What Causes Your Eardrum to Rupture?

Your eardrum is a protective barrier in your middle ear; it protects the rest of your ear from infection causing bacteria. It also plays a crucial role in hearing by vibrating against sound waves. 

With such a crucial role to your health and everyday life, protecting your eardrum is an important part of good ear care.

What happens if your eardrum ruptures? Aside from intense pain, you can also experience challenges with hearing and have a greater risk of infection. 

Read on to learn the causes of an eardrum rupture, potential treatment options, and how our ENT center in Nashville can help you heal.

What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum is called a tympanic membrane perforation, and it occurs when the eardrum tears. Much like the top of a real drum can be punctured, your eardrum’s outer layer can be torn. 

The ruptured eardrum can lead to pain, hearing loss, ear ringing (tinnitus), dizziness, and nausea. It also increases the risk of ear infection as bacteria is able to enter through the hole or tear. 

Potential causes of a ruptured eardrum include:

• A severe middle ear infection (acute otitis media)

• Perforation from a pointed object (like a Q-tip or bobby pin)

• Intense pressure changes inside the ear (barotrauma)

• Flying with an ear infection

Symptoms

It’s often easy to tell when you have a ruptured eardrum due to the sharp pain that causes it. However, some patients don’t realize their pain was caused by a rupture since it quickly subsides.

Here are the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum to watch out for:

• Sharp ear pain that disappears quickly

• Puss, mucus, or bloody drainage from your affected ear

• Persistent ringing or buzzing sound 

• Feeling dizzy or as though your head is spinning (vertigo)

• Hearing loss (sounds may appear far away or muffled) 

• Nausea or vomiting as a result of dizziness 

• Ear infection symptoms (pain, redness, discharge, hearing loss)

Diagnosing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to an ENT clinic right away. A professional can perform an exam using an otoscope, a specialized tool with a light that can help them see inside your ear.

While an otoscopic exam can diagnose an eardrum rupture, there may be reduced visibility due to wax or fluid buildup. In this case, the doctor will clean your ear canal and try again. They might also blow a puff of air into your ear to see if the eardrum moves. If it doesn’t, then it’s ruptured.

The doctor might also perform a hearing test to see how much the ruptured eardrum has impacted your hearing. Common hearing tests include listening to different pitches of sound through headphones, or listening to tones on a tuning fork.

The good news is that if you have hearing loss from a ruptured eardrum, it will likely heal by itself. Once the eardrum recovers, your hearing should return to normal.

How to Prevent

There are several ways you can protect your eardrum rupturing. Here are our top tips:

• Never insert foreign objects, like cotton swabs, in your ear to scratch an itch or clean out wax

• Avoid flying when you have an ear infection 

• Wear protective ear covers or earplugs when you are in environments over 85 dB

• Get treatment for any ear infection right away 

If you ever experience symptoms, the best thing to do is contact a professional. Avoid any over-the-counter treatments that involve inserting drops or objects into the ear. Medication may leak through the hole or tear and cause an infection.

Call OAT Today!

At Nashville ENT center, we provide rapid diagnosis, pain relief, and treatment to help you heal from a ruptured eardrum. The Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee (OAT) team is always here to help. 

Please call us at (615) 327-4449 or fill out this online form to schedule an appointment. 

Is It Safe to Fly With an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are painful and disruptive, but what happens when you have one and need to travel? Should you postpone your trip? In this post, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to fly with an ear infection, and what to do if you can’t postpone your trip.

When you fly on an airplane, it’s not unusual to feel your ears blocked or clogged up. They may also continue to “pop” as the pressure inside the cabin changes during take-off and landing. Under normal circumstances, this is nothing to worry about. The discomfort quickly resolves when the pressure stabilizes, and your hearing returns to normal.

With an ear infection, the pressure on your ears can be much more problematic. They can lead to intense pain that could lead to an eardrum rupture.

Flying’s Effects on the Ears

Whether you love it or hate it, flying is something that most of us will do at some point in our lives. When you take to the skies, a lot happens inside the aircraft that affects your ears.

Pressure inside the cabin changes with the plane’s altitude. The most notable differences are during take-off and landing. When the plane departs, the pressure on the outside of your body drops, which means the pressure in your ears will be higher. 

To release this pressure, air will pass through your ear’s Eustachian tubes. This results in the common ear popping many people report on aircrafts.

The pressure increases inside the plane’s cabin during landing. Air would have to be moved into the Eustachian tubes to restore balance, but this is harder to achieve because air would have to enter your ear rather than leave it. As a result, you might notice your ears feel clogged until you land and are on solid ground again. 

The Risks

Flying with an ear infection can lead to intense pain and a ruptured eardrum. This is due to increased pressure from inflammation and fluid build-up within the middle ear. You might also have reduced hearing during the flight as your eardrum may be pushed inward by the pressure. 

Flying with a clogged ear is uncomfortable, but it can also become painful for someone with an infection. 

In the worst case, you could experience hearing damage from a rupture due to intense pressure exerted on the eardrum.

How to Prevent Problems When Flying With an Ear Infection

The best way to avoid any risks is to avoid flying until your symptoms resolve. With the right ear care, you can get personalized treatment that helps clear up your infection fast. 

Most ear infections take between three to five days to heal, but some may last longer. After a course of antibiotics, you should be symptom-free within 10 to 14 days. 

If you have to fly, one thing you can do is try sucking on a candy, holding your nose, and swallowing. Do not try to pop your ears yourself as this can cause severe pain and increase your risk of a ruptured eardrum.

Contact OAT Today!

At our Nashville ENT and allergy clinic, we help patients make the best choices for their health. If you’re experiencing any signs of an ear infection, reach out to us today! You can schedule an appointment online by completing this online form.

When Is Throat Surgery Needed?

If you are like most people, you may take breathing and swallowing food for granted until you start experiencing an array of throat disorders. Anxiety is common when a medical professional confirms that you need throat surgery.

All the same, you will be obliged to accept surgery if it will aid in eliminating the symptoms that you experience. Patients are put through throat surgery because of compromised breathing, chronic sore throats, and injuries associated with the throat.

Keep reading to discover some of the most common reasons why throat surgery may be needed.

Tonsillectomy 

This type of throat surgery is performed on patients who suffer from frequent breathing difficulties, strep throat, and tonsillitis. These conditions mainly affect children rather than adults. 

The sole purpose of the tonsils is to aid the immune system while fighting infections. A proficient surgeon may find it necessary to remove the tonsils in a tonsillectomy process should throat conditions become the norm.

Tonsillectomy can treat other problems such as loud snoring, bleeding tonsils and breathing difficulties while sleeping.

Thyroidectomy

As you may know, the thyroid is a gland that produces hormones responsible for regulating digestion, mood, heart function, and metabolic rate. The thyroid gland is typically located near the bottom of the neck.

You will most likely undergo this surgery if you have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer or a goiter. Other conditions that warrant this type of surgery include breathing difficulties and problems swallowing due to thyroid nodules.

Parotidectomy

The parotid glands located below the ears are responsible for saliva production. Most parotid tumors are non-cancerous, but upon noticing them, it would be worthwhile to deal with them as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing tumors of the parotid gland, persistent neck swelling, hoarseness, or swallowing difficulties, it only makes sense to enlist the services of an ENT doctor. Upon conducting a comprehensive examination, they will determine whether parotid surgery is right for you.

To Remove the Uvula (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)

Commonly referred to as UPPP, this surgery is conducted at the back of the throat. The surgeon removes the throat's soft tissues alongside the uvula. If you are unaware of the uvula, that tissue hangs when you open your mouth.

In addition, this surgery combats situations that arise when one stops breathing, especially during the night for a few seconds (obstructive sleep apnea). A recent study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that if sleep apnea is not treated, it may lead to stroke or other fatal heart diseases.

Other reasons why a patient may need throat surgery

• In case of trauma or damage to one of the tissues, it needs to be repaired

• If there are signs of abnormalities in the soft palate or throat

• To remove tumors that may otherwise be blocking the airway

What activities should you undertake after throat surgery?

• It would be most beneficial if you avoided dusty or smoky environments. If you must work, ensure that you put on a mask

• Give yourself a grace period of 2 weeks before returning to work

• Avoid strenuous activities like exercise, running, and weight lifting until two weeks are over

• While keeping the throat moist and enhancing the healing process, drinking plenty of fluids regularly and running a cool-mist humidifier is imperative.

• Remember to sleep with your head elevated

Partner With a Specialist Who Is an Expert in Treating the Ear, Nose, and Throat

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above in your throat or neck, the wisest thing to do is consult a Nashville ENT and allergy clinic. Schedule a consultation with Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee (OAT) - a group of medical specialists committed to providing their patients with ear, nose, and throat care.

A team of experts is on standby to help you get compassionate and patient care tailored to your needs.

Why You Should Consider Allergy Testing

Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to something in your environment, such as pollen or pet dander. This overreaction can lead to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The best way to manage allergies is with allergy testing as a trained specialist will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your allergy. Still wondering if it’s right for you? 

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider allergy testing: 

1. You Have Food Allergies

2. You’re Experiencing an Abnormal Skin Condition

3. You’re Allergic to Common Airborne Allergens 

Interested in allergy testing? Contact OAT today to learn more about our services and request an appointment. 

You Have Food Allergies 

If you've ever had an allergic reaction to food, you know it can be scary. The effects of a food allergy can range from minor itching and redness to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Some people with food allergies experience skin symptoms such as hives or rash, itching, or swelling in the face. Respiratory symptoms include tightening of the airway, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. Your digestive system may also be affected, resulting in nausea or abdominal pain, and more. To test what you’re allergic to, your specialist will do a blood test to measure your immune system’s response to specific foods by measuring immunoglobulin E, the allergy-related antibody. 

You’re Experience an Abnormal Skin Condition

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies, and it usually affects the skin. Common contact allergens include latex, poison ivy, fragrances, or metals such as nickel. If you have contact dermatitis, you may experience itching and a rash that becomes swollen and forms hives. Your skin may also develop blisters with a burning sensation. 

With skin testing, your provider uses a thin needle to prick the skin on your forearm or back with 10 to 50 different potential allergens. Or your provider may place droplets of potential allergens onto your skin and use a device to scratch and lightly puncture the area, causing the liquid to enter your skin. Reactions such as redness typically occur within 15 minutes of exposure. This test checks for airborne allergies, food allergies, and penicillin allergies.

You’re Allergic to Common Airborne Allergens 

Did you know that allergens in the air are barely visible to the naked eye? Dust, pollen, and pet dander are some of the most common air allergens that cause allergic rhinitis or hay fever. This type of allergy may have symptoms similar to a cold: headaches, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose. Wheezing or shortness of breath, cough, and sore throat are also among its symptoms. With allergy testing, a specialist will be able to accurately pinpoint exactly what you’re allergic to and find solutions. 

Schedule Your Allergy Test with OAT 

Middle Tennessee is home to hundreds of potential airborne allergens and seasonal allergies are increasingly common. Our team of highly specialized allergists can successfully identify and treat your seasonal and airborne allergies. Once we’ve identified the offending allergens, we’ll design a custom program of treatment that may include OTC medications and lifestyle adjustments, prescription medications, environmental controls, or immunotherapy allergy treatments.

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Ways to Relieve Air Pressure on Your Next Flight

Do you feel discomfort or have your ears “pop” every time you fly somewhere? Ear pain during flight is pretty common, and can be caused by a few different things. First, air pressure is not able to equalize behind the eardrum, causing ear pain as the eardrum adjusts to the abnormal pressure changes. When the pressure equalizes behind the eardrum, we frequently say that the ears have popped. 

Normally when the plane is taking off and ascending, ear pain is not a problem because air can easily escape from behind the eardrum, through the eustachian tube, and into the throat. However, when the plane descends, air must be forced through the congested eustachian tube into the area behind the eardrum, which can be more difficult. Therefore, ear pain will almost always be experienced on descent if there is any problem at all.

Second, when your nose is congested (which often happens on long flights), it may be difficult for you to equalize pressure between your sinuses and your nose when descending in altitude—and this can lead to sinus pain as well!

 Luckily, there are a variety of ways to relieve air pressure on your next flight. That’s why we’ve put together this list that you can reference the next time you fly.

Some ways to relieve air pressure include: 

1. Use an Over-The-Counter Nasal Spray 

2. Stay Awake During Takeoffs and Landings 

3. Use Filtered Earplugs 

Looking for specialized ear care? Contact OAT today to learn more about our ear care services. 

Use an Over-The-Counter Nasal Spray 

If you're prone to nasal congestion, the best way to avoid it is by using a nasal spray.  It will help you clear your nasal passages and ensure proper sinus ventilation during and throughout your flight. The spray should be used about 30 minutes before takeoff and landing. However, as overuse of nasal sprays can cause congestion, so don't use them more than three days in a row. 

Stay Awake During Takeoffs and Landings 

If you can, don't sleep during takeoffs and landings. If you're awake during ascents and descents, you can do the necessary self-care techniques when you feel pressure in your ears. One of the best, and easiest, ways is by taking some deep breaths. Simply inhale deeply through your nose, hold for three seconds, then exhale through pursed lips or by blowing out as if trying to extinguish a candle flame. Repeat this sequence until you feel better.

Use Filtered Earplugs 

Another way to help you during your flight is by using filtered earplugs. They will equalize the pressure against your ear during accents and descents. Still be sure to yawn and swallow during your light to relieve pressure. 

When choosing ear plugs, consider the following:

• Size: Earplugs come in different sizes. Some people prefer smaller ones, while others prefer larger ones. You should try different sizes to see which you like best.

• NRR: Noise reduction rating (NRR) is a measure of how well an individual earplug blocks out sound. It ranges from 0 to 33 decibels with 0 being no protection and 33 being total protection from noise. An NRR of 30 or higher is recommended for most situations.

• Reusability: Some types of earplugs are reusable while others are disposable. Disposable earplugs should not be used more than one time as they may become dirty over time and lose their effectiveness at blocking out noise. Reusable earplugs can be cleaned regularly so they do not get dirty and continue working effectively even after repeated uses.

Let the Experts at OAT Help You 

If you’re suffering from hearing damage, hearing loss, or other hearing complications, the specialists at OAT are here to help you. 

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our services.

How to Keep Your Voice Healthy

Each of us has a unique voice. Whether you’re singing or talking, it’s important to keep your voice healthy. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, some signs that you may have a voice problem include raspiness, losing the ability to hit some high notes when singing, feeling that your voice sounds deeper, and having a raw or strained feeling. 

There’s a variety of things that can cause you to experience voice problems like an upper respiratory infection, vocal misuse and overuse, or growths on your vocal folds. 

Are you experiencing voice problems? 

Here are some ways you can keep your voice healthy: 

1. Hydrate Your Voice 

2. Avoid Harmful Substances 

3. Maintain Good Speaking & Singing Posture 

4. Watch Your Diet 

5. Give it a Rest 

Need professional help? Contact OAT today to learn more about our services. 

Hydrate Your Voice 

Keeping yourself hydrated is key to keeping your voice healthy. Most experts recommend drinking at least eight to ten eight-ounce glasses of water daily to ensure this. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re drinking more water if you’re dealing with conditions that may dehydrate you such as being in a very dry climate or taking medications like antihistamines or decongestants. If you’re looking to soothe your voice, you can also try things like tea with honey or ginger. 

Avoid Harmful Substances 

As you may know, you should avoid harmful substances like smoking cigarettes or vaping in order to protect your voice as it can irritate your vocal folds and cause cancer. You should also avoid things like spicy foods as they can cause stomach acid to move into your throat or esophagus and cause heartburn. If you have persistent heartburn or other issues, talk to your doctor about diet changes or medications that can help reduce flare-ups. 

Maintain Good Speaking & Singing Posture 

To maintain proper posture, you should stand up and place your feet so they’re evenly spaced on the ground in line with your shoulders. This allows you to stand straight up without hunching over or leaning back too far. When singing, Your hands should be relaxed and held still at your side. Keep them slightly away from your body to allow air to flow around you.You can also lean the weight of your body slightly forward, standing with your feet shoulder-length apart. You can put one foot just a tiny bit in front of the other for balance.

Watch Your Diet 

Just like keeping your voice hydrated with water is important, you’ll need to make sure you’re watching what you eat. Things like warm herbal tea, melons, and unsalted crackers are good for your voice while you should avoid things like milk, bacon, and citrus. To promote good muscle tone and endurance, you should be eating a balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of healthy fats and oils.                       

Give it a Rest 

As you may suspect, there is a clear link between your voice’s health and sleep. While you sleep, your cells regenerate and your body is able to build up your immune system. Without enough sleep, your body’s natural circadian rhythm is disrupted and increases the chances of you getting sick. Lack of sleep can also lead to things like your voice sounding rough and the inability to reach certain notes while singing. 

Let the Experts at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee 

It’s easy to take your voice, breathing, and your ability to swallow for granted. Should you ever experience difficulties, however, our team of specialists can diagnose and treat a wide array of throat and voice disorders. Our doctors are highly skilled in treating speech impediments, voice disorders, and even cancers of the throat and neck.Whether you’re singing in the shower or on a Nashville stage, our physicians can help you achieve the sound and vocal quality you’re seeking. Treatment options may range from behavioral changes to in-office procedures to surgery.

Ready for your voice to be heard? Contact OAT today to learn more about our throat and voice care services. 

How to Treat a Neck Injury

Depending on its severity, a neck injury can be debilitating and make it difficult to get through the day. Symptoms of a neck injury include general stiffness, decreased range of motion, headaches and dizziness, and numbness. If you’re dealing with a neck injury, there are a variety of ways you can help combat it on your own. 

Here are some ways you can treat your neck injury at home: 

1. Alternate Heat & Cold 

2. Consider How You Sleep 

3. Focus on Your Posture 

4. Use a Neck Brace or Collar 

5. Take Over-The-Counter Medication 

Need professional help? Contact the specialists at OAT today to learn more about how we can help you with your neck pain. 

Alternate Heat & Cold 

Heat and ice can both be used to alleviate neck pain and reduce swelling or inflammation. If you’re using ice instead of an ice pack, you should wrap it in a thin towel or cloth to keep it from injuring your skin. It should only be applied for 15 minutes at a time and used every three to four hours. For muscle pain, heat is a great way to help relax your neck by taking a hot shower or hot compress. 

Consider How You Sleep 

If the way you sleep is leading to an increase in neck pain, it could be coming from poor support, stress, or poor posture. As keeping your head aligned with your body is the best way to rest without further stress on your next, you should sleep with your head on the middle of your pillow. This can be done when sleeping on your side or on your back. 

To help you sleep better overall, you should consider replacing old mattresses or pillows and trying exercises that can reduce stress such as meditation or mindful breathing techniques. 

Focus on Your Posture 

Focusing on your posture will help reduce neck strain as you’ll be able to relieve muscles that have become tightened due to injury. Generally, if you’re having intense pain, it is typically localized in a spot such as the side of the neck or the base of the skull. Exercises you can try include:

• Neck rotation: To rotate your neck properly, start by slowly looking to the right and holding that position. Then, look straight ahead and resy. Be sure to repeat this at least 10 to 15 times, then perform the same actions on the left side.

• Shoulder Rolls: While standing or sitting, hold your arms at your sides with your elbows bent and try to squeeze your shoulders together. You’ll want to roll your shoulders back 10 to 15 times in a rowing motion  and be sure to keep your neck aligned properly during the process. 

• Chest Wall Stretches: Stand in a doorway and hold your arms out to your sides with your elbows bent and palms facing out. Place your elbows slightly below shoulder level against the door gram and lean your chest forward. Hold the stretch for about 20 to 30 second and repeat those actions 10 to 15 times. 

Use a Neck Brace or Collar 

While they’re not recommended for long term use as they can weaken the muscles in your neck, using a neck brace or collar temporarily can help reduce neck pain by adding support. It works by supporting the weight of your head while the soft tissues in your neck are able to heal. If you’re using one, you should consider the following guidelines to help keep yourself comfortable and safe:

• Check your skin for irritation anytime the brace or collar is removed.

• Keep your skin clean & dry and avoid things like powders and lotions as they can damage the pads.

• Clean the pads that touch your skin on a daily basis using mild soap. 

Take Over-The-Counter Medication 

If you’re dealing with excessive neck pain, pain relievers can help you. This includes ibuprofen like Advil or Motrin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), or acetaminophen like Tylenol. Be sure to only take the medications as directed as overuse can lead to serious side effects. If you continue to have severe pain, reach out to your health provider for prescription anti inflammatories or muscle relaxers. 

Let the Experts at OAT Help You 

At Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee, Our world-class head and neck surgeons treat many types of throat and neck disorders as well as benign and malignant tumors and growths originating in the head, neck, mouth, lymph nodes, larynx, thyroid, salivary glands, and more. Whether you have a neck mass impairing your swallowing, a painful salivary stone, or a tumor, OAT stands ready to evaluate your neck symptoms, diagnose your condition, and design a treatment protocol that addresses your needs. We strive to develop the least invasive but most effective treatment possible.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our services. 

Tips for Caring for Your Hearing Aid

Hearing aids are a powerful tool that helps people in both quiet and noisy situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 45 and older use a hearing aid, and hearing aid use has increased by 2.3% among those ages 45 to 64. If you use or are considering using a hearing aid, it’s important to know how to properly care for it so that it’s able to function effectively. 

But before we talk about care, let’s break down how your hearing aid works. Every hearing aid is made up of three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Sound comes in through the microphone which is then converted into electrical signals as sound waves and sends them to the amplifiers. The amplifier increases the sound’s volume and sends them to your ear through the speaker. 

Here are some tips for caring for your hearing aid: 

1. Be Careful in Excess Heat

2. Monitor Moisture & Water 

3. Avoid Shock & Vibration 

4. Schedule Regular Cleanings

Need a new hearing aid? Contact OAT today to learn more about our hearing services. 

Be Careful in Excess Heat 

Just like a phone with a battery that overheats in the summer, heat can impact your hearing aid. If it’s left somewhere like in a hot car, the heat can shorten the battery life. Excessive heat can also cause the plastic components of your hearing aid to melt. If you’re worried about heat, you can keep it in a protective case when not in use to avoid any damage. When storing it, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place. 

Monitor Moisture & Water 

Your hearing aid will also be affected by things like sweat, moisture, and water. For example, if you’re taking a hot shower, you’ll need to take off your hearing aid and store it in a separate room to keep moisture from getting into it. If it does come into contact with water, put it in a place where it can dry out at room temperature. Too much water can damage the internal components and cause them to stop working. 

Avoid Shock & Vibration 

Similarly to other electronics, hearing aids don’t respond well to shock or vibration. If you drop your hearing aid, it can cause its internal components to move around and become damaged. When not in use, make sure to put it in an area where it won’t be moved like in a case or in a cabinet. This prevents the risk of it being somewhere like on your nightstand where it can fall from a tall height. 

Schedule Regular Cleanings 

Regularly cleaning your hearing aid will ensure that it works properly and help you avoid potential damage. The most common tools for a hearing aid include a wax removal brush, dry cloth, wax pick, and vent cleaner. You’ll want to use the wax pick to clean any wax buildup but be sure to not use the wax pick around the microphone or receiver. This should be done once a week to avoid too much build-up. Then, you can run the vent cleaner through the opening to further remove any debris. Next, you’ll need to wipe it down with a soft cloth. 

If you’re having any problems cleaning your hearing aid or are scared of potentially damaging it, you can take it to a professional. They’ll also be able to make any repairs that you may have missed. 

Let the Experts at OAT Help You 

At OAT, our dedicated team of physicians are committed to meeting all your hearing needs, protection, prevention, and enhancement, through every stage of your life. Our graduate-level, licensed Audiologists work closely with our team of physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure you get the personalized care you deserve. As our patients continue to prefer a comprehensive approach to their hearing healthcare; and therefore, our office offers an affordable, bundled model to deliver hearing devices and audiological services to meet their everyday listening needs. 

Need help with your hearing aid or other hearing services? Contact OAT today and let our specialists help you. 

How to Take Care of Your Sinuses in the Fall

While you may hear a lot about allergies in the springtime, they’re common in the fall as well. With seasonal pollen and a change in weather, sinus infections are increasingly common. According to the American college of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 50 millions Americans experience allergies each year and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ways you can take care of your sinuses and keep yourself healthy.

Here are some ways you can take care of your sinuses: 

1. Drink Plenty of Water

2. Use Nasal Irrigation 

3. Get Enough Rest 

4. Regularly Change the Air Filters in Your Home 

5. Use Over-The-Counter Remedies as Needed

Contact us today to learn how our specialists can help you with your sinus problems. 

Drink Plenty of Water 

In order to keep your nasal passages clear and prevent the build up of too much mucus, you’ll need to be sure to drink plenty of water. This will prevent stagnant mucus from building up in your sinuses and lungs and prevent your nasal passages from drying up.  

Use Nasal Irrigation 

Rinsing out your sinuses is a great way to remove irritating particles and allergen from your nasal passage. This can be done using a saline solution which is a mix of water and table salt. For example, you can boil two cups of water for 15 minutes and once cooled, you can add a teaspoon of salt until it’s dissolved. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. 

Get Enough Rest 

Everyone knows that not getting enough sleep affects your health. But did you know that it has a big impact on your sinuses? Lack of sleep leads to a decrease in immune function and gives your body less time to recover what it may be going through. Generally, it’s best to get at least six to eight hours every night. 

Regularly Change the Air Filters in Your Home 

Pollutants in the air like hair spray, harsh cleaning products, and cigarette smoke can all make your problems worse. You can also bring in polluted air into your home if you’re frequently leaving the windows open. Air filters will help clear the air as they're designed to filter out contaminants and reduce particles that contain viruses. To best remove moisture and pollutants from the air, it’s recommended that you change your air filter every 90 days. 

Use Over-The-Counter Remedies as Needed 

Taking over-the-counter medications is a way to help combat and reduce your symptoms if other methods haven’t helped. 

Here are some over-the-counter remedies you should consider using: 

• Decongestants: Nasal or oral decongestants can help reduce the amount of mucus in your lungs and nasal passages. This will help with things like difficulty breathing through your nose and aching lungs from frequently coughing. However, be sure to limit the amount of medicine you take as it can lead to side effects or complications like dizziness and high blood pressure.

• Antihistamines: This medicine is designed to block or limit the activity of histamine, a substance your body produces during an allergic reaction. This can help with things like a runny nose or hay fever.

• Expectorants: Another way of dealing with mucus is through expectorants which is found in many cold and flu medications. As it makes mucus thinner, it’s easier for your body to get rid of. 

Need help with your sinuses? Contact the experts at OAT today to learn more about our services and start combating your nasal and sinus problems. 

What to Expect When Visiting a Hearing Clinic

While the idea of going to a hearing clinic can be scary, there is nothing to worry about. Testing your hearing is a painless process and ensures that you have a plan for maintaining your hearing or creating solutions to solve any hearing loss. 

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, over thirty-seven million American adults ages eighteen and older report some trouble hearing. They’ve also reported that about 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. 

Here are a few things to expect when visiting a hearing clinic: 

1. Hearing History 

2. Physical Ear Exam 

3. Hearing Testing 

4. Treatment Plan 

Contact OAT today to learn more about our hearing services. 

Hearing History 

Every hearing evaluation with a new patient starts with going over your hearing history. That allows your specialist to know if you’re regularly around loud noises like working in construction, going to concerts, or any other activities. They’ll also go over your health and family history. As reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, fifty to sixty percent of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. Sometimes, both your environment and genetics can create hearing loss. An example of this is a medication creating hearing loss which may only occur in those who have certain genetic mutations. Another factor you’ll discuss is whether you’ve had any physical injuries or surgeries that could have impacted your hearing. 

Physical Exam

Doing a physical ear exam lets your specialist check if any hearing problems are being caused by a blockage from built-up earwax. They’ll also check for any tears in your eardrum, inflammation or fluid buildup. 

Hearing Testing

Next, you’ll do a hearing test. There are a variety of tests your specialist can do to check if you’ve experienced any hearing loss. Below are the five main types: 

Pure-Tone Testing 

This test is familiar for most people if you’ve ever gotten your hearing tested at school or a doctor's office. Often called a “beep” test, this allows your doctor to find the quietest frequency you can hear. 

Speech Testing 

Your audiologist may do a speech test to see how well you hear and repeat words. They can also compare these results to the pure-tone test and confirm any issues with your hearing. 

Tests of the Middle Ear 

Your ear is made up of three parts – the outer, middle, and inner ear. Your middle ear contains the Eustachian tube, a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear, and is responsible for sounds going from your outer ear to your inner ear and brain. Tympanometry tests how well your eardrum moves by putting in a small probe, similar to an earphone, and pushing air into your ear. This allows your specialist to see the results on a graph and know if there are any problems, such as a tear, within your middle ear.  

Auditory Brainstem Response 

This test allows you to know how your inner ear, the cochlea, and brain pathways are working. It’s typically done on young children as they’re unable to communicate during their tests. It’s also used for symptoms that may be related to hearing loss in the brain or in a brain pathway. As explained by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the test is done using electrodes that are stuck to your skin and connected to a computer. By wearing earphones, the electrodes record your brainwave's response to various sounds and record it on the computer. The results are then printed out and allow you to see if there are any instances of hearing loss. 

Otoacoustic Emissions

This test checks for any blockage or hearing loss by measuring otoacoustic emissions, why are sounds given off by the inner ear when responding to a sound. The sound in the inner ear is created by hair cells that vibrate in response to outside sounds and quietly echo back into the middle ear. If your hearing loss is greater than 25–30 decibels, you won’t produce these soft sounds. You’ll also be unable to produce these sounds if you have a blockage because it won’t allow for any vibration to occur. Like the auditory brainstem response test, it’s done by listening to sounds, such as through an earphone, and automatically records the results on a monitor. 

Treatment Plan

If your hearing is at a healthy level, you’ll typically be advised to come back for a regular check-up within the next year. If you’ve experienced hearing loss, your specialist will come up with the best treatment plan for your condition. This can include things like getting fitted for a hearing aid or a plan for a cochlear implant. Every plan and timeline is different as it’ll be tailored to your specific needs. 

Evaluate Your Hearing with the Experts at OAT

At Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee, we make the process easy. We provide a respectful, patient-focused approach in a warm atmosphere with the simple goal of giving you the best care possible. 

While there is no magic wand to fix each hearing problem, most hearing health issues can be treated. A proper ear, nose, and throat doctor can address your hearing needs, prevention, maintenance, and enhancement. Whether you need hearing aids or another type of device, our team of doctors and nurse practitioners at OAT works together to ensure you get the individual attention you deserve. 

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, hearing issues, hearing loss, or diseases, OAT can help:

• Hearing loss

• Ear infections

• Ear tubes

• Swimmer’s ear

• Ear wax removal

• Tinnitus

• Vertigo

• Eustachian tube dysfunction

• Meniere’s disease

• Ruptured eardrums

• Eardrum holes

• Mastoiditis

• Hearing aids

• Tinnitus maskers

• Hunters plug

• In-ear monitors

• Musicians’ plugs

• Custom ear molds

Ready to plan your visit? Contact us today to learn more about our hearing services and get started. 

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often happens gradually and without someone noticing. According to the World Health Organization, over one and a half billion people globally live with hearing loss. They’ve also found that more than one billion young people, those twelve to thirty-five years old, are at risk for hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds. There’s also an increased risk as you get older and may naturally begin to lose hearing. 

Hearing loss can impact your daily life by causing social withdrawal, a drop in your self-esteem or self-confidence, and the inability to follow everyday conversation. 

Here are some common causes of hearing loss: 

1. Exposure to Loud Noises 

2. Punctured Eardrum 

3. Trauma or Injury 

4. Age-Related Hearing Loss 

Exposure to Loud Noises

Exposure to loud noises has been found to be the most common cause of hearing loss. Noise from activities like attending concerts, using a lawn mower, or hunting can all potentially damage the inner ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. 

To prevent this, it’s recommended that you wear earplugs and keep sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) when possible. As the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states, a normal conversation has a 60-70 dBA. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes to cause hearing damage.

Punctured Eardrum

A number of factors can cause damage to your eardrum with one of the most common factors being an ear infection. When your eardrum is punctured, it causes a hole or tear in the tissue that separates your ear canal from the ear drum. While it can sometimes heal without treatment, it can potentially require surgery to fix and lead to permanent hearing damage. By visiting an audiologist, they’ll be able to determine your hearing level by having you listen to a variety of tones. 

Trauma or Injury

Hearing loss often happens during a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion, due to excessive force. According to Healthy Hearing, nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls, followed by car accidents and assaults. This can lead to a variety of auditory problems such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and/or noise sensitivity. Visiting a specialist after a brain-related trauma or injury is key to preventing any further hearing damage and finding the right treatment for you. 

Age-Related Hearing Loss 

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, happens gradually as one gets older. You may notice this if you have trouble following conversations, have started to turn your music or TV up to a louder volume, or often find yourself asking someone to repeat themselves. However, there are ways to treat hearing loss such as through hearing aids, assistive devices, and training in speech-reading.

Let OAT Hearing Services Help You 

At Otolaryngology Associates Tennessee our team of experts can evaluate your hearing and recommend a course of action such as hearing aids. We’re also happy to work with you to suggest protective measures to protect and maintain your hearing.

In our multiple locations throughout the greater Nashville area, we strive to uphold our heritage of community awareness and accessibility. In addition to our physician office visits, we offer a full range of ENT-related services such as hearing testing and hearing aid fitting, allergy testing and treatment, custom ear molding, cancer treatments, and pediatric otolaryngology. 

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, hearing issues, hearing loss, or diseases, OAT can help:

• Hearing loss

• Ear infections

• Ear tubes

• Swimmer’s ear

• Ear wax removal

• Tinnitus

• Vertigo

• Eustachian tube dysfunction

• Meniere’s disease

• Ruptured eardrums

• Eardrum holes

• Mastoiditis

• Hearing aids

• Tinnitus maskers

• Hunters plug

• In-ear monitors

• Musicians’ plugs

• Custom ear molds

Contact us today to learn more about how OAT can help you. 

How a Pediatric ENT can Help Your Child

Children often get sick as it takes time for their immune system to develop and protect them from everyday bacteria and viruses. Whether it's an ear infection, cold, or cough, it’s important to have an ear, nose, and throat specialist as part of your child’s care team to keep them healthy. 

While some illnesses may go away with time or with over-the-counter medication, your child can still benefit from seeing a specialist. 

Here are a few ways a pediatric ENT can help your child: 

1. Chronic Ear Infections 

2. Hearing Loss, Speech, and Language Problems 

3. Sinus Infections 

Chronic Ear Infections 

According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, five out of six children will have an ear infection by their third birthday. It’s also the most common reason why parents bring their child to a doctor. This happens because, during the first four years of a child’s life, their Eustachian tube is still developing which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and is responsible for draining fluid and equalizing ear pressure in one’s ears. A child’s Eustachian tube is also shorter and straighter than an adult’s which makes it easier for fluids to become trapped there. 

If your child suffers from chronic or recurring ear infections, a pediatric ENT can assess their symptoms and create the best treatment plan for their unique situation. It’s recommended that you take your child to a specialist if their symptoms worsen, last longer than three days, and or cause their hearing to be impacted. 

Contact us to learn more about how we can help your child. 

Hearing Loss, Speech, and Language Problems 

There are a variety of factors that can cause your child to have speech problems such as a cleft palate, problems with their teeth, and hearing loss. The preferred specialist for your child is a pediatric ENT as they’ll be able to run the appropriate tests and find the potential causes of hearing loss or speech problems. They’ll also be able to monitor your child’s speech milestones and if their development is on track for their age. 

Sinus Infections 

Does your child often have a runny nose or congestion? These symptoms are common and can happen more often if they’re in school or at a daycare. While colds are viral infections that go away with time, they can sometimes lead to serious problems like sinus infections. 

A sinus infection happens when fluids build up in your sinuses and causes bacteria to grow. If your child’s symptoms get worse after improving or last more than ten days, it’s recommended that you take your child to a specialist. Especially as sinus infections can lead to other severe illnesses such as vision problems or meningitis. 

Let OAT Help Your Child

At OAT, we treat each and every child as if they were our own. We provide cutting-edge routine and specialty care for ear, nose, and throat disorders and diseases in children. Our practice has generations of experience treating the children of Middle Tennessee.

Whether your child suffers from tongue tie, chronic ear infections, tonsillitis, allergies, or hearing loss, we can help. OAT offers a wide range of in-office diagnostic tools and procedures and our board-certified specialists compassionately work with you and your child to find the right course of treatment.

We provide a full array of pediatric ear, nose, and throat services and treatments for the following:

• Chronic or recurring ear infections

• Ear tubes

• Hearing screening and testing

• Balance disorders

• Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric sleep apnea

• Tonsils and adenoids

• Pediatric allergies

• Pediatric sinusitis

• Pediatric head and neck tumors

• Speech and language disorders

• Tongue tie

• Swallowing disorders

Contact us today to learn more about our pediatric ENT services.