Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear that causes hearing loss. It typically begins in the early 20s, and is the leading cause of middle ear hearing loss in young adults. What Causes Otosclerosis? The exact cause of otosclerosis is not known, but evidence suggests a genetic link passed down from…
Eardrum Perforation
What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What is…
Ear Tubes
If you’re a parent, it probably comes as no surprise that middle ear infections are common in children, particularly those between the ages of six months and two years. Known as otitis media, these are caused by a number of factors, both physical and environmental. Most ear infections clear up on their own, or are treated with antibiotics. But in some children,…
Cholesteatoma
What is a Cholesteatoma? A cholesteatoma is a mass of skin cells in the middle ear. As the mass gradually increases in size, it destroys the middle ear’s bones, causing hearing loss and infection. What Causes Cholesteatoma? When the eustachian tube is functioning normally, it equalizes ear pressure by moving air from the back of…
Earwax Removal
Causes of Earwax Blockage A blockage of earwax is usually caused by an overproduction of earwax or insufficient cleaning. Surprisingly, the most common cause of a blockage is incorrect at-home earwax removal. Often, instead of cleaning out the earwax it is just pushed deeper inside the ear. Earphone and ear plug usage can also cause wax buildup, as the…
Earache
What Causes Earaches? Ear pain, commonly referred to as an earache, is a common complaint and can result from infection, poor Eustachian tube function, or temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). Other causes include ear trauma, perforated eardrum, sinus infection, sudden changes in pressure, excess buildup of earwax, sore throat, shampoo or water in the ear, tooth infection, arthritis of the…
Ear Infection
What Causes Ear Infections? An ear infection may occur in the middle ear when the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation. This blockage prevents fluid in the middle ear from draining, which can cause a middle ear infection. The majority of ear infections are viral or bacterial in nature, usually occurring after a cold or…
Acoustic Neuromas
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow-growing, acoustic neuromas can affect both hearing and balance and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance…
The Best Audiological Care Starts Here
Should You See an Audiologist? Audiologists work with patients of all ages, treating infants, children and adults for a variety of hearing and balance problems—they provide services that include: Fitting and dispensing hearing aids Administering hearing and balance tests Counseling patients and their families on communication strategies Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn…
Providing Comprehensive Ear, Nose & Throat Care
Determine If You Need to See a Specialist When a general practitioner cannot resolve or identify your ear, nose or throat-related issue, they will typically refer you to an otolaryngologist. Below is a handy self-screener that can help you determine if you should see an ENT. Do you experience frequent hoarseness or sore throat? Have…