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…
What is an Ear Infection?
Known medically as otitis media, an ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear. It is the result of fluid becoming trapped behind the eardrum, usually because of a virus or bacteria. While anyone of any age can develop an ear infection, they are much more common in children than in older adults. In…
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a form of dizziness characterized by the feeling that you or your environment is moving or spinning, despite the lack of any actual movement. This sensation is brought on by disturbances in the inner ear or the brain. Types of Vertigo Peripheral Vertigo Peripheral vertigo is associated with problems in the inner ear….
Are Cotton Swabs Dangerous?
You were taught in school about the dangers of smoking, drinking, getting in cars with strangers etcetera, etcetera. But where was the public service announcement about the dangers of sticking something soft and fluffy in your ear? That’s right, I’m talking about cotton swabs. Your Portland audiologist would be the first to tell you that…
The Importance of Real-Ear Verification
If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss in Portland and your audiologist recommends hearing aids as a treatment solution, you will invariably undergo a fitting. This is the process in which your audiologist will program your hearing aids to your specific hearing loss in order to maximize their performance. As crucial as the hearing…
