Hearing loss in children
What is hearing loss in children? Hearing loss is when any part of the ear is not working the way it should. This includes the outer, middle and inner as well as the hearing nerve and portion of the brain dedicated to hearing. Significant hearing loss is uncommon in newborns and young children. However, nearly […]
Why does your new-born need to be screened for hearing loss? The benefit of screening your new-born for hearing loss is the early detection leading to early treatment. The outcome of early treatment is appropriate speech, better social skills and mental development. Suspicion of the child’s hearing ability by the parents or family and friends […]
What is a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy? Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Tonsils are 2 Macademia nut-sized masses at the back of the throat. Adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoids. Adenoids are soft tissue at the back of the throat. They are higher than the tonsils. Removal of the adenoids and tonsils is […]
Overview Sleep is not just a time when the mind and body shut down. Sleep is an active period in which a lot of important processing, restoration, and strengthening occurs. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is feeling sleepy, tired or fatigued during day light hours, when most people are awake and alert. This should not be […]
CPAP
What is CPAP? CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s a device attached to the nose or face. It is a popular treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep your breathing airways open while you sleep. How do I know if I need CPAP? When evaluating sleep apnea, your otolaryngologist may ask the […]
What is obstructive sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep, hence limiting the amount of air reaching the lungs. When this happens, the body and brain becomes oxygen deprived and you wake up, even though you might not be conscious at each awakening. […]
Snoring in adults
What is snoring? Snoring is a harsh sound produced by vibration of the soft tissues of the upper airway during sleep. It usually occurs during breathing in, but can also occur during breathing out. Habitual snoring is common, more common in males than females and increases with increasing age. Occasional snoring is almost universal What […]
Globus sensation
Disclosure All topics are reviewed as new information becomes available. Topic last updated 12th October 2017 What is globus sensation? This is a persistent or on and off sensation of a lump or foreign body stuck in throat. Some others describe it as scratchy, throbbing or tense. It is not painful but it is annoying. […]
What is LPR? Laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a condition where stomach contents including acid flow back and up into the throat. Women, men, infants, and children can all have gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or LPR. Many patients with LPR do not experience the symptom of heartburn associated with GERD. While GERD and LPR may occur together, […]
Sore throat
Overview Sore throats, medically termed pharyngitis, are a common complaint especially in children. They are commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Other less common causes of sore throat are serious and some life-threatening. Although sore throats usually clear up on their own without complications, they sometimes need a prescription of antibiotics. What are the common […]