The following content is created in consultation with Cooper University Health Care. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Philadelphia's editorial staff. To learn more about Cooper University Health Care, visit cooperhealth.org.
From sinus issues to hearing loss, many of our most nagging and disruptive ailments begin in our ears, nose, and throat. And while most aren’t life threatening, they can negatively affect our lives and the lives of those around us (as anyone with a partner suffering from sleep apnea can attest!).
This is where the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors of Cooper University Health Care come in. As the leading academic ENT provider in South Jersey, Cooper’s ENT team of five fellowship trained physicians treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions that affect our hearing, balance, sinuses, speech, swallowing, and breathing. They also perform a broad range of surgeries, from tonsillectomy and septoplasty to complex head and neck surgeries, all while using the latest innovative, minimally invasive surgical techniques.
To learn more about ENT issues, specifically ear issues and hearing loss, join Cooper’s own Dr. Meghan Pavlick (Director of Audiology and Balance Services) and Dr. Donald Solomon (Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology) on Wednesday, June 1 for their free webinar, “Keeping Your Ears and Hearing in Check.”
But what if you are suffering from symptoms right now? Should you see an ENT doctor ASAP? While it’s always a good rule of thumb to consult a physician when you notice any ailment, the following are five telltale signs that you should book an appointment with your ENT specialist today.
- Sore Throat
If a sore throat lingers after you’ve seen your primary care doctor and treated it with antibiotics then it’s time to see an ENT specialist. Irritation could stem from your sinuses or even your upper digestive track, and sometimes the condition can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing and/or losing your voice. - Hearing Loss
There can be numerous reasons why we suffer from hearing loss as we age. From fluid and wax buildup in the ear canal to tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ear, often caused by listening to excessively loud music), difficulty hearing is a strong reason to see your ENT specialist ASAP. - Headaches
Chronic headaches can be a sign that your sinuses are blocked and need to be treated. When our sinuses become inflamed they do not drain properly and the resulting pressure causes us to have headaches. - Congestion
Congestion can be a big culprit this time of year, as seasonal allergies can be exacerbated by this condition. If you suffer from headaches that are accompanied or compounded by dizziness, see your doctor. You could also be suffering from a deviated septum. - Snoring
Airway blockage often causes snoring, known as sleep apnea in extreme cases. The disorder is a result of being unable to breath properly, with extended pauses and shallow breaths causing those afflicted to snore in loud fits and starts. Sleep apnea not only translates into a fitful night of sleep (for you and your partner), but it can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions.
For more ENT tips and useful insights, join Dr. Pavlick and Dr. Solomon on Wednesday, June 1st when NBC10.com hosts a free Healthy You webinar, “Keeping Your Ears and Hearing in Check.” Register here.
