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.

Hearing loss is very common, especially among adults over age 65, but it affects people of all ages. According to statistics, roughly 20% of Americans (approximately 48 million people) experience some degree of hearing loss, and 25% of adults have experienced tinnitus (ringing the ears) in at least one ear. There are a number of causes and degrees of hearing loss, and portion of children and adults affected by certain types of hearing loss may benefit from assistive devices like hearing aids. Dr. Frank Kardos and Dr. Gary Hilt offer a range of treatment options for hearing loss in Wayne, NJ.

Hearing Loss Diagnosis and Treatment in Wayne, NJ

The most common causes of hearing loss are generally age-related wear and tear, prolonged exposure to loud noises and sounds, damage to the inner or middle ear, wax buildup (usually temporary), and congenital (present at birth) defects. Although most forms of hearing loss are not reversible, there are a number of options available to help children and adults improve their ability to communicate and enjoy a better quality of life.

How is Hearing Loss Treated?

If you or your child is experiencing hearing loss, there are several options available depending on the underlying cause and severity, as well as which part of the ear is affected (inner, middle, or outer ear). The most common causes of hearing disturbances and loss include:

• Wax buildup (outer ear)
• Ear infection (outer or middle ear)
• Tumor or blockage (outer or middle ear)
• Fluid buildup (middle ear)
• An injury (middle or inner ear)
• Nerve and tissue damage and degeneration (middle or inner ear)
• Birth defect

Hearing problems caused by issues in the outer ear are generally temporary, and can usually be treated with medication if there is an infection, or removal of wax buildup (see an ENT doctor to avoid the risk of causing an injury). If you are experiencing fluid buildup, the doctor will drain the ear to relieve pressure and remove the fluid. Problems with the inner ear or permanent hearing loss may require a hearing aid or assistive device like a cochlear implant.

Find an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor in Wayne, NJ

For more information about hearing loss prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, contact our office by calling 973-956-1200 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos or Dr. Hilt today.

Discover the most common respiratory complaints and what we can do to help.

Breathing trouble of any kind can be scary and a little nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what’s going on. Regardless of whether this is happening to you, your child or a family member, it’s important that you get the answers you need to improve your respiratory health. Our Wayne, NJ, otolaryngologist Dr. Frank Kardos is here to tell you the most common respiratory problems and how to best treat them when they happen.

Some of the common causes of long-term respiratory issues include asthma, allergies, chronic sinusitis (a sinus infection), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While those with acute respiratory infections like pneumonia or the common cold may also experience difficulty breathing, if you are dealing with persistent breathing issues then you will want to turn to our Wayne, NJ, ENT specialist to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

Along with chest congestion and difficulty breathing you may also experience:

• A runny or stuffy nose
• A persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Nasal congestion or pressure
• Watery, itchy or red eyes

How will my respiratory issues be treated?

This will depend on the root cause of your respiratory symptoms. Here are some of the best ways to tackle these common breathing problems:

Asthma: Medication is required to get asthma symptoms under control and to reduce the risk of an asthma attack. You will be prescribed a regular asthma medication to take every day to control your symptoms and to reduce inflammation in the airways. You may also be prescribed a “rescue inhaler”, which provides instant relief when you feel an attack coming on.

Allergies: Besides taking measures to avoid coming in contact with the offending allergen, you may choose to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to temporarily alleviate symptoms. If allergies are severe enough, our allergy specialist would be happy to prescribe a medication to prevent flare-ups. We can also recommend a variety of lifestyle modifications to adopt to reduce allergy symptoms.

Chronic Sinusitis: While some sinus infections will go away on their own, once symptoms have lingered for 12 weeks or more it’s considered a chronic infection. Luckily, we can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and to improve your breathing. In some cases, a procedure known as balloon sinuplasty is recommended for opening up a partially or fully blocked sinus cavity.

If you are dealing with respiratory issues in Wayne, NJ, it’s a good idea to turn to an ENT specialist who will be able to provide you with the quality, individualized treatment you or your loved one deserves. Call us today to schedule an appointment with us.

Dizziness is a symptom that often alarms patients, but in many cases it is caused by a medical issue that can be easily cured with the help of an ENT. The best course of action is to simply go in for a checkup and talk to your doctor about what's going on. If you're currently experiencing bouts of dizziness, especially if they happen often, learn more about the possible causes and seek help with Dr. Frank Kardos or Dr. Gary Hilt in Wayne, NJ.

The Sensation of Dizziness
Dizziness can feel like your head is spinning. It is disorienting and makes you feel light-headed, sometimes to the point where you have to sit down to collect yourself. Dizziness may affect your ability to see clearly and move around safely throughout the day. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headaches, and a general feeling of discomfort.

Possible Causes of Dizziness
Many cases of dizziness are related to problems in the inner ear, which plays a role in keeping you oriented and balanced. Here are some of the possible reasons why you've been feeling dizzy:

- Migraines (intense headaches that are often focused on specific spots on the head). 
- Inner ear infections (may be caused by fluid buildup or a foreign object in the ear).
- A neuroma (benign growth in the inner ear).
- Meniere's Disease (an ear illness that causes periods of dizziness and tinnitus). 
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which is caused by small calcium crystals moving around in the ear).

Getting Help with Dizziness
The first step to treating your dizziness is to pinpoint the source. A thorough head and ear exam will help your Wayne ENT narrow down the exact cause and eliminate other possibilities, like heart disease and metabolic disorders. If the problem is in fact an ear infection, the treatment is antibiotic therapy and removing any foreign matter from the ear. In other cases, you may need anti-inflammatory medication or minor surgery.

Call an ENT for Help
If you're feeling dizzy, don't allow it to continue to affect your ability to work, drive, and live a normal, happy life. The problem could be something that can quickly and easily be cleared up by a Wayne, NJ ENT. Call (973) 956-1200 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos or Dr. Hilt.

Losing your hearing can be a very frustrating experience, but working with a trained doctor to correct it can help you feel like yourself again. Only a certified ear nose and throat doctor like Dr. Frank Kardos in Wayne, NJ, can diagnose the presence of hearing loss, but there are certain signs that may help you decide that you need to schedule an evaluation with us. Dr. Kardos explains the causes and signs of hearing loss in this post.

What causes hearing loss?

As you've probably guessed, aging is one of the main causes of hearing loss, although doctors aren't sure why. Genetics may be a factor in these cases. Years of exposure to loud sounds can also take its toll on older adults. Damage to the structures inside the ear may also cause hearing loss, as can certain medications or illnesses. While most cases of hearing loss occur gradually, your Wayne ENT doctor also sees patients who have experienced an immediate loss of their hearing due to being too close to a sudden loud sound, such as an explosive or firearm.

What are some early signs of hearing loss?

Early on, hearing loss can be chalked up to the quality of sound coming from the television or a bad connection on the phone. However, if you've consistently been experiencing one or more of the following situations, hearing loss could be the culprit.

• Certain pitches - high, low, or in-between - are difficult or impossible to make out
• Sounds and words are perceived as muffled or mumbled
• You are often asking others to repeat themselves
• You have been told your TV or radio volume is too loud
• You can't make out a conversation in a crowded room (such as at a busy restaurant)

If you think you may be losing your hearing, it's best to see a doctor sooner rather than later. Contact the ENT office of Dr. Frank Kardos in Wayne, NJ, to have your hearing evaluated.