When you begin to lose your hearing, you may not notice it at first. As the loss increases, however, both you and your family will observe some changes. Your Wayne, NJ, ENT physician, Dr. Frank Kardos, helps patients pinpoint the nature of their hearing problems and discover the best path to better hearing. Are you struggling with this common health issue?

Expressions of hearing loss

Healthy Hearing reports that 15 percent of American adults have some type of difficulty with their hearing. They may experience difficulty hearing conversations, constantly hear a buzzing or roaring sound (tinnitus), or have to regularly turn up the TV volume. As symptoms escalate, hearing loss sufferers frequently withdraw from social situations, leading to depression and issues with cognition.

Causes of hearing loss

Many factors contribute to hearing loss. Most people believe it is part of the natural aging process, and while research bears this out, other things play a role, too. Examples are:

• Repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Injury
• Ototoxicity (prescription drugs)
• Diabetes
• Head injury
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Measles, mumps, and shingles

Additionally, simple mechanical problems may occur within the structure of the ear itself, including:

• Accumulation of wax
• Eardrum perforation
• Fracture of the bones in the middle ear
• Fluid build up in the middle ear (from frequent infections)

Dr. Kardos will review your symptoms, inspect your ear canal with a lighted otoscope and recommend some testing with his in-house audiologist. As needed, he may advise imaging, such as an MRI, to rule out tumors associated with the acoustic nerve and other structural abnormalities.

Common treatments at our Wayne office

Much depends on whether you have sensori-neural, conductive (involving the outer, middle, or inner ear structure) or a mixed hearing problem. Hearing aids are a great help, and with today's digital technology, they are smaller and more effective than ever.

Fluid drainage surgery may be an option as are antibiotics for infection and ear wax removal. Some tumors of the auditory nerve (acoustic neuromas) may be surgically removed or simply observed for signs of change. Dr. Kardos and his team will formulate the care plan most effective for you and your type of hearing loss.

Contact us!

If you are experiencing hearing issues or it's simply time for a routine audiology check-up, please contact your otolaryngologist, Dr. Frank Kardos, at his Wayne, NJ, office. The number is (973) 956-1200!

Many people experience dizziness on occasion and most of the time there is nothing to be concerned about. It is important to see an ear, nose and throat doctor, though, if you are experiencing severe or ongoing dizziness. Persistent or severe dizziness is sometimes a sign of other health concerns or conditions, such as an inner ear infection or vertigo. Dr. Frank Kardos is your ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor for the treatment of dizziness in Wayne, NJ.

Causes of Dizziness

The sensation of feeling dizzy often results when our brains perceive us to be off balance. The inner ear sends signals to the brain that help with maintaining a sense of balance. The signals provide the brain with information about the body’s movements and positioning. A feeling of dizziness can occur when the signals from the inner ear misfire or are blocked and do not make it to the brain. Additionally, ear infections, poor circulation, neurological problems, and other conditions can interfere with the signals as they travel to the brain, which can lead to dizziness.

There are several common causes of dizziness. An ENT doctor can diagnose the cause of your dizziness and recommend an appropriate treatment. Specific conditions that can produce a sensation of dizziness include:

• Migraines
• Meniere’s Disease
• Acoustic Neuroma
• Inner ear infections
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Treatments for Dizziness

Occasional instances of dizziness that are infrequent do not necessarily require treatment, but persistent dizziness should be treated promptly by an ENT doctor. Treatments for dizziness include medications, such as antibiotics or antihistamines, and balance exercises. Medications treat dizziness by reducing inflammation or clearing up infections in the inner ear that were interfering with the signals being sent to the brain. An ENT doctor who treats dizziness in Wayne could recommend the appropriate treatment options based on the cause of your dizziness.

There are several common causes of dizziness, such as inner ear infections or vertigo. An ENT doctor can identify the cause of your dizziness and prescribe the right treatment. For the treatment of dizziness in Wayne, NJ, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos by calling the office at (973) 956-1200.

Are you suffering from breathing problems?

Your Wayne, NJ, doctor is an expert when it comes to breathing problems and can help determine what the issue is and how to treat it. The nose has three main functions: warm, humidify, and filter air that passes into the body. When there is something wrong with your breathing, or you suffer from breathing issues, this may impact one or multiple bodily functions.

More About Breathing Problems

• Breathing problems can be temporary or chronic, mild, or severe.
• Breathing issues increase with age.
• Breathing problems are assessed using breathing tests: lung function tests, X-rays and CT scans.

What are common breathing problems?

• Allergies: When an allergen enters the body, the immune system is what causes symptoms typically associated with allergies, like hay fever, headaches, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and scratchy throat. There are many allergic substances and not everyone reacts the same to each substance. To treat allergies, you should reduce exposure to the allergen, take medication, antihistamines, and nasal decongestants, or, for severe cases, allergy shots.
   
• Deviated Septum: The septum is a vertical structure that divides the two nasal passages. If the septum is crooked or bent, it is called a deviated septum, and can block the flow of air through the nose. Surgery may be needed to correct this issue.
   
• Environmental Factors: Molds, dust, and dry air are common environmental allergy culprits that induce allergies.
   
• Sinusitis: This is the inflammation of sinus tissue behind both upper cheeks. People experience congestion and pressure, sometimes in response to moving up and down. People suffering from sinusitis have symptoms of watery eyes, but many over-the-counter medications treat mild sinusitis.

Need a consultation?

If you’re experiencing persistent breathing problems, please contact your doctor's Wayne, NJ, office and schedule an appointment by calling (973) 956-1200 today!

Hearing aids aren't a one-size-fits-all solution to hearing loss. Finding the ideal aid for you is the key to improving your hearing and your ability to enjoy life. Hearing testings and hearing aids are among the services provided by Wayne, NJ, ENT Dr. Frank Kardos.

Analog hearing aids

Analog hearing aids amplify sound waves that have been turned into electrical signals. These hearing aids offer controls that are easy to use and are the least expensive hearing aid option. Screeching or whistling feedback can occasionally occur if you have an analog hearing aid. The aids also don't filter extraneous sounds as well as digital hearing aids.

Digital hearing aids

Digital hearing aids turn sound waves into codes that contain information about pitch, volume, and sound direction. The hearing aids adjust automatically to changing sound levels, are excellent at filtering out background noise and can be programmed to address your hearing loss pattern. Although digital hearing aids do filter background noise, they can't eliminate it completely.

Where will you wear your hearing aid?

In addition to deciding between an analog or digital hearing aid, you'll also need to choose where you'll wear the aid, which your Wayne ENT can help you decide. Choices include:

• Mini or Traditional Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids: These hearing aids hook over your ear but also include a component that fits inside your ears. The hearing aids are good choices no matter the degree of your hearing loss and are easy to control. Mini behind-the-ear-hearing aids only require you to place a small tube in your ear and can be more comfortable than traditional behind-the-ear aids.
• Completely-In-The-Canal Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are inserted deep in your ear canal, making them completely unnoticeable. The hearing aids are recommended for mild hearing loss, but can be a little difficult to insert and remove and may feel a little uncomfortable at first.
• In-The-Canal Hearing Aids: In-the-canal hearing aids aren't inserted as deeply as completely-in-the-canal aids, but still aren't very noticeable. These aids may also be slightly uncomfortable until you adjust to them and can clog due to earwax.
• Traditional In-The-Ear Hearing Aids: Traditional hearing aids fit just inside the opening of the ear and are completely visible. They're a good choice for mild to severe hearing loss, but they have a shorter battery life than some other types of hearing aids.

Your ENT doctor can help you evaluate hearing aid types and choose the best one for you. Call your Wayne, NJ, ENT Dr. Frank Kardos at (973) 956-1200 to schedule your appointment.

Find out what could be to blame for your ear infection and what you can do to stop it.

Are you or your little one dealing with persistent ear infections? If so, you may be wondering what’s going on and if there are certain things you can do to prevent these infections from happening. Our Wayne, NJ, otolaryngologists Dr. Frank Kardos and Dr. Gary Hilt are here to provide the information you need to understand why ear infections happen and simple measures you can take to prevent them from occurring.

What is an ear infection?

Lying just being the eardrum is your middle ear, which can become inflamed when bacteria or a virus affects this inner structure. This inflammation often results in severe pain.

While ear infections can happen to anyone, children are often more prone to developing ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are smaller, making it’s easier for bacteria to get trapped within the ear. Most children will develop an ear infection at some point, but it’s important that an ear infection is evaluated by our Wayne, NJ, ENT specialist to treat the infection and to prevent permanent damage to the ear, which can result in hearing loss if left untreated.

What can cause an ear infection?

As we mentioned above, bacteria or a virus can lead to an ear infection. When fluid accumulates in the middle ear it can result in a blockage in the Eustachian tubes. The tubes run from the ears to the back of the throat; however, when a blockage occurs there is nowhere for the fluid to drain. These blockages are often due to:

• Allergies
• The common cold
• Sinus infections
• Smoking
• Air pressure changes

How do I know if I have an ear infection?

The most obvious symptom of an ear infection is an earache, and the pain may range from mild to severe. Pain may also be accompanied by pressure or fullness in the ear. You may notice that your hearing is muffled or it’s more difficult to hear things around you. In some instances, you may notice pus or liquid draining from the ear.

Toddlers and infants with ear infections won’t be able to tell you that their ear hurts, but they may tug or pull at the ear, have trouble sleeping, be more fussy and irritable, or cry whenever they lie down.

If you or a loved one is suffering from severe or chronic ear infections it’s the right time to visit our ENT doctor in Wayne, NJ. Call us today to schedule a much-needed appointment with us.