What to Know About Ear Stroke
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), often referred to as an “ear stroke,” is a medical condition characterized by a sudden loss in hearing, which can affect one or both ears. This hearing loss can occur abruptly or occur gradually over the course of a few days. Without timely treatment, ear strokes can result in either…
Understanding the Inner Ear and Its Effect on Hearing and Balance
The inner ear, though small, is a complex system responsible for maintaining hearing and balance. Let’s delve into the anatomy of the inner ear to understand better how damage to it can lead to hearing loss and balance disorders. The Auditory and Balance Systems The inner ear is made up of two systems: auditory and…
What to Know About Hearing Loss Surgeries
Nearly 30 million individuals aged 12 or older are affected by hearing loss in the United States. Depending on the type of hearing loss, treatment options may vary. In some cases, surgery can be used to restore hearing, implant cochlear devices or repair parts of the ear. Let’s consider some conditions that may require…
What To Know About Fluctuating Hearing Loss
Fluctuating hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that causes the severity of hearing loss appear to change over time, improving and worsening. This condition can be a symptom of either conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss. Fluctuating hearing loss in children can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to develop…
Why Do Your Ears Pop on a Plane?
If you’ve ever taken a flight out of the Portland International Airport, you may have noticed a strange popping sensation in one or both of your ears. Although this popping sensation is rarely painful, it can cause discomfort during a long flight. Let’s take a look at why that popping sensation occurs and what you…
Do You Have a “Clicky” Ear?
Does your ear ever produce a clicking or popping noise that affects both your hearing and balance? While alarming, there are answers. This is a classic symptom of Eustachian tube dysfunction. What Are Eustachian Tubes? This small tube connects your ears to the back of your throat (known as the nasopharynx) and is responsible for…
Which Hearing Professional Should You See?
Which Hearing Professional Should You See? There are lots of different types of medical professionals who specialize in ears, and determining which is right for your needs can be confusing. Below is a list of various specialists you may see for ear- or hearing-relating problems, what their credentials are and how they can help you….
How to Clean Your Ears
Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a naturally-occurring substance that plays an important role in ear health. It lubricates the ear canal to keep the skin from becoming dry and itchy and also traps bacteria and debris to prevent infection. The ears are self-cleaning in that earwax typically works its way out of the ears…
Treating Ear Infections Naturally: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?
Apple cider vinegar is a household staple in Portland, but its uses extend far beyond cooking. People use it as a deodorizer, cleaner and facial toner; as bait for fruit flies, a weed-killer and wart remover; and, yes, it serves as a great base for a vinaigrette. With so many widespread uses, would you really…
What Causes Ear Infections?
Portland parents with young children are probably familiar with many kid-related activities: trips to the zoo, carnival rides and Elephant Ears at the Rose Festival, and visits to the ENT clinic for help with ear infections. The sad fact is, children are extremely susceptible to ear infections; they are the number one reason parents take…
