Ear Nose Throat Diseases
Hearing Loss
What is it?
Hearing loss is a decrease or complete loss of perception of sounds.
Why is it seen?
Aging, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, earwax, some medications and genetic factors can cause hearing loss.
What are the Symptoms?
- Inability to hear or perceive sounds
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- The need to turn up the volume of the television or radio
Who Can See It?
It can be seen in all age groups, but it is more common in the elderly and in people who work in noisy environments.
In Which Age Range?
It can occur at any age, but is more common in people aged 60 and over.
Vertigo
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that causes a person to feel that they or their surroundings are spinning.
What causes it?
Inner ear problems, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, brain problems and some medications can cause vertigo.
What are the Symptoms?
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
Who Can See It?
It can be seen in all age groups, but the elderly and people with inner ear problems are more at risk.
What Age Range Does It Occur?
It can occur at any age, but is usually more common in adults.
Hoarseness
What is it?
Hoarseness is a condition where the voice sounds different, weak or harsh than normal.
Why is it seen?
Overuse of the vocal cords, infections, allergies, reflux disease, smoking and some neurological diseases can cause hoarseness.
What are the Symptoms?
- Weak voice
- Dryness in the throat
- Difficulty speaking
- The need for frequent throat clearing
Who Can See It?
It can be seen in individuals of all ages, but it is more common in those who use their voice excessively, smokers and allergy sufferers.
What Age Range Does It Occur?
It can occur at any age, but is usually more common in adults.
Meniere's Disease
What is it?
Meniere’s disease is a disease caused by fluid imbalance in the inner ear and characterized by recurrent dizziness, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Why is it seen?
Increased fluid pressure in the inner ear, genetic factors and autoimmune diseases can cause Meniere’s disease.
What are the Symptoms?
- Severe dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Feeling of fullness and pressure in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Who can get it?
It is more common in adults and usually starts in one ear.
In which age range is it seen?
It is usually seen between the ages of 20-50.
Sinusitis
What is it?
Sinusitis is inflammation and infection of the sinuses.
Why is it seen?
Viral or bacterial infections, allergies, nasal polyps and nasal structural problems can cause sinusitis.
What are the Symptoms?
- Nasal congestion
- Pain and pressure in the face
- Thick, colored nasal discharge
- Loss of smell
- Cough
Who can get it?
It can be seen in individuals of all ages, but allergy sufferers and smokers are more at risk.
Which Age Range Does It Occur?
It can occur at any age, but is often seen in adults.
Stuttering and Speech Disorders
What is it?
Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repeating words or syllables or pausing during speech. Speech disorders are the deterioration of language and speech ability.
Why is it seen?
Genetic predisposition, neurological problems, traumas and psychological factors can cause stuttering and speech disorders.
What are the Symptoms?
- Repeating words or syllables
- Pauses in speech
- Audible or silent blocks
- Changing or avoiding words
Who can get it?
It is more common in children, but can also occur in adults. It is usually more common in men.
In Which Age Range Is It Seen?
Stuttering usually starts between the ages of 2-6. Speech disorders can be seen at any age.