation. To prevent both sinusitis and ear infections, it's important to manage allergies, avoid irritants, and seek timely medical care if symptoms persist.

Tinnitus is a common condition that makes you perceive ringing, buzzing, or other phantom sounds in the ears when no external noise is present. It affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of tinnitus can range from mild to severe, with some individuals experiencing constant noise, while others may hear intermittent sounds. Common symptoms include a high-pitched ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that can be particularly noticeable in quiet environments. Treatment options for tinnitus vary depending on the severity and underlying cause, and may include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of hearing aids. Lifestyle changes like reducing exposure to loud noises, managing stress, and avoiding stimulants can also help manage tinnitus. Improving your sleep and in some cases a nightguard to manage any teeth grinding can help those who suffer with tinnitus. Getting your hearing tested is an important first step to better understand and treat your tinnitus as other conditions can affect your symptoms.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose, become blocked or do not function properly. This condition can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including ear fullness, muffled hearing, popping or crackling sounds in the ears, and even ear pain. In some cases, ETD can also cause a feeling of pressure in the ears, especially during changes in altitude like during air travel. Treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction typically includes decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion. In some cases, a doctor may recommend eustachian tube exercises or the use of a nasal saline spray to help clear the tubes. For chronic or severe cases, surgical procedures such as a myringotomy or the insertion of tubes may be considered. If you're experiencing symptoms of ETD, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for relief.