Category: News

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans. It is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom—most often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or clicking in one or both ears. While tinnitus can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that it often stems from an underlying, non-threatening health factor you may already be aware of.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• Hearing loss
• Ear obstructions (earwax, congestion, or foreign objects)
• Sinus pressure
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
• Prescription medications
• Balance problems

If you suddenly experience tinnitus, stay calm—most cases are linked to manageable health conditions.

Treatment Options: Hearing Aids & Sound Therapy

Hearing aids are a valuable tool not just for hearing loss, but also for reducing the impact of tinnitus. Many patients report that their symptoms become less noticeable while wearing them. In addition to improving communication, hearing aids can:

• Reduce listening effort and stress (which can worsen tinnitus)
• Make conversations easier
• Decrease feelings of isolation
• Encourage participation in daily activities you enjoy

Sound therapy—using calming, soothing sounds—is another option that can be integrated into your customized hearing treatment plan. Even patients without significant hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids programmed specifically for sound therapy.

Addressing the Emotional Impact

Tinnitus doesn’t just affect your ears—it can also affect your mental health. In fact, up to 75% of people with severe tinnitus experience anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions. Peoria ENT understands this connection and can help guide you toward support, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to help manage the stress and emotional impact of tinnitus.
• Oto Pro: A 12- week program that uses CBT techniques to change your perception of tinnitus. It is delivered through 10-minute audio sessions. You’ll feel better after a few weeks and get lasting results in months.

We’re Here to Help

At Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat Group, our expert audiologists work with leading hearing aid manufacturers and with Oto Pro to provide personalized tinnitus treatment plans. If your tinnitus is causing you distress, don’t wait—support and relief are available.

October is National Audiology Month, spreading awareness about the services audiologists provide and how they may be able to help you. Audiologists use technology, creative problem solving, and social skills to help those with hearing disorders better communicate and connect with the world around them.

Approximately 15% of American adults over the age of 18 report some trouble hearing, and nearly 25% of those between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss server enough to affect their daily life. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders also reports the following statistics.

• Among adults aged 20 – 69, men are almost twice as likely as women to have hearing loss.
• About 5% of adults aged 45 – 54 have disabling hearing loss. This rate increases to 10% for those aged 55 – 64, 22% for those aged 65 – 74 and 55% for those aged 75 and older.
• Roughly 10% of the U.S. adult population has experienced tinnitus lasting at least 5 minutes within the last year.
• People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before receiving help, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Audiologists treat people of all ages – not just those who are older! By providing professional and personalized services, they can improve patients’ quality of life. Audiologists can also provide personalized treatment and services to people suffering from a variety of conditions such as issues with dizziness/balance, hearing aids and assistive technology, and tinnitus. They can offer hearing screenings, and it you haven’t begun experiencing hearing loss, they can provide protection to help prevent future loss.

The earlier an audiologist can identify an issues through hearing tests, the easier the hearing loss is to treat and/or prevent. Our highly-trained Doctors of Audiology have completed several years of specialized 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 options for you.

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

We are excited to share that one of our providers, Christopher Lee Scott, is now a licensed Hearing Instrument Dispenser. He will be leading Peoria ENT patients with hearing loss on their journey to hearing clearly. If you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss, Lee is here to help! In order for his patients to get to know him, Lee answered some questions about himself and his passion for helping people.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I have a background in consumer electronics, customer service, sales management, and people development, and I was a US Marine for 6 years achieving the rank of E5, or Sergeant.

I’ve spent the last 12 months as an ‘on the job’ intern with the goal of becoming a licensed Hearing Instrument Dispenser, which I’ve now achieved. I have learned from 5 seasoned audiologists in a clinical setting and the International Hearing Society’s ‘Distance Learning for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences’ course.

I bring organizational skills, enthusiasm, and a great deal of determination to every opportunity that presents itself. I have a wife of 31 years, 2 adult sons, 2 recently adopted daughters, and 2 granddaughters. If I’m not working, I’m typically spending time with them. Recently I’ve become a ‘Jeep Guy’, and my daughters and granddaughters love going on rides when the top is off.

Q: What motivated you to become a Hearing Instrument Dispenser?
Coming from a rich background in customer service, sales, and technology, it seemed like a perfect fit for me. I have a passion to help people that can’t help themselves.

Q: What brought you to Peoria Ear Nose and Throat?
Peoria ENT presented me with an opportunity, knowing of my passion for people and professional background, that I was excited to take. I look forward to gaining experience and continuing to help people in this role.

Q: What are you most looking forward to when it comes to working at PENT?
I have genuinely loved my interactions with patients, especially when they hear well for the first time in a long time. The idea that these people are patients with real issues and that the training and skills I’ve acquired in the last year during my internship and previous roles can make a real difference has been very grounding for me.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend the bulk of my time with my wife of 31 years, and my 4 children. My sons are 32 & 27, my daughters, whom I adopted last summer, are 15 & 9.

Q: What’s one moment in your career where you truly felt, ‘This is why I do what I do’?
This past winter when I was with my mentor at PENT doing a new fit for a first-time hearing aid user. The patient’s ‘aha’ moment, where she could hear well for the first time in decades, was a bit overwhelming. It helped me understand that there’s a bigger picture at play when it comes to what I do.

Q: What’s the most common misconception people have about hearing instruments? Sadly, not all of them are created equal. We specialize not only in premium top-of-the-line technology, but we pride ourselves on premium top-of-the-line care & service as well.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you wish more patients took seriously when it comes to their hearing?
First, QUIT WAITING – let us help you hear better. It matters. Not only to you, but to the people around you. Secondly, there is a reason for the difference in pricing when it comes to hearing instruments! Book an appointment today and either myself or one of our world-class audiologists will help you understand what that difference is!

Q: What part of your job still makes you smile every day?
I love the people I work with. From patients to staff, I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced such a crew of professionals that genuinely want the best for the people they are attempting to help, and that kind of enthusiasm for the mission is contagious!

Lee is an invaluable member of the Peoria ENT team, and we wish him congratulations on his licensure! If you have hearing aid questions, contact Peoria ENT today to make an appointment with one of our fantastic providers, like Lee.

As the school year kicks off, it’s the perfect time to make sure your whole family — kids and adults alike — are starting the season healthy and ready to focus. Whether it’s your child struggling with ear infections or you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, Peoria Ear, Nose & Throat is here to help every member of your family.

ENT doctors — also called otolaryngologists — specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, and even parts of the head and neck. In fact, ENT care is one of the oldest medical specialties in the country, dating back to the 1800s!

From the classroom to the office, our team provides expert care for:
• Hearing problems
• Chronic sinus issues
• Ear infections and ear tubes
• Tonsils, throat, and larynx concerns
• Thyroid conditions
• Sleep apnea and severe snoring
• Allergies that can impact focus and attendance
• Swallowing difficulties
• Head, neck, and throat cancers
• Facial injuries or congenital issues

Whether it’s helping your child hear clearly in class or helping you sleep better at night, Peoria ENT has the experience and specialized care you can trust. Our providers treat both children and adults, making us your family’s go-to partner for ENT care during the school year — and beyond.

With over 100 years of combined experience, our team is committed to finding the right solution for your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

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

According to the CDC, each year, more than 3 million people aged 65 or older are evaluated in emergency departments due to falls related incidents.

Falls are not an inevitable result of aging. There 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 allow 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 bearing are influencing overall balance.

Unsure of whether balance therapy is appropriate for you? Please fill out the self-assessment quiz on the following page 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  /  No

●      I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I sometimes lose my balance while walking.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I worry about falling.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I use my arms to push myself up from a chair.    –    Yes  /  No

●      I sometimes have trouble stepping up onto a curb.    –    Yes  /  No

●      My body sways when standing stationary.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I take short narrow steps.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I stumble often or look at the ground when I walk.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I frequently have to rush to the toilet.   –    Yes  /  No

●      I have lost some feeling in one or both of my feet.   –    Yes  /  No

●      My medication makes me feel light-headed or sleepy.   –    Yes  /  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) 981-8810 to Fight the Fall.

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

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.

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. ETD is a condition where the eustachian tube fails to open or close properly, causing discomfort and various complications. However, this condition is treatable.

Our providers use a cutting edge treatment which 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. It is also effective for patients who have recurrent ear infections.

We understand how essential it is to address ETD successfully. That is why the expert team at Peoria Ear Nose and Throat 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 groundbreaking 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, restoring proper eustachian tube function. The balloon is then deflated and gently removed. Most patients experience very little pain and a quick recovery. 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.

The end of the year is a time to reflect, and we’re so thankful for our physicians, staff, and most importantly, our patients. For over 50 years, Peoria Ear, Nose and Throat has been serving Central Illinois for their audiology, allergy, and ENT needs. We also have a strong partnership with FYZICAL to provide our patients with balance, physical therapy, and orthopedic services.

Our providers work with state-of-the-art solutions and are specially trained to deliver excellence in patient care for disorders of the head and neck. From hearing disorders to sinus care, allergies or balance improvement, our staff is highly trained and dedicated to providing the best care for you.

Our patients say it best –

“Very professional and knowledgeable. Great customer service. Absolutely the best of the FOUR places that I have been over the years for hearing aids. Dr. Mona was awesome working with getting me the equipment that was best for my loss and personal situation.”

“Dr. Jill Pruvost led me through the most comprehensive audio examination I’ve ever had. I even got a good graph display on paper of the condition of my hearing issues. And, the front desk is very welcoming and helpful, too. I highly recommend them.”

“The staff was wonderful, the care provider was patient-focused, and my appointment was very thorough and productive, allowing me to get all my questions answered and the care I needed.”

“They were able to work me in very quickly, diagnose the problem with my ears & take care of them with one office visit. They use a very gentle suction device that works great to clean out impacted ear wax instead of the older water irrigation method. Very happy with the results!”

“They are very attentive and informative. They have done a great job explaining each step and the pros/cons of each treatment and procedure.”

Thank you for entrusting us with your ENT needs since 1970. We look forward to serving Central Illinois for another 50+ years!

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