Why is ear wax produced by the body?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a normal and healthy lubricant formed by the body. It is created in order to protect the ear and even has antibacterial properties. Most of the time, ear canals clean themselves: ear wax slowly migrates away from the eardrum and out of the ear canal. Sometimes, ear wax can build up and cause pain and in some cases can lead to other health complications.
When should ear wax be removed?
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, ear wax should only be removed when enough symptoms accumulate to warrant a proper cleaning. Symptoms include:
How to remove earwax at home
If symptoms are mild, gentle ear cleaning can be done at home. However, it should be done with caution and without inserting anything into the ear canal. Usually, ear wax buildup will go away on its own, by the natural irrigation process in the ear.
What to expect during ear wax removal
If you experience more serious symptoms, such as hearing loss or pain, an ENT specialist should be consulted. Bombay ENT doctors can provide a number of solutions for ear wax removal treatments, depending on the severity of the ear wax impaction (or buildup). If the buildup warrants it, a prescription medication or in-office ear wax extraction procedure may be performed.
Ear wax removal treatment
Ear wax removal treatments may include:
If you are suffering from ear wax buildup, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear wax removal doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of ear conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.
What is a hearing test?
Hearing impairment is a medical condition that requires the evaluation and diagnosis by a medical doctor, preferably one who specializes in ear, nose and throat medicine, such as Bombay ENT. After an initial evaluation by a physician, an audiologist may also conduct a hearing test. These tests are performed to accurately diagnose the type and cause of hearing loss in a patient. There are two types of hearing loss that can occur, conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Both of these can be diagnosed by an ear, nose, and throat doctor using one of the following hearing tests:
Why is a hearing test performed?
Hearing tests are performed to test a patient’s hearing, balance, and fluid pressure in the ear. All of these factors can be indicators for hearing loss as well as other hearing-related conditions, such as tinnitus and vertigo.
What does a hearing test involve?
Experiences will vary, depending on the testing needed for each patient’s particular needs, however, patients can generally expect to visit the doctor’s office and undergo a general physical examination prior to any specific hearing tests. Your doctor will also likely perform a medical history exam, by asking questions about your past conditions as well as your past and current symptoms relating to hearing. At Bombay ENT, our specialists include audiologists, who can conduct a hearing test during the same day. Some specific tests that may be performed include:
After, your hearing test results will be thoroughly explained to you by one of our Bombay ENT doctors. If your hearing loss test determines that you will need further treatment, you can discuss treatment options for hearing loss with your doctor.
What are the advantages of undergoing a hearing test?
Hearing tests can help patients to determine the exact cause of hearing-related issues, as well as rule out any potentially serious conditions relating to ears, hearing and balance. Ear issues that go undiagnosed and untreated can escalate to become more serious health problems over time. Seeking advice from an ear, nose and throat doctor, such as Bombay ENT, at the first sign of a hearing problem can resolve the issue and prevent serious conditions from evolving.
If you believe you may be having hearing problems, the first step towards better hearing is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of ear conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a sensation of movement. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and balancing issues. Vertigo can occur for a number of reasons, including:
What should I do if I am experiencing vertigo?
If you are experiencing vertigo, it is important to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine the cause of the condition. An ENT specialist can conduct hearing tests that may also be beneficial for those suffering from balance issues, including vertigo. ENT doctors can accurately diagnose any conditions that are causing vertigo and can offer treatment options.
What does vertigo treatment involve?
Treatment for vertigo may consist of one or more of the following, depending on your doctor’s recommendation:
If you are suffering from vertigo, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience with vertigo and dizziness treatment. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection can occur in the middle, inner, or outer ear and is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The most common type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear, which is the small pocket of air located directly behind your eardrum. Another type of ear infection, called an inner ear infection, occurs further inside the ear—just past the middle ear. Outer ear infections, sometimes called swimmer’s ear, affect the outside, visible portion of the ear.
Middle ear infections cause inflammation, fluid, and pain in the ear. They are categorized according to their severity:
Acute ear infection
Chronic ear infection
What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections are caused when the eustachian tube, or passage between your middle ear and throat, are blocked and unable to keep germs from entering the middle ear. Ear infections are usually a secondary condition caused by one of the below conditions:
What are symptoms of an ear infection?
Symptoms of middle and inner ear infection in adults may include:
Children suffering from an ear infection may exhibit the following symptoms, in addition to those listed above:
What are the risk factors for an ear infection?
There are some conditions that make a child or adult more prone to getting an ear infection. Some risk factors include:
When should I see a doctor for an ear infection?
Consult an ear, nose and throat expert with Bombay ENT as soon as possible if:
How does an ENT doctor diagnose an ear infection?
As soon as symptoms are present in an adult or child, consult with an Bombay ENT to evaluate your conditions and make an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will use a tool called an otoscope that can see deep inside your ear with a light and magnifying glass. Doctors can often detect redness, puss, drainage, or other abnormalities in the middle ear that point to an ear infection. To determine the severity of the condition, your Bombay ENT may also conduct sample fluid tests, computed tomography (CT) scans, or hearing tests.
How is an ear infection treated?
Ear infection treatment from Bombay ENT can range from conservative measures at home to prescription drugs or surgery, depending on the severity of the infection. Treatment options for ear infections include:
More serious ear infections can lead to other health conditions, such as temporary hearing loss, and may need further treatment. It is important to see an ear, nose and throat specialist if you believe you are suffering from an acute or chronic ear infection to get a professional evaluation and treatment options. Doctors with Bombay ENT can provide a range of ear infection treatment options, including surgical procedures if needed.
Schedule Your Ear Infection Consultation Today!
If you are suffering from an ear infection, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of ear-related conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.
How is hearing loss treated?
When a patient is diagnosed with conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss, the next step is to discuss treatment options. Depending on the individual and the type of hearing loss experienced, treatment options will vary. Some treatment options to discuss with your doctor may include:
When is treatment for hearing impairment needed?
While hearing loss may affect social interaction and other aspects of daily life, people are often unaware that they have a loss of hearing until others point it out to them. Signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist, such as Bombay ENT include:
People suffering from hearing loss may also constantly have a need for increased volume on radio or television.
What does hearing loss treatment involve?
Treatment of hearing loss depends in the cause of the problem.
For more permanent types of hearing loss resulting from aging, or damage to the inner ear, use of a hearing aid may be helpful, although adjusting to them may take a few weeks. Individuals coping with severe hearing loss may also learn to pay careful attention to gestures and facial expressions, to read lips, or to use sign language in order to improve their communication skills.
If you are suffering from hearing loss, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience with hearing loss treatment. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.
What should I do if I can’t hear well?
If you find that you are having trouble hearing, the first step is to visit a physician, preferably an ear, nose and throat specialist. Many hearing problems can be corrected by a doctor. When hearing loss is accompanied with ear wax buildup, dizziness, drainage, or ear pain, it is especially important to see a specialist immediately, as this could indicate a serious health problem.
If you believe you may need a hearing aid, it is still vital to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to evaluate your condition and the degree of hearing loss. Screening tests that are performed by a hearing aid dealer may not be adequate. By going to a doctor, you will be able to undergo hearing tests to determine the exact type of hearing loss you are suffering from and rule out any other potentially serious health issues related to hearing loss.
Where can I purchase hearing aids?
Under federal regulation, hearing aids can only be sold after the buyer has undergone a physician evaluation, so you will need to visit a doctor, preferably an ear, nose and throat office, prior to purchasing the hearing aids. Adults may also sign a waiver to forego the exam, but it is not recommended.
An ear, nose and throat specialist, such as Bombay ENT can provide hearing aids that are custom-fit to your personal hearing needs and ear shape. Independent hearing aid dispensers (non-doctors) can also sell hearing aids, but these are generally not customized for your specific condition.
Are there different kinds of hearing aids?
Hearing aids vary in types, and can range in price according to the style and features. Different styles of hearing aids include:
The best hearing aids for you will depend on your particular hearing loss condition as well as your preference. A doctor with Bombay ENT can help you to determine the best hearing aids for you.
Will I need a hearing aid in both ears?
If hearing loss is present in both ears, patients should use two hearing aids. It is difficult to hear out of only one ear, especially in a noisy environment.
What are the benefits of using hearing aids?
If you are having difficulty hearing, the first step towards better hearing is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with Bombay ENT have extensive experience providing hearing devices to patients with hearing loss. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at (212) 873-6168 to schedule an appointment today.