Uncategorized Archives - Great Neck Ear, Nose, & Throat

Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A recent article in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery(Volume 172 Number 4 April 2025) indicates that sleep surgery significantly reduces the risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared to CPAP and no treatment. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea commonly experience daytime lethargy. If left untreated, daytime somnolence increases the […]

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Correction of deviated septum improves lung function

A recent study in the Laryngoscope Journal examined the effect of deviated nasal septum correction on pulmonary(lung) function. The study demonstrated that patients undergoing correction of a deviated nasal septum and inferior turbinate reduction performed better on pulmonary function tests following surgery. The study also demonstrated improved nasal airflow.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Motor Vehicle Accidents

A recent article in the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery journal compared the risk of motor vehicle accidents(MVAs) in patients treated with CPAP and patients treated with surgery(uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or hypoglossal nerve stimulation). According to a recent study, sleepiness behind the wheel accounts for 10-30% of fatal MVAs. The incidence of MVAs in sleep apnea patients

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Impact of Treatment of Nasal Obstruction on Sleep Quality

Nasal obstruction is very common, and is usually caused by allergies or nasal septal deviation. Both allergic rhinitis and nasal septal deviation impair quality of life by contributing to daytime sleepiness, cognitive decline, fatigue, and disrupting sleep. Persistent nasal obstruction can lead to mouth breathing. Opening of the mouth while sleeping causes retraction of the

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Inspire Implant Simplified

The Inspire Implant, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, was FDA approved in 2014 for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea for patients unable to tolerate treatment with CPAP. The implant was placed utilizing three incisions, one below the jaw for placement of the nerve stimulator, one in between the ribs for placement of the

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Health Benefits of Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the adult population. The most common symptoms are snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, and daytime lethargy. The health risks of untreated OSA are caused by the recurrent decrease in blood oxygen levels which strains the heart. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased

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New Treatment for Sleep Apnea

The Inspire implant is a new treatment available for patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea, who are unable to tolerate treatment with CPAP. The Inspire implant is a small device placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure. At bedtime, you activate a remote to turn the device on to open your airway while sleeping. The Inspire

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Hearing Better is Better for Your Brain

Hearing loss is a common problem, usually, but not always, associated with aging. 38 million Americans, more than ten percent of the population, experiences hearing loss. Only 25 percent of people over 80 wear hearing aids, yet 80 percent of them have significant hearing loss. Most of us are familiar with the obvious effects of

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Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a common disorder, affecting 24% of men and 9% of women between the age of 30 and 60. Snoring, gasping and daytime sleepiness are symptoms of OSA. OSA is caused by repeated upper airway collapse and obstruction during sleep. The complications associated with OSA are due to recurrent lowering of blood

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Better Breathing Through Your Nose

Breathing through your nose is better for your health. Humans are meant to naturally breath through the nose, which filters, warms, and humidifies the air that we breath. Habitual mouth breathing is associated with a host of medical issues, including sleep problems, dental decay, bad breath, and jaw malformation in children. Mouth breathing may also

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