Category: Hearing

As we enter 2025, you may have made one or two New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you want to read more or step outside your comfort zone. But what about taking better care of your ears, nose and throat (ENT)? At Peoria Ear, Nose, & Throat Group, we believe that simple adjustments in everyday habits can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. In this guide, we’ll share four key areas—sleep, hydration, ear protection, and physical movement—that can help you live a healthier, happier life this year.

• Prioritize Quality Sleep
  • Making sure you get enough sleep is essential for mood, energy, and immune function. Common conditions like sleep apnea can significantly disrupt sleep, leading to serious health risks such as high blood pressure and strain on your cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea can also cause daytime fatigue and affect overall well-being. Due to the many forms of sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you’re concerned you may have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with our experts. Our specialists will give you the care you need to get your sleep back on track.
• Stay Hydrated
  • Hydration is crucial for your overall health, but also helps benefit your ears, nose and throat! Drinking enough water helps keep mucus membranes moist, helping to prevent dry nose, throat and mouth. It also keeps your nasal passages and sinuses moist, reducing the risk of sinus infections. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you can also use a humidifier to keep the air moist and help prevent dry sinuses or nasal passages.
• Protect Your Ears
  • With the colder weather of winter, we tend to be indoors a lot more often. This can lead to more noise pollution, negatively impacting your hearing. At Peoria ENT, we prioritize hearing health by offering comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized solutions. One of our top recommendations is Starkey’s SoundGear products for hearing protection. Phantom is the world’s first custom, Bluetooth compatible hearing protection device, helping protect ears from loud sounds while also allowing you to stream calls, music, or other audio wirelessly.
• Incorporate Physical Movement
  • Staying active helps reduce stress and strengthen your immune system, helping fight off bacterial and viral infections that cause issues like ear infections, sore throats, and sinusitis. Exercise also increases blood flow to the ears, which can help with overall ear health. If balance or dizziness is impacting your ability to move this winter, visit our physical therapy team at FYZICAL Peoria.

At Peoria Ear, Nose, & Throat Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way with expert care and personalized solutions. Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, protect your hearing, or stay healthy through movement, we’re committed to helping you live your best life in the new year. Here’s to a healthier you in 2025!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.