There have been numerous reports confirming the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Age related hearing loss is common and can affect interpersonal communication, independence, health and quality of life. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive impairment. It is recommended that all individuals older than 50 years be screened for […]
Hear Well to Think Clearly Read More »
Coughs are common, and not just limited to the winter season. Coughing is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Most coughs are caused by viral illnesses, and will resolve without treatment, although the cough often persists long after the illness has resolved. Allergies are a common cause of coughing this time of year. Persistent coughing may
Dementia is an increasingly common problem in our aging population. With advances in medical treatment, people are living longer, and are at increased risk of developing dementia. Current pharmacologic approaches to treating dementia have demonstrated very limited success. Strategies to prevent the onset of dementia would be more effective in reducing the associated costs and
Age-Related Hearing Loss is a Risk Factor For Dementia Read More »
Nosebleeds are fairly common, approximately 15% of people will have a nosebleed(epistaxis) at some point in their lives. During the winter season, nose bleeds are especially common, because of increased dryness. The nose is lined with delicate mucous membranes which have a rich blood supply, and winter dryness causes the membranes to dry out, crack,
Why You Get Nose Bleeds Read More »
When I was in training during the 1980’s, most of the head and neck cancers we encountered were ‘lifestyle’ related. Typically the patients were smokers and many consumed alcohol on a regular basis as well. Most of the cancers we diagnosed were in the voice box(larynx). Over the past several years, we are experiencing a
Laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) is responsible for a number of throat symptoms in many cases. Chronic cough, mucous sensation in the throat, throat clearing, hoarseness and a foreign body sensation in the throat may be caused by LPR, a condition in which the throat is exposed to the acidic contents of the stomach. When LPR is suspected,
Treating Reflux With Diet Read More »
Snoring is generally considered to be a nuisance problem for the sleep partners of the 40% of adults who snore. Â Sleep is disrupted and relationships are strained. Â More importantly, recent evidence suggests that snoring may be associated with cardiovascular health risks, even in the absence of obstructive sleep apnea. There are indications that the vibrations
Snoring May Be Dangerous to Your Health Read More »
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicates that men and women are affected differently by sleep disorders. Â Women are more likely to have trouble sleeping, have excessive daytime sleepiness, and more severe symptoms of depression. Â Disordered sleep has a greater affect in women than men in their ability to concentrate and
Sleep Disorders Impact Men and Women Differently Read More »
The arrival of the summer season brings an increase in the incidence of swimmer’s ear.  Swimmer’s ear(acute otitis externa) is a painful condition resulting from infection of the outer ear.  Water gets trapped in the ear canal, and bacterial or fungal organisms can infect the thin skin lining.  You don’t have to go swimming to get swimmers ear,
People often feel “fuzzy headed” when they are congested.  Studies have documented that children with untreated allergies perform worse in school.  Nasal congestion affects the quality of sleep, which can lead to daytime lethargy.  In addition, nasal inflammation triggers the release of cytokines which can affect the ability to think and perform. There are many causes
It’s Hard to Think Clearly With a Stuffy Nose Read More »
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