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Living with Hyperacusis: Understanding and Managing Sensitive Hearing in Plymouth, CT

February 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Imagine a world where every day sounds like running water, rustling leaves, or even the hum of a dishwasher are not just noticeable—they’re excruciating. For people with hyperacusis, this is their reality. This rare condition affects how the brain processes sound, turning ordinary noise into a source of pain and discomfort. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of hyperacusis and how it impacts the lives of those who live with it.

How to Protect Your Voice During Cold and Flu Season in Wolcott, CT

February 4, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

As cold and flu season approaches, many people find themselves battling sore throats, congestion, and persistent coughs. For those who rely on their voice—whether for work, singing, or daily communication—these illnesses can be particularly frustrating. Protecting your voice during this time is essential to prevent strain and long-term damage. Here are some practical tips to keep your voice healthy and strong throughout the season.

Understanding GERD and LPR: Key Differences, Symptoms, and Solutions for Lasting Relief in Wolcott, CT

January 22, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Acid reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when this acid flow remains in the esophagus, leading to classic heartburn symptoms. At the same time, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when stomach acid travels further up, reaching the throat or voice box. GERD and LPR may have overlapping symptoms, including heartburn, throat soreness, hoarseness, and a sensation of a “lump” in the throat.

The Sticky Truth About Earwax in Ansonia, CT | When to Clean, When to Leave It Alone, and When to See a Doctor

December 5, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Earwax, or cerumen, naturally protects your ears by catching dust and repelling water. It often cleans itself out through jaw movements like chewing. However, attempting to remove it with cotton swabs can push it deeper, causing blockages and potential damage, so opt for safe removal methods or seek professional help when needed. Please contact Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630 to schedule an appointment.

Protecting Your Ears at Altitude from Barotrauma: Tips for Air Travel and Diving in Middlebury, CT

November 26, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

If you’ve ever felt ear discomfort while flying or diving, you’re not alone. Ear problems, particularly barotrauma, are some of travelers’ most frequent medical issues. Whether cruising at high altitudes or diving deep underwater, sudden changes in pressure can strain your ears, causing pain, hearing difficulties, and, in some cases, more severe complications.  Please contact Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630 to set up an appointment.

Understanding Dysgeusia | When Taste Goes Awry in Seymour, CT

September 26, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Have you ever noticed that your favorite foods suddenly taste off or that everything has a metallic flavor? You might be experiencing Dysgeusia, a condition where your taste perception is altered. This issue is more common than you might think, affecting up to 17% of adults in the United States. Contact us at (203) 578-4630 to schedule an appointment.

Behind the Eardrum: Navigating Cholesteatoma in Southbury, CT

September 6, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

The Naugatuck Valley ENT team can manage cholesteatoma through various methods. Typically, complete removal of the skin or cyst requires surgical intervention. Before surgery, we may need to carefully clean your ear and prescribe medications to stop the drainage. These medications can be oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, or both. Keeping the ear dry during this treatment period is advised. Contact Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630 to schedule an appointment.

The Dizzy Dilemma: Understanding and Managing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in Oxford, CT

August 6, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Do you ever experience a sudden, spinning sensation or dizziness when you change the position of your head? It may happen when you turn over in bed, lie flat on your back, look up, or bend down. The sensation might feel intense and last longer than it does, often just a few seconds. If this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, commonly known as BPPV.

The Ringing Truth: Exploring Tinnitus in Shelton, CT

July 23, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Tinnitus is a common condition where individuals experience ringing, buzzing, or other noises in their ears without any external sound source. More than 50 million Americans have encountered tinnitus at some point. For many, this is a temporary and minor inconvenience. Still, for about 20% of these individuals, tinnitus can be a persistent and bothersome issue that significantly impacts their quality of life and functional health.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) Explained: Causes and Treatments in Ansonia, CT

June 30, 2024 /0 Comments/in /by

Swimmer’s Ear, or otitis externa, is a painful condition affecting the outer ear and ear canal. This condition often results from water getting trapped in the ear, leading to infection, inflammation, or irritation. Swimmer’s ear is particularly common among swimmers, but it can affect anyone, especially those with specific skin conditions or those who frequently use ear devices like earbuds or hearing aids. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swimmer’s ear and provide prevention tips.