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Ear, nose & throat

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Ear, nose & throatAnosmia (Loss of Smell): ENT or Neurologist?For most adults with persistent smell loss after a viral illness — including COVID-19 — an ENT (otolaryngologist) is the best first specialist. ENTs evaluate nasal passages and can guide olfactory training. A neurologist becomes appropriate when smell loss accompanies other neurological symptoms or when ENT evaluation finds no structural cause.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatBalloon Sinuplasty Cost and Insurance Coverage ExplainedWithout insurance, balloon sinuplasty typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 depending on how many sinuses are treated and where the procedure is performed. Most major health insurers cover it when medical necessity criteria are met [1], but prior authorization is almost always required before the procedure.Ear, nose & throat | billing Ear, nose & throatCan a Sinus Infection Spread to Your Eyes or Brain?A sinus infection can rarely spread to the tissues around the eye — causing orbital cellulitis — or, even less commonly, to the brain or its surrounding membranes. Warning signs requiring immediate emergency care include eye swelling or vision changes, severe headache, stiff neck, and confusion.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatChronic Ear Pain: Causes Beyond InfectionPersistent or recurring ear pain without an active infection is called secondary otalgia, or referred ear pain. The most common causes include jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, throat or tonsil problems, dental issues, and nerve-related conditions. An ENT specialist is the appropriate clinician for ongoing ear pain evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatChronic Sinusitis: Symptoms and How It's DiagnosedChronic sinusitis — also called chronic rhinosinusitis — is diagnosed when sinus inflammation persists for 12 weeks or more despite treatment. At least two of its hallmark symptoms must be present: nasal blockage or discharge, facial pressure or pain, and a reduced sense of smell lasting 12 or more weeks.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatCochlear Implant: Who Is a Candidate?Adults with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive inadequate benefit from properly fitted hearing aids are typically cochlear implant candidates. Candidacy is determined by a cochlear implant team including an audiologist and an ENT or neurotologist through a structured evaluation process.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatCroup in Adults: Barking Cough and Stridor ExplainedCroup can occur in adults, though it is far less common than in children. The characteristic barking cough and inspiratory stridor result from viral swelling in the subglottic airway [1]. In adults, a barking cough and stridor can also be caused by epiglottitis, angioedema, or other upper airway conditions — some of which are medical emergencies [2]. Any new stridor in an adult warrants prompt clinical evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatDeviated Septum Surgery (Septoplasty) Cost and InsuranceSeptoplasty — surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum — typically costs $3,000 to $8,000 without insurance, depending on the surgical setting and whether additional procedures are performed. Most health insurance plans cover septoplasty when it is medically necessary [1][2], such as when the deviation causes chronic nasal obstruction that has not responded to conservative treatment.Ear, nose & throat | billing Ear, nose & throatDeviated Septum Symptoms: What to KnowA deviated septum means the wall dividing the two nasal passages is significantly off-center. Common symptoms include one-sided or alternating nasal blockage, difficulty breathing through the nose, recurring nosebleeds, and recurrent sinus infections. An ENT (otolaryngologist) diagnoses the condition and, when warranted, corrects it with a procedure called septoplasty.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatDizziness When Turning Your Head: BPPV and Other CausesDizziness triggered by specific head movements — rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending forward — is most commonly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear. BPPV is highly treatable with a repositioning maneuver called the Epley maneuver performed in a clinician's office.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatDoes Snoring Mean You Have Sleep Apnea?Most people with sleep apnea snore, but most snorers do not have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway closes completely, repeatedly stopping breathing during sleep. Warning signs that distinguish apnea from simple snoring include breathing pauses noticed by a bed partner, gasping, and excessive daytime sleepiness.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatEar Fullness and Muffled Hearing: Common CausesA full or muffled ear most often results from earwax buildup, Eustachian tube dysfunction after a cold or during air travel, or fluid behind the eardrum. Sudden muffled hearing in one ear with no obvious cause should be evaluated by a clinician within 24 to 48 hours, as it may indicate sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is time-sensitive to treat.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatEar Infection Symptoms in Adults: How to TellAdult ear infections affect either the outer ear canal (swimmer's ear) or the middle ear behind the eardrum. Outer infections cause pain that worsens when the outer ear is pressed or pulled; middle ear infections cause deep ear pain with muffled hearing, often after a cold. A clinician can distinguish the two with a quick exam.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatEar Tubes for Adults: What to ExpectEar tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are small hollow cylinders placed through the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and drain fluid. In adults, an ENT specialist places them in a minutes-long office procedure under local anesthesia when chronic fluid or recurring infections persist and cause hearing loss.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatEar Wax Removal at Home: Safe Methods ExplainedEarwax buildup can be safely managed at home with over-the-counter softening drops followed by gentle warm-water irrigation. Avoid inserting cotton swabs — they push wax deeper. If drops and irrigation fail after several days, a clinician or ENT specialist can remove the blockage safely.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatEpley Maneuver for Vertigo: Step-by-Step GuideThe Epley maneuver uses four sequential head positions to guide displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear back into place, relieving BPPV-related spinning. A Cochrane review found it effective in resolving symptoms for most people with posterior-canal BPPV. Clinician confirmation of the diagnosis improves success.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatEustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms and TreatmentEustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat fails to open and close normally, causing persistent ear pressure, fullness, and muffled hearing — like an ear that needs to pop but cannot. Most cases resolve after a cold or allergy flare subsides.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatFrequent Nosebleeds: Causes and When to See a DoctorFrequent nosebleeds — more than once a week or with no clear trigger — are usually caused by dry air, nasal irritation, or medications that affect clotting. Occasionally they signal an underlying condition such as uncontrolled blood pressure, a clotting disorder, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). A primary care evaluation is the right starting point.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatGlue Ear in Adults: Causes, Symptoms & TreatmentGlue ear (otitis media with effusion) in adults is a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum without active infection, causing muffled hearing and a sense of fullness. Most cases resolve spontaneously; persistent or severe cases require ENT evaluation and may need a small ventilation tube to drain the fluid.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHearing Aid Brands Compared: What to Know Before You BuyThe major hearing aid brands — Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Starkey, Signia, and ReSound — all produce clinically effective devices. Performance depends far more on audiologist fitting and programming tailored to your specific hearing pattern than on the brand alone. A full audiogram should guide the purchase decision.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHoarse Voice That Won't Go Away: Causes & When to See a DoctorA hoarse voice persisting beyond two to three weeks warrants ENT evaluation and laryngoscopy — not empirical treatment — per the AAO-HNS dysphonia guideline. While most causes are benign (reflux, vocal nodules, muscle tension), early examination is important because persistent hoarseness can be an early sign of a laryngeal condition. Smokers and professional voice users should seek evaluation sooner.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatHow to Find and Book an ENT Specialist Near YouAn ENT (otolaryngologist) diagnoses and treats conditions of the sinuses, ears, voice, throat, and head and neck. Most people find one through a primary care referral or their insurance directory. Many ENT practices accept new patients directly without a referral, depending on your insurance plan.Ear, nose & throat | scheduling Ear, nose & throatHow to Get Rid of Tinnitus: Treatments That Actually HelpTinnitus — ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears — cannot always be permanently eliminated, but it can be effectively managed. Sound therapy, hearing aids (when hearing loss is present), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have the strongest evidence for reducing tinnitus distress and improving quality of life.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHow to Stop a Nosebleed: First Aid Steps That WorkTo stop a nosebleed: lean slightly forward, pinch the soft lower part of your nose firmly, and hold for 10–15 minutes without releasing. Do not tilt the head back. If bleeding continues after 20 minutes, go to an emergency department. Preventive measures — humidification, nasal saline, treating allergies — reduce recurrences.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHow to Unblock Congested Sinuses: Effective Relief OptionsSinus congestion is most often caused by a cold, allergic rhinitis, or rhinosinusitis. Effective relief options include saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and steam inhalation. Topical decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days. See a clinician if symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHow to Use a Neti Pot or Nasal Rinse CorrectlyTo use a neti pot safely: fill with sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water mixed with saline solution — never plain tap water, which carries a rare but serious infection risk. Tilt your head sideways over a sink, pour into the upper nostril, and let it drain from the lower. Rinse once or twice daily for sinusitis or congestion.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatHumidifier for Sinus and Breathing Problems: What Actually HelpsA humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air and can reduce nasal dryness, irritation, and congestion — but it does not treat the underlying cause of sinus or breathing problems. Maintaining indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is optimal for most people [1]. Cool-mist and warm-mist models are equally effective; keeping the device clean to prevent mold and bacteria is more important than which type you choose.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatIs Ear Ringing a Sign of High Blood Pressure?Most constant tinnitus is caused by hearing loss or noise damage, not blood pressure. However, pulsatile tinnitus — ringing that pulses in time with the heartbeat — can be linked to elevated blood pressure or other vascular causes and warrants prompt clinical evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatLoss of Smell After COVID: Recovery & When to Seek HelpLoss of smell (anosmia) after COVID-19 is common and usually improves within weeks to months. Studies tracking patients at one year found the large majority recovered olfactory function [1]. Persistent cases may involve parosmia — distorted smells. Smell training, which involves deliberately sniffing four distinct scents twice daily for at least 12 weeks, is the most evidence-supported recovery approach [2].Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatLPR (Silent Reflux) Symptoms: Throat, Voice & MoreLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), or silent reflux, occurs when stomach contents reach the throat and voice box without causing heartburn. The most common symptoms are hoarseness, chronic cough, frequent throat clearing, and a lump-in-throat sensation. LPR is managed differently from standard GERD.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatMeniere's Disease Symptoms: Vertigo, Tinnitus & Hearing LossMeniere's disease is an inner ear disorder defined by four hallmark symptoms: episodes of true spinning vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear, and ringing or roaring tinnitus. Episodes are unpredictable. An ENT or neuro-otologist diagnoses it and guides treatment.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatNasal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment OptionsNasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths inside the sinuses or nasal passages that cause persistent congestion, loss of smell, runny nose, and facial pressure. Treatment ranges from nasal corticosteroid sprays to biologic medications or surgery, depending on severity. An ENT specialist makes the diagnosis.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatNoise-Induced Hearing Loss: How to Protect Your HearingNoise-induced hearing loss is caused by sounds loud enough to damage cochlear hair cells and is entirely permanent — but completely preventable. Sounds above 85 decibels cause cumulative damage with prolonged exposure. Wearing appropriate hearing protection and limiting exposure time are the most effective defenses.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatOTC vs Prescription Hearing Aids: What's the Difference?Since 2022, FDA-regulated OTC hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription or audiologist visit for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids remain the right choice for significant hearing loss, children, or anyone who has not had a formal hearing evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatPost-Nasal Drip Remedies: What Helps and When to See a DoctorPost-nasal drip — mucus draining from the nasal passages down the throat — is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It commonly causes chronic cough, throat clearing, and hoarseness. Treating the underlying cause (most often allergies, a cold, or sinusitis) is the most reliable path to lasting relief.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatProfessional Ear Wax Removal Near You: Who Does It and HowImpacted earwax can be safely removed by a primary care provider, ENT specialist, or audiologist. Most primary care offices handle routine removal at a regular visit. ENT clinics and some audiology practices offer microsuction when irrigation has failed or ear problems are complex.Ear, nose & throat | scheduling Ear, nose & throatRhinoplasty vs Septoplasty: What Is the Difference?Rhinoplasty reshapes the external appearance of the nose; septoplasty straightens the cartilage and bone inside (the septum) to improve breathing. They solve different problems, have different insurance coverage, and different recovery profiles, but can be combined into septorhinoplasty when both goals apply.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatRinging in the Ears: What Causes Tinnitus?Tinnitus — ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears with no external source — is most often caused by noise-induced hearing damage, earwax buildup, age-related hearing loss, or certain medications. It is rarely dangerous but warrants evaluation by an ENT or audiologist, especially when it is persistent or affects only one ear.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatSaline vs Decongestant Nasal Spray: Which Should You Use?Saline nasal spray moisturizes and clears mucus and is safe for indefinite daily use. Oxymetazoline (Afrin) delivers fast, powerful congestion relief but must not be used more than 3 consecutive days — continued use causes rhinitis medicamentosa, a rebound swelling that worsens congestion when stopped.Ear, nose & throat | medication Ear, nose & throatShould You Get Your Tonsils Out as an Adult? What to KnowAdults with seven or more throat infections in a year, five or more per year for two consecutive years, or three or more per year for three consecutive years are the most commonly cited candidates for tonsillectomy [1]. Surgery substantially reduces recurrent tonsillitis in adults who qualify, though recovery is harder and longer than in children [2][3].Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatSigns of Hearing Loss in Adults: A ChecklistEarly signs of hearing loss in adults include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, difficulty following conversations in noisy rooms, turning the TV louder than others prefer, and missing high-pitched sounds like doorbells or bird calls. If several of these apply, a hearing evaluation by an audiologist is the recommended next step.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatSinus Headache vs. Migraine: How to Tell the DifferenceMost headaches with facial pressure and nasal congestion are migraines, not sinus infections. True sinus headaches require confirmed sinusitis — with nasal discharge, reduced smell, and fever or facial tenderness. If sinus treatments repeatedly fail to relieve your headache, migraine is the more likely diagnosis.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatSinus Infection Won't Go Away: What to DoA sinus infection lasting more than 10 to 12 days, or one that recurs several times a year, warrants medical evaluation. Most sinus infections are viral and clear without antibiotics, but persistent or recurring symptoms may indicate an underlying structural or inflammatory cause that needs targeted treatment.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatSinus Rinse Before or After Nasal Spray: The Right OrderRinse first, then spray. Using a saline nasal rinse before a corticosteroid nasal spray — such as fluticasone, mometasone, or budesonide — clears mucus and debris from the nasal passages, allowing the medication to reach the nasal lining more effectively. Most ENT specialists recommend this sequence for patients using both.Ear, nose & throat | medication Ear, nose & throatSinus Surgery Types for Chronic SinusitisWhen chronic sinusitis persists despite nasal steroids, saline irrigation, and antibiotics, an ENT may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which opens blocked passages using a small camera. Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive option for appropriate candidates.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatSore Throat on One Side Only: Causes and When to WorryOne-sided throat pain is more likely to have a specific cause than bilateral pain. The most urgent cause to recognize is a peritonsillar abscess — a pocket of infection beside the tonsil causing severe one-sided pain, difficulty swallowing, and a muffled voice. A peritonsillar abscess requires same-day or urgent medical care.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatSore Throat That Won't Go Away for Weeks: CausesA sore throat lasting more than 2–3 weeks exceeds normal recovery time for any common infection. The most frequent causes are acid reflux, postnasal drip, and voice overuse. Persistent symptoms warrant evaluation by a clinician or ENT to rule out conditions requiring specialist attention.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatStrep Throat Symptoms in Adults: Signs, Tests & CareStrep throat in adults typically appears suddenly with severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen neck lymph nodes, and fever — but without cough or runny nose. A rapid strep test or throat culture confirms the diagnosis. Antibiotics shorten illness and are recommended to prevent rare but serious complications such as rheumatic fever.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatSudden Hearing Loss in One Ear: Causes & What to DoSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) — hearing that disappears in one ear overnight or within hours — is a medical urgency. The AAO-HNS clinical practice guideline recommends evaluation within 24–72 hours of onset. Treatment with oral corticosteroids is significantly more effective when started within days. Contact an ENT or urgent care the same day symptoms appear.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatSwimmer's Ear Treatment: Home Care and When to See a DoctorSwimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal causing pain, itching, and sometimes swelling. The AAO-HNS 2014 guideline recommends topical antibiotic drops as first-line treatment; oral antibiotics are rarely needed for uncomplicated cases. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal during treatment and keep the ear dry.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatTonsil Stones: Causes, Removal, and PreventionTonsil stones (tonsilloliths) are small hardened deposits of food particles, mucus, and bacteria that form in tonsil crevices. They typically cause bad breath and a sensation of something stuck in the throat. Most can be managed with oral hygiene and gentle irrigation; persistent or large stones warrant ENT evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatTurbinate Reduction Surgery: Recovery and ResultsTurbinate reduction surgery (turbinoplasty) shrinks swollen inferior turbinates that block nasal breathing. Initial healing takes 2–4 weeks; full breathing improvement often becomes apparent over several months. Adding turbinate reduction to septoplasty provides better and more sustained relief than septoplasty alone.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatVertigo Causes and Treatment: BPPV and BeyondVertigo — the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning — is most often caused by BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), a treatable inner ear condition. BPPV responds well to the Epley maneuver, a repositioning technique a clinician can perform in-office. Other causes include Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatVocal Cord Nodules: Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmentVocal cord nodules are small benign callus-like growths that form from repeated vocal strain, causing persistent hoarseness, breathiness, or voice fatigue. Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist is the preferred non-invasive treatment. Surgery is reserved for nodules that do not respond to therapy.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatWhat Does an ENT Doctor Do? When to See OneAn ENT (otolaryngologist) diagnoses and treats conditions of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and head and neck — from chronic ear infections and hearing loss to vertigo, voice disorders, and sinus surgery. Many visits start with a primary care referral, though self-referral is often possible.Ear, nose & throat | education Ear, nose & throatWhen Does a Nosebleed Need Medical Attention?Most nosebleeds (about 90%) originate in the front of the nose and stop with 10–20 minutes of firm pressure. Seek emergency care if bleeding doesn't slow after 20 minutes, follows a head injury, or is accompanied by large blood loss. Frequent recurrent nosebleeds deserve evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | seek-care Ear, nose & throatWhere to Get a Hearing Test Near YouAudiologists and ENT clinics offer comprehensive diagnostic audiograms — the standard for measuring hearing loss — that take 30 to 60 minutes. Most locations do not require a referral. Approximately 15% of American adults report difficulty hearing. Free screenings are available at many audiology practices; sudden hearing loss warrants same-day evaluation.Ear, nose & throat | scheduling Ear, nose & throatWhy Do I Keep Clearing My Throat? Common CausesChronic throat clearing — the habitual urge to clear mucus or a sensation of something stuck — is most commonly caused by postnasal drip, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR, a form of acid reflux that reaches the throat), or allergies. Less commonly, a vocal cord or nerve condition is responsible.Ear, nose & throat | education