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Understanding Winter Ear Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

As the winter months approach, many families begin to prepare for the seasonal changes that come with colder weather. While this time of year often brings festivities and holidays, it also heralds an increase in ear infections, particularly among children. At Peoria Ear Nose & Throat Group, we believe it’s essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies associated with winter ear infections to ensure your family’s health during this season.

 

What Causes Ear Infections?

Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. These infections tend to be more prevalent in infants and young children due to their Eustachian tubes being smaller and less angled, making it harder for fluid to drain from the ear. Additionally, since a child’s immune system is not as developed as that of an adult, they may struggle more to combat sore throats, colds, or respiratory infections that can trap fluid behind the eardrum.

During winter, several factors contribute to the heightened incidence of ear infections:

  1. Cold and Flu Season: The winter months are synonymous with colds and flu, both of which can lead to upper respiratory infections. These infections can cause swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, obstructing normal drainage and creating an environment conducive to infections.
  2. Dry Indoor Air: With the use of heating systems, indoor air can become dry, which may irritate the nasal passages and throat. This dryness can exacerbate existing respiratory issues, further increasing the risk of ear infections.
  3. Increased Indoor Crowding: Families tend to spend more time indoors during winter, leading to closer contact and a higher likelihood of viral and bacterial transmission, especially among children.

 

Recognizing Symptoms

Identifying ear infections early can help in managing symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. Common signs of ear infections in children include:

  • Ear pain or discomfort
  • Tugging or pulling at the ears
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability or crying
  • Fluid drainage from the ear
  • Hearing difficulties or a feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Loss of balance
  • Fever (especially in infants and young children)

In adults, symptoms may include ear pain, fluid drainage, and even dizziness. If you or your child exhibit these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and potential treatment.

 

Prevention Strategies

While it may not be possible to eliminate the risk of ear infections altogether, several strategies can help reduce their occurrence during the winter months:

  1. Encourage Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing and teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
  2. Manage Allergies: If allergies are a concern, consider working with a healthcare professional to manage symptoms effectively. Allergies can contribute to inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes.
  3. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Vaccines, including the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, can protect against infections that may lead to ear infections.
  4. Limit Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Exposure to smoke can irritate the respiratory system and increase the risk of ear infections. Creating a smoke-free environment can help protect your family’s health year-round.
  5. Use a Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture in the air, alleviating dryness in the nasal passages and reducing the likelihood of irritation.

As winter settles in, being proactive about ear health is essential for you and your family. At Peoria Ear Nose & Throat Group, we are committed to helping you understand and navigate the challenges posed by seasonal ear infections. If you have any concerns or questions about ear health, reach out to our ENT experts. Together, we can work towards ensuring a healthier winter season for everyone!

For more information, please visit our website at peoriaent.com or call (309) 589-5900.

October: National Audiology Month

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in ,

October is National Audiology Month, spreading awareness about the services audiologists provide and how they may be able to help you. Audiologists provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing disorders for people of all ages.

Hearing loss is explained in three ways: type, degree, and configuration.

Types

  • Conductive (this type makes sounds softer, since sound is not sent easily through the outer ear canal to the eardrum)
  • Sensorineural (when there is damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Most of the time, this type cannot be medically or surgically corrected)
  • Mixed (occurs when both conductive and sensorineural are experienced)

Degree – refers to the severity of the loss, ranging from Normal to Profound.

Configuration – refers to the degree and pattern of hearing loss across frequencies (tones).

You may be wondering if you or a loved one should seek the expertise of an audiologist. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has a list of questions you can check – if you answer Yes to one or more of the following, make an appointment to see an audiologist:

Health and Wellness

Do you have ear pain? Yes No
Are you worried about an earwax blockage? Yes No
Do you have noises in your ears (such as ringing, buzzing, clicking, or humming)? Yes No
Do you have dizziness or trouble with balance? Yes No

Television and Telephone

Do your friends and family tell you that your TV is too loud? Yes No
Do you have trouble hearing your favorite show but can hear commercials easily? Yes No
Do you have a problem hearing on the telephone? Yes No
Do you hear better in one ear than the other? Yes No

Communication and Relationships

Do you have trouble hearing in restaurants or large groups? Yes No
Do you ask people to repeat themselves? Yes No
Do you respond inappropriately in conversation? Yes No
Do family members or coworkers say that you misunderstand what they said? Yes No
Do many people you talk to seem to mumble (or not speak clearly)? Yes No
Do you have trouble understanding women and children? Yes No
Do people get upset because you don’t hear what they say? Yes No

 

Audiologists can also provide personalized treatment and services to people suffering from a variety of conditions such as issues with hearing loss, dizziness/balance, and tinnitus via treatment plans that include hearing aids and assistive technology. They can offer hearing screenings, and if you haven’t begun experiencing hearing loss, they can provide protection to help prevent future loss.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, people with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before receiving help. But the earlier an audiologist can identify any issues through hearing tests, the easier the hearing loss is to treat and/or prevent! Our highly-trained Doctors of Audiology have completed at least eight years of university education in order to appropriately treat patients for a variety of auditory conditions. They will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and discover the best treatment option for you.

For more information, please visit our website at peoriaent.com or call (309) 589-5900.

Fight The Fall – Fall Prevention Awareness

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, and FYZICAL is bringing the focus to this very important topic. According to the CDC, each year, more than 3 million people aged 65 or older are evaluated in emergency departments due to falls related to incidents.

Falls are not an inevitable result of aging. These are steps you can take to improve balance and decrease the chances of falling. It is never too early or too late to address the risk of falling.

Although common, falls can be dangerous and lead to many types of injuries. 1/10 falls results in an injury that causes a person to restrict activities.

FYZICAL Peoria brings balance and neurological rehab to the next level with specialized training and equipment for the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. With a safety harness and overhead track system, patients can push themselves in activities that would normally provoke a fear of falling. A hallmark of our therapy process involves a unique system by Bertec. This equipment allows for Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) and a controlled Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) experience.

CDP allows for evaluation of functional use of a person’s senses when trying to maintain balance in a falls risk environment. CDP consists of 3 subtests that evaluate which sensory systems a person is most reliant on, how quickly reflexes engage when the environment changes, and how quickly a person can learn a new strategy to maintain balance.

Our team compares your scores with age-related averages to determine if your CDP scores are appropriate for your age. The FYZICAL Peoria team then uses this information, to develop a tailored therapy plan for each patient.

The IVR capabilities of the Bertec allows for high level rehab exercises in simulated environments that could normally be a falls risk environment. A person with motion intolerance may benefit from a simulated grocery store experience or person with neuropathy may benefit from a visual display of how posture and weight barring are influencing overall balance.

Unsure of whether balance therapy is appropriate for you? Please fill out the below self-assessment quiz for guidance.

This self-assessment quiz can help determine if you or your loved one are at risk for a fall:

I have fallen in the past year Yes (2) No
I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker Yes (2) No
I sometimes lose my balance while walking Yes (1) No
I worry about falling Yes (1) No
I use my arms to push myself up from a chair Yes (1) No
I sometimes have trouble stepping up onto a curb Yes (1) No
My body sways when standing stationary Yes (1) No
I take short narrow steps Yes (1) No
I stumble often or look at the ground when I walk. Yes (1) No
I frequently have to rush to the toilet. Yes (1) No
I have lost some feeling in one or both of my feet. Yes (1) No
My medication makes me feel light-headed or sleepy. Yes (1) No

If you scored four points or more, protect yourself and schedule your fall risk evaluation today.

Contact FYZICAL Peoria today by visiting our website fyzical.com/peoria or calling (309) 589-5900 to Fight the Fall.

FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTER – A DIVISION OF PEORIA EAR, NOSE & THROAT GROUP

Audiology: Did You Know?

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

Audiology is a medical science related to a person’s hearing and balance, and the treatment of any related disorders. The use of the term ‘audiology’ in publications has been traced back only as far as 1946, but the creator of the term remains unknown. Did you know these other facts about audiology?

  • The substantial prevalence of hearing loss observed in veterans after World War II inspired the creation of the field as it is known today.
  • The International Society of Audiology (ISA) was founded in 1952 and promotes interactions among national societies, associations, and organizations that have similar missions.
  • Audiologists can successfully treat hearing loss from start to finish. From diagnosis to treatment plan and evaluation, audiologists are involved with your hearing journey at every step!
  • Audiologists are regulated by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. All members must have earned an advanced degree in Audiology with ongoing peer mentoring and training. They also must meet a code of ethics and meet audiology best practices.
  • They can treat more than hearing loss. Audiologists can treat other issues such as ringing in the ears, sensitivity to loud noise, hearing loss prevention, and more.
  • Audiologists are different than hearing aid dispensers. An audiologist is extensively trained in the science of hearing, while a hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. The requirement for state licensure to dispense hearing aids is not as stringent, reflecting the larger range of practices that audiologists can perform.
  • Professionals in the field of audiology receive extensive training in the assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting, and adjustment of hearing aids. This helps ensure an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, and positive outcome from the hearing aid.

At Peoria ENT, we offer well over 100+ years of combined professional experience amongst our team members from various backgrounds. We understand that fast paced technological innovation and the constant stream of research requires this strong dedication to offer our patients the cutting-edge solutions for their concerns they deserve.

For more information, please visit our website at peoriaent.com or call (309) 589-5900.

Eustachian Tube Dilation Specialist in Peoria, IL

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

Peoria Ear Nose and Throat specializes in providing top-notch care for various conditions affecting the ear and related structures. Among the multiple issues we treat, eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common concern.

We offer treatment for ETD — a condition where the eustachian tube fails to open or close properly, causing discomfort and various complications. The eustachian tube is vital in allowing normal function of the ear. When functioning smoothly, it acts as a protective barrier against diseases, aids in ventilating the middle ear, and ensures the proper drainage of secretions.

This cutting edge treatment is particularly useful for patients who have discomfort when flying or diving, have long-standing eardrum perforations or eardrum perforations that have previously failed surgical treatment, and patients who have recurrent ear infections.

We understand how essential it is to address ETD effectively at Peoria Ear Nose and Throat. That is why our expert team is here to provide you with the most advanced and personalized care, ensuring that your eustachian tube is working optimally.

What are the symptoms of ETD?

You may be dealing with ETD if you are experiencing fullness or pain in your ears, along with muffled hearing.

  • Fullness of the ear
  • Pain in the ear
  • Muffled hearing

Typical complications from untreated ETD

When the eustachian tubes, responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle of the ear, become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to various complications.

  • Ear infection
  • Middle ear impairment
  • Injury to the eardrum
  • Puncture of the eardrum
  • Abnormal skin growth in the middle ear
  • Collapse of the eardrum into the middle ear

What is the Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System?

The ACCLARENT AERA™ system is a ground breaking treatment that addresses persistent ETD using a gentle and minimally invasive approach. In a very well tolerated and short in-office procedure, our skilled physicians utilize a small catheter to introduce a balloon through your nose and into the eustachian tube.

Once in position, the balloon is carefully inflated, widening the pathway for mucus and airflow and restoring proper eustachian tube function. The balloon is then deflated and gently removed. Most patients experienced very little pain and recovery is quick. In most patients, no time off of work is necessary.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced physicians today and discover how the ACCLARENT AERA™ system can transform your life. Reclaim your comfort, regain your freedom, and rediscover the beauty of sound.

Better Hearing Month

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

In 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designated May as Better Hearing and Speech Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health. Encouraging individuals to reflect on their own hearing and undergo regular hearing assessments is the initial step toward addressing the issue of hearing loss.

Today, noise pollution is recognized as a significant public health concern and is identified as a top environmental risk by the World Health Organization’s inaugural World Report on Hearing.

The average person is born with approximately 16,000 hair cells within the inner ear, crucial for sound detection by the brain. However, it’s possible to lose 30-50% of these cells before changes in hearing become evident through a test. Moreover, noise exposure can harm the auditory nerve, which transmits sound information to the brain. While there’s no cure for hearing loss once it occurs, preventive measures can help mitigate its onset.

Since 1967, Starkey, a pioneer in hearing aid technology, has been at the forefront of innovation, offering high-quality products subjected to rigorous quality control standards. Our team at Peoria Ear Nose and Throat is a premier provider for Starkey products.  At Starkey, a hearing aid must pass over 50 performance and durability tests before reaching the market. With over 360 active patents in software and hardware, Starkey remains a leader in advancing hearing solutions. Notably, Starkey was the first and only manufacturer to develop hearing aids capable of detecting falls and sending alerts.

Their latest Genesis AI hearing aids boast a state-of-the-art processor, sound quality, design, and software, promising an enhanced patient experience. Utilizing cutting-edge processor technology that emulates the human brain’s cerebral cortex, these aids adapt to various listening environments, amplifying soft sounds for clarity while reducing loud noises for comfort. Some models even offer up to 51 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Early detection and intervention for hearing loss are critical. Many individuals with undiagnosed hearing loss may not realize they’re missing certain sounds and words. Our team of highly-trained audiologists has undergone extensive education to effectively diagnose and treat various auditory conditions, including hearing loss. They prioritize personalized care, taking the time to assess your symptoms and determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.

During your evaluation, our Doctors of Audiology will assess whether hearing aids are appropriate for your needs and guide you in selecting the device that best suits you. They will also provide assistance in programming your hearing aids and offer ongoing support for any inquiries you may have.

What Is an Allergy and How Is It Treated?

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in ,

Allergy causes are seemingly everywhere. They can include airborne allergens (such as mold, pollen, animal dander, or dust mites), foods (most common with peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, or milk), insect stings, medications, or other substances (like latex). When you have allergies, your immune system reacts by producing antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with that allergen, your system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. Over 50 million Americans (1 in 6) experience some type of allergy.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, or throat, runny or stuffy nose, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or a rash. In the most extreme cases, it may trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Those with a family history of asthma or allergies, who have asthma or another allergic condition themselves, or children may be more likely to develop an allergy.

The first step in treating an allergy is an accurate diagnosis by an immunologist or allergist, usually involving either skin pricks and/or blood tests. This decides whether symptoms are caused by an allergy and if so, what triggers it as accurately as possible. The diagnosis will target the appropriate treatment or clinical intervention to allow avoidance of the trigger.

Treatment options may involve managing symptoms through the use of antihistamine creams, pills, steroid creams, inhalers, or auto-injectors. For allergens related to food, drugs, venom, latex, or pet dander, avoidance is a possible approach. In cases of acute tongue swelling or anaphylaxis, rescue medications may be necessary. Another avenue is immunotherapy, where allergy shots containing a controlled amount of a specific allergen help stimulate the immune system gradually, building tolerance over time. It’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions during allergen avoidance, such as cross-reactions between latex and fruits/vegetables or tree pollen and fresh fruits.

Although seasonal allergies are common, the truth is that allergies can affect us at any time throughout the year. At Peoria ENT, our team of allergy & asthma specialists are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. Our highly-trained providers have completed several years of specialized education and will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and discover the best treatment option.

For more information, please visit our website at peoriaent.com or call (309) 589-5900.

Benefits of Balance Training and Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

FYZICAL is much more than your typical physical therapy clinic – our goal is to help you discover how to achieve the pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries, feel younger, and revitalize your health. Our physical therapists have advanced clinical education and training, specialty certifications, and years of experience to help you live your best life!

Benefits of Balance Training

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. If you or someone you know suffers from dizziness or imbalance, keep in mind that intervention is key. There are steps you can take to improve your balance, decrease the chance of falling, and help to maintain your independence.

Balance and gait are intrinsically linked because one often impacts the other. Both rely on a complex number of body systems, including the inner ear, eyes, joint-muscle-nerve system, and cognitive functions. Therapy that improves gait and balance works with all these systems to keep them functioning in harmony.

Even if you don’t think you’re at risk of falling over, feeling like you’re ‘running out of steam’ while walking could be a sign of slowing reflexes, which makes moving around seem more strenuous than it actually is. Balance can be substantially improved with specific training and rehabilitation.

At FYZICAL, we can help improve your balance and walking skills through balance therapy. Therapy can help compensate for imbalance or adapt to less balance, while maintaining physical activity.

Benefits of Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Orthopedic rehabilitation is a form of therapy that treats a wide variety of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system provides stability and support to your body and allows you to move. The muscular system includes all types of muscles in your body, as well as the tendons. The skeletal system includes all the bones in the body, which connect to form joints.

Orthopedic issues can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, leading to pain and decreased mobility, stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems, designing treatment plans for each patient’s individual goals, challenges, and needs.

Orthopedic rehabilitation can include physical therapy rehabilitation, pain management, pre- and post-surgical care, and more.

Before you undergo expensive or invasive surgery, try physical therapy. For some conditions, including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease, treatment by a physical therapist has been found to be as effective as surgery.

Contact FYZICAL Peoria today by visiting our website fyzical.com/peoria or calling (309) 589-5900!

FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTER – A DIVISION OF PEORIA EAR, NOSE & THROAT GROUP

Dizziness and Balance

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

The body maintains balance with sensory information from three systems – vision, somatosensory/proprioception (muscles and joints), and vestibular (inner ear). Damage or impairment of any of those systems can lead to dizziness and imbalance.

Dizziness is a broad general term that can be used to describe vertigo (spinning sensation), lightheadedness, tilting, floating, or the feeling that you will faint. A person can have dizziness without significant balance issues, or balance issues without significant dizziness. Evaluation of dizziness often involves assessments from multiple specialties because dizziness can be caused by several different systems in the body.

Vestibular Disorders: An Overview

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements. Vestibular disorders may results when these areas are damaged.

35% of adults aged 40 or older in the United States have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular causes of dizziness/vertigo can be due to head injuries, aging, sudden or significant changes in pressure, viral or bacterial infections, or high-doses or long-term use of certain medications.

Symptoms of inner ear issues can include unsteadiness, dizziness, blurred or bouncing vision, nausea, hearing changes/tinnitus, lack of coordination, or problems with memory and thinking. Those symptoms can range from mild to severe, lasting from a matter of seconds to being constant.

Testing for a vestibular disorder can include a physical exam, hearing test, CT or MRI scan, functional balance testing, and more. Treatment of dizziness may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, vision therapy, medications, surgery, or diet/lifestyle changes.

Our dizziness management team includes otolaryngology, audiology, and physical therapy to evaluate symptoms of dizziness and appropriately recommend next steps.

For more information, please visit our website at PeoriaENT.com or call (309) 589-5900.

Eustachian Tube Dilation Specialist in Peoria, IL

Posted on by Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group in

Peoria Ear Nose and Throat specializes in providing top-notch care for various conditions affecting the ear and related structures. Among the multiple issues we treat, eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common concern.

We offer treatment for ETD — a condition where the eustachian tube fails to open or close properly, causing discomfort and various complications. The eustachian tube is vital in allowing normal function of the ear. When functioning smoothly, it acts as a protective barrier against diseases, aids in ventilating the middle ear, and ensures the proper drainage of secretions.

This cutting-edge treatment is particularly useful for patients who have discomfort when flying or diving, have long-standing eardrum perforations or eardrum perforations that have previously failed surgical treatment, and patients who have
recurrent ear infections.

We understand how essential it is to address ETD effectively at Peoria Ear Nose and Throat. That is why our expert team is here to provide you with the most advanced and personalized care, ensuring that your eustachian tube is working optimally.

What are the symptoms of ETD?

You may be dealing with ETD if you are experiencing fullness or pain in your ears, along with muffled hearing.

  • Fullness of the ear
  • Pain in the ear
  • Muffled hearing

Typical complications from untreated ETD

When the eustachian tubes, responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle of the ear, become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to various complications.

  • Ear infection
  • Middle ear impairment
  • Injury to the eardrum
  • Puncture of the eardrum
  • Abnormal skin growth in the middle ear
  • Collapse of the eardrum into the middle ear

What is the Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System?

The ACCLARENT AERA™ system is a ground-breaking treatment that addresses persistent ETD using a gentle and minimally invasive approach. In a very well-tolerated and short in-office procedure, our skilled physicians utilize a small catheter to introduce a balloon through your nose and into the eustachian tube.

Once in position, the balloon is carefully inflated, widening the pathway for mucus and airflow and restoring proper eustachian tube function. The balloon is then deflated and gently removed. Most patients experienced very little pain and recovery is quick. In most patients, no time off of work is necessary.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced physicians today and discover how the ACCLARENT AERA™ system can transform your life. Reclaim your comfort, regain your freedom, and rediscover the beauty of sound.