6 Ways to Protect Your Hearing This Winter

With more than half of the country still covered in snow from last week’s polar vortex, it’s clear Old Man Winter is here to stay for a while. While most of us know to bundle up in sweaters, thick socks, and gloves, we often forget to cover another important body part - our ears. During the winter, cold air can get trapped in your ear canal and cause a number of health problems, like ear infections and vertigo. If you’re heading out into the cold this winter, here are a few things to avoid.

Noise

Heading out to a sports game, concert or just getting the snow blower out? Better grab your ear muffs. Despite being one of the most preventable causes, hearing loss due to noise affects thousands of people every year.

Falling on Ice

Those with hearing loss are three times as likely to suffer a dangerous fall than people without, so make sure your walkway is always shoveled, salted and well lit.

Ear Infections

We all know to be weary of cold and flu season, but do you know about ear infection season? Low humidity and cold temperatures make winter the prime time for ear, nose, and throat infections. But luckily you can kill two birds with one stone by getting the flu shot and washing your hands regularly.

Freezing Temperatures

Grab your earmuffs, hats and scarves, because the temperature is still averaging 30 degrees in the Northeast. Consistent exposure to cold air can cause exostosis, the abnormal formation of new bone on existing bone.

Air Travel

If you’re planning on traveling north, make sure you’re in good health. Even a slight cold can lead to a blockage in the eustachian (auditory) tube, which is responsible for equalizing pressure.

Frozen Hearing Aids

Even if you’re not necessarily bothered by the cold, your technology might be. Before you head outside on a cold day, grab a hat or scarf to cover your hearing aids. The cold will primarily affect the batteries, causing them to cut out and die faster than usual.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing loss at all levels of severity and at any stage. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine and state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. To learn more about the services we provide, call us today at 407-944-3340.  

Could Regular Exercise Help Your ENT Health?

Looking for a little more motivation to go to the gym? A recent study from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) may have just given us one more reason to hit the treadmill. While we all know regular exercise boosts your energy and immune system, this new study suggests that your hearing is directly tied to your heart’s health.

Hearing loss can be caused by several factors: loss of inner ear hair follicles, physical damage to your eardrum and noise-induced hearing loss. In this study, it was discovered that decreased blood flow to your head can also be a major cause of hearing loss.

Author of the study, Dr. Kathleen Hutchinson, said she believed cardiovascular fitness contributes to better “neural integrity” in the cochlea, the part of the ear responsible for hearing. When blood flow is significant to the outer hair cells, they receive more oxygen. However, Hutchinson did admit that people who work out regularly and try to be “heart-healthy” probably also lead a more health conscious life, and thus take precautions against disease and limit their exposure to loud noises.

Though cardiovascular health is important for people of any age, it was shown to be especially crucial for people over 50. It was discovered that one participant in his 50s, who worked out five days a week, had the hearing capacity of a 30-year-old.

The U.S. Surgeons General’s report on Physical Activity and Health recommends everyone, regardless of age or gender, engage in aerobic exercise (biking, swimming, running or walking) for roughly 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Unfortunately though, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the study’s findings. Hutchinson said that people who already experience hearing loss or are genetically predisposed to hearing sensitivity will not benefit from increased cardiovascular activities.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing loss at all levels of severity and at any stage. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine and state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. To learn more about the services we provide, please call us today at 407-944-3340 to schedule an appointment.

Is JUVADERM® XC Injectable Gel Right for Me?

Its no surprise that we all want to look younger - that may be why the average American woman spends 55 minutes a day getting ready. Over the course of a year, that equals two weeks spent on cosmetic primping. What if we told you, you could cut that time in half and get more beautiful, vibrant looking skin - without botox! JUVADERM® XC Injectable Gel is one of the fastest growing facial injections on the market because it is safe, effective and requires almost no down time post injection.

JUVADERM® XC Injectable Gel Is:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved.
• Designed to temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds.
• Infused with lidocaine to make the injection more comfortable.
• Made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar that occurs naturally in the body.

The Procedure

JUVADERM® XC injections take roughly 15 minutes to administer and can be completed in one visit to the doctor’s office. A needle is used to inject the serum underneath the skin and add volume to an area or fill in wrinkles and folds. And because JUVADERM® XC contains lidocaine, an anesthetic is rarely needed. Most patients can return to regular life within minutes of the procedure. However, you should not exercise, be in the sun for long periods of time or drink alcohol for 24 hours following the injection.

The Results

Immediately after the injection, it is normal to experience slight swelling, sensitivity or bruising - but this will usually go away within a few days. The results typically last 6 - 9 months, and in some cases have lasted for as long as 1 year.

Risks of JUVADERM® XC Injectable Gel

Side effects are rare, however some patients do experience redness, tenderness, discoloration and infection at injection site.

At Florida ENT, we utilize the latest advances in medicine and state of the art techniques because our goal is always to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Give us a call today at 877-EAR-NOSE and you will be one step closer to wrinkle-free skin!

Natural Remedies to Soothe a Sinus Infection

If you’re one of the 37 million people in the U.S. who suffers from frequent sinus infections, you know they can be a lot more painful than people may think. A sinus infection can be caused by anything from indoor and outdoor pollutants to food allergies. You may need medication to fully heal from a sinus infection, but if you need relief now - here are a few natural ways to ease your symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Drink apple cider vinegar the minute you notice symptoms of a sinus infection, like headaches, stuffy nose or watery eyes. Apple cider vinegar has vitamins like B1, B2, A, E, calcium and magnesium which work together to clear sinus cavities and eliminate mucus.

Saline Rinse

Mix ½ teaspoon of sea salt with 1 cup of warm water, then apply the solution directly into your nostrils at the first sign of congestion. The salt will break through and erode mucus buildup while the warm water will flush out your system.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This safe and natural alternative to over-the-counter remedies will relieve congestion by breaking down mucus and other buildup. Peroxide is also an antibacterial, so it will not only minimize symptoms but it can also kill the infection itself.  

Water and Tea

It’s simple, but effective. Listen to your mom when she says to, “drink plenty of fluids” the next time you get sick. Water will thin out mucus and help it to drain from your sinuses. But all fluids are not created equally - avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and coffee that will leave you feeling dehydrated and congested.

Steam Inhalation

The best part about steam is that it’s affordable and easy to come by. Clear out your sinuses by taking a long, hot shower at the beginning and end of the day. You can also drape a towel over the back of your head and inhale deeply over a bowl of hot water. For added relief, put a few drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil in.

No matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat if you're suffering from sinusitis or allergies this winter. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE.

7 Ways to Ease Winter Asthma

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Winter may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of allergy season, but for asthma sufferers winter can often be worse than spring. Between the rise in viruses and cold, dry air the winter can be tough on a person’s lungs. If you have asthma, here are a few ways you can reduce your risks of an attack this winter.

Wash your hands at least four times a day to avoid picking up any viruses that could weaken your immune system.

Get the flu shot in October. Having asthma doesn’t make you more susceptible to the flu, but the symptoms can be much worse if you actually do catch it.

Avoid fireplaces that will dry out your lungs. It might sound like a cozy idea at first, but in just a few minutes your lungs can feel irritated and dry.

Replace HVAC filters around your home. Odds are the windows have been closed for a few months, meaning all the debris in your house has been circling through your vents.

Exercise inside to avoid an asthma attack. Breathing cold air in and out quickly can put a lot of unnecessary stress on your lungs. Once it hits 20 degrees or lower, it’s best to use an indoor gym.

Breath in through your nose instead of your mouth. It turns out it’s not just the polite thing your mom told you to do when you were younger - it’s actually healthier. Your nose warms cold air, making it less harsh once it hits your lungs.

Have an action plan, no matter how controlled your asthma is. Even if you haven’t had an attack in years, have a plan in place with your family and doctor so that you know how to control your asthma in the long run and in the event of a sudden attack.   

Is winter weather affecting your asthma? Consult with an ENT to learn about your treatment options and how we can cure your symptoms faster. Go online to Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute or give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE to schedule an appointment.

Are These Tried and True Cold Remedies as Good as They Claim?

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

We’ve all had our mother tell us to “drink more orange juice,” when we feel a stuffy nose or sore throat coming on, but does that really work? Below, we look to find the truth about these “tried and true” cold remedies:

Vitamin C: For years people have argued whether or not excess amounts of Vitamin C actually prevent or reduce the length of a cold, but recent studies have shown that 200 mg (or more) of Vitamin C in no way alleviated cold symptoms.

Airborne: As of today, there are no complete and credible studies compiled on the effects of Airborne. But through personal testimonies, people have claimed that Airborne does work to reduce the likelihood of catching a cold if it’s taken everyday - so don’t plan on taking a tablet right before you get on a plane.

Echinacea: Originally, a 2006 review by the Cochrane Collaboration, this herb was no better than a placebo at preventing colds. But earlier studies say that when certain parts of an Echinacea supplement are made into an Echinacea-purpurea, then it may be somewhat effective at treating colds early on in adults.

Cold-Eeze: Similar to Airborne, Cold-Eeze has been shown to strengthen your immune system if it is taken daily over a long period of time - but they won’t automatically help your cold or symptoms.

Chicken Soup:  Hot fluids are always a good idea when you have a cold, in fact -- research determined that hot soup with a variety of veggies may act as an anti-inflammatory.  

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this winter season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.  

6 Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Between fireplaces drying out your home and the cold winter air, it's no surprise that everyone's throat seems to bother them during the winter months. No one wants to be sick for the holidays, so if you feel a sore throat coming on, give these remedies a try:

Licorice root. Meaning “sweet root” in Greek, licorice root is just that! Whether you decide to chew it raw, or mix it with water and gargle, it relieves scratchiness and irritation by coating your throat in a thick solution.

Slippery elm.  Make your own version of a soothing tea, but better! Pour boiling hot water over the powdered bark and stir it to make a warm drink. Have it over the course of an hour, just before bed for a cough free night.  

Honey. Not only is honey one of the best soothing remedies for a sore throat, it is perfect for kids who can’t yet gargle, don’t like taking medicine or won’t go near a homemade drink.

Salt water. You probably have a sore throat remedy on your table top and didn’t even know it. Mix half a tablespoon of salt in warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds in the morning and before bed to help clear your throat of any built up mucus.

Peppermint. Breath mints aren't just for freshening breath anymore. Peppermint contains menthol, which opens up your sinuses, and anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve sore throats.

Chamomile tea. When in doubt, always grab some warm tea to sooth a sore throat. Chamomile is one of the oldest sore throat remedies for a reason - the steam helps open your nose and sinuses, while the tea soothes your throat and boosts your immune system.

If these natural remedies just aren’t cutting it and the pain worsens, we encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. Our facility, located in central Florida, is dedicated to the complete medical care of the nose, both cosmetic and functional. To learn more about our sinus institute, please visit our website or call 407-944-3340.