Earwax: When Too Much of a Good Thing Causes Problems
Sometimes mistakenly viewed as a sign of poor hygiene, earwax (also known as cerumen) is produced naturally by glands in the outer ear and plays a very important role in hearing health. It should not be viewed as something dirty that needs to be eliminated. In fact, complete absence of earwax will result in a…
Thyroid Nodules
The thyroid is a gland located in the lower part of the neck in the midline. The main function of the thyroid is to produce a hormone that controls your body’s metabolism and energy level. The thyroid hormone plays a big role in many of your body’s essential functions. Thyroid nodules are common. About 5%…
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder characterized by loud snoring and pauses in breathing that occur repeatedly throughout the night. Left untreated, sleep apnea may increase the chance of serious health complications such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the throat relax during sleep, obstructing the…
Allergies & The Immune System
Allergies are extremely common, affecting roughly one out of every five Americans. Understanding what causes them, along with the particular allergens that are responsible for triggering your symptoms, are keys to successful treatment. The immune system functions as the body’s first line of defense against germs and bacteria and is essential for maintaining good health…
Seasonal Allergies
Allergies are the sixth most common chronic illness in the U.S., affecting more than 50 million Americans and costing $18 billion annually.1 Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, affect many in the spring, summer and/or early fall and are caused by sensitivity to certain pollens from trees and grasses. What Causes Seasonal Allergies? Your…
February is Pediatric ENT Health Month
The first few years of a child’s life are critically important in physical development as well as in forming emotional, learning and communication skills. Because of this, babies with moderate to severe hearing loss can experience developmental setbacks. Early identification of and intervention in hearing loss facilitates language development. The best way to identify and…
Cochlear Implants: What You Should Know
Cochlear implants treat severe to profound hearing loss in patients with sensorineural (inner ear-related) hearing loss where impairment can’t be treated with standard hearing aids. With a relatively minor two-hour surgery, most patients experience a tremendous positive impact on their quality of life. Click here to watch Dr. Varun Varadarajan’s video about hearing rehabilitation and implantable…
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones used to regulate your body’s metabolism. Thyroid cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply in the thyroid gland. Fortunately, patients with thyroid cancer frequently do well because it is usually detected early and responds well to treatment. It is important to seek medical attention…
Tinnitus: Understanding the Ringing in Your Ears
Many people experience a persistent ringing in their ears. This is common and referred to as tinnitus, a condition that affects roughly 15 percent of the American population.1Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound when no sound currently exists. For some it is a minor nuisance, but for others it is a major impediment…
Botox vs. Fillers
It is not unusual for Botox and dermal fillers to be confused. They both have the same purpose: to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. However, they work in very different ways. BOTOX How it works: Botox is used to block signals from your nerves to your muscles,…