Is Age 4 the Golden Period for Treating Speech Issues?
Is age 4 the golden period for treatment? I have a 4-year-old boy at home. Currently, his pronunciation is not correct, and recently we discovered that he cannot roll his tongue. As parents, we have demonstrated many times, but he still cannot do it (we're not sure if he doe...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, simple tongue rolling is related to genetic factors and is not a disease. If there are structural issues, please consult a speech therapist for assistance.[Read More] Is Age 4 the Golden Period for Treating Speech Issues?
Relief for Ear Pain During Flights: Tips for Travelers
Ear pain while flying? Dear Doctor: My husband has a troubling issue that occurs when he is flying. When the airplane begins to descend, he experiences pain in his ears. This doesn't happen every time, but when it does, it is quite uncomfortable. He is unsure how to alleviat...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, when atmospheric pressure changes, the pressure in the ear needs to be balanced by the Eustachian tube. If it cannot be balanced quickly, it may result in pain. If this occurs frequently, please visit an otolaryngology clinic for an evaluation...[Read More] Relief for Ear Pain During Flights: Tips for Travelers
Common Ear and Throat Issues: Solutions for Parents and Adults
Ear and throat issues? Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask you. <1> Why does my son's earwax feel hard and difficult to remove? When I try to clean it, he experiences pain. What should I do? My son is just over two years old and almost three. <...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Earwax typically naturally expels itself after long-term accumulation; if you insist on removing it, please seek help from a specialist. 2. Your throat issue is quite common in outpatient settings and is usually related to lifestyle habits...[Read More] Common Ear and Throat Issues: Solutions for Parents and Adults
Frequent Nosebleeds: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent nosebleeds? Doctor: My boyfriend has been suffering from hyperthyroidism for a year now. For the past six months, he has been experiencing daily nosebleeds, which are thick and clotted. In recent months, he has also been having frequent headaches. What could be causing t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, I recommend that you consult an endocrinologist to monitor your thyroid function. Additionally, if you continue to experience persistent nosebleeds, you should seek further evaluation from an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Frequent Nosebleeds: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Surgery Dizziness: Understanding Recovery After Ear Tumor Removal
Dizziness Recently, I underwent surgery to remove a benign ear tumor, and my recovery has been good. However, I have been experiencing severe dizziness that has persisted for two months. The dizziness tends to improve when I lie down to rest. Is this a normal phenomenon following...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, I recommend discussing the excised portion and your condition with your otolaryngologist.[Read More] Post-Surgery Dizziness: Understanding Recovery After Ear Tumor Removal
Understanding Right Temple Pain While Eating: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing pain in the right temple while eating? Hello, Director Hsu. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my right temple when eating. What should I do? Could you please advise me on what might be the issue? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is usually due to excessive use of the masseter muscle. It seems you have been chewing a lot of hard foods, so let it rest for a while![Read More] Understanding Right Temple Pain While Eating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tinnitus After Eardrum Repair: Is It Normal?
Tinnitus Dear Dr. Hsu: I have a 40% perforation of the eardrum and underwent tympanoplasty on March 29 at a certain hospital. The packing material inside my ear has been removed, but I am experiencing severe tinnitus and a persistent sensation that something is still inside. The ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, you should have continuous follow-up for at least 3 months after the surgery. Please discuss your current internal condition with your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Eardrum Repair: Is It Normal?
Can You Swim or Exercise with Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Can a person with sudden sensorineural hearing loss swim or engage in activities like running and playing sports? Also, how many years can a patient with sudden sensorineural hearing loss generally expect to live?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, (1) you can swim, run, or play ball. (2) There is no life-threatening danger.[Read More] Can You Swim or Exercise with Sudden Hearing Loss?
Seeking ENT Consultation Options and Treatment for Auditory Sensitivity
excuse me? Dear Dr. Hsu, I am the patient with auditory sensitivity who consulted you previously. I would like to ask if you have consultations at other hospitals in Taipei City or County, as Keelung is a bit far for me. Currently, I am experiencing some discomfort in my ears wh...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are many large hospitals in Taipei where you can find an otolaryngologist to discuss further.[Read More] Seeking ENT Consultation Options and Treatment for Auditory Sensitivity
Understanding Blood Blisters on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Blood blisters on the tongue? Hello: In the past week or two, I have developed three blood clots on the sides of my tongue (with a protruding sensation), but they fade away after a day or two. I am unsure what this issue might be. Could you please provide some insight? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is usually glossitis or inflammation of the taste buds. If it does not recur frequently, you can just monitor it.[Read More] Understanding Blood Blisters on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ear Buzzing: Causes and Recommended Tests
Ear problems Recently, I have been experiencing a constant "buzzing" sound in my ears, and any sound I hear seems to turn into that. Previously, I also had severe dizziness, but after visiting a clinic, the dizziness has improved. However, the ear symptoms remain the sa...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, please visit an otolaryngologist for an examination to determine the cause.[Read More] Understanding Ear Buzzing: Causes and Recommended Tests
Understanding Auditory Sensitivity: Challenges and Treatment Options
Auditory hypersensitivity Hello: My ears have suffered noise damage, resulting in a condition known as auditory hypersensitivity—sounds become unbearably loud, making it impossible for me to continue working. The doctor mentioned that the true cause of this condition is unknown a...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, research on auditory sensitivity has never ceased. Initially, the approach is to lower the auditory threshold; if that is ineffective, the ossicles may be removed to reduce hearing (this is a more radical approach). If that still does not work...[Read More] Understanding Auditory Sensitivity: Challenges and Treatment Options
Why Do I Experience Ear Congestion and Facial Swelling After a Cold?
Ear congestion and facial swelling? After catching a cold last week, I started to experience a feeling of ear fullness, which gradually subsided from the morning until the afternoon or evening, accompanied by dizziness. Today, after the fullness sensation diminished, I noticed th...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... it is mostly due to the swelling of the Eustachian tube, which should improve after the cold symptoms completely resolve. Hsu Chia-Chen, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Why Do I Experience Ear Congestion and Facial Swelling After a Cold?
Understanding Oral Dryness: Symptoms, Causes, and ENT Solutions
Dry mouth I smoke, but I haven't experienced this phenomenon before. I also consume a good amount of fluids daily. Recently, I often have dry mouth and a very dry sensation in my entire oral cavity, especially noticeable upon waking up. Does this symptom indicate a warning s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are two possibilities: 1. Sleep Apnea; 2. Chronic Pharyngitis, which may be caused by smoking. Please consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination. Health Department, Keelung Hospital, Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Understanding Oral Dryness: Symptoms, Causes, and ENT Solutions
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort
Ear congestion? About a week ago, I started experiencing a feeling of ear fullness upon waking up, which feels quite uncomfortable. Sometimes it returns to normal for 1 to 2 minutes, but then the fullness returns.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... This is usually a phenomenon of Eustachian tube obstruction. It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, and if it cannot be resolved, please consult an otolaryngologist. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Chi...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort
Understanding Multiple ENT Symptoms: When to Seek Specialist Care
Multiple symptom combinations Hello, Doctor. Happy New Year! I started experiencing high-frequency tinnitus about two months ago, with my right ear being more severely affected. When I visited the hospital, the doctor only mentioned eustachian tube dysfunction and did not provide...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... There are many causes of sudden high-frequency tinnitus, which may not necessarily be related to the condition of your temporomandibular joint. Please visit a dentist for an initial examination to check for any occlusal issues. For the tinni...[Read More] Understanding Multiple ENT Symptoms: When to Seek Specialist Care
Managing Tinnitus: Self-Relief Strategies for Students in the U.S.
Tinnitus Hello, doctor. I have had hearing impairment in my right ear since childhood, but I have never experienced the persistent buzzing sound like I do now, which occurs every two to three nights. I believe this is subjective tinnitus. I am currently studying in the United Sta...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... Tinnitus is a bothersome issue that is often associated with hearing impairment, which tends to improve over time. You can try to view tinnitus as a normal condition and adapt to it. However, if there is suspicion that it is caused by other ...[Read More] Managing Tinnitus: Self-Relief Strategies for Students in the U.S.
Understanding Dizziness and Migraines: When to Seek Medical Help
Regarding dizziness and migraines? Hello Dr. Hsu, I occasionally experience dizziness and migraines, especially after a migraine attack when dizziness occurs. During these episodes, I often have issues with depth perception and my vision feels strange (I subjectively feel it...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... it is strongly recommended to seek an examination from an otolaryngologist or a neurologist, as there may be further findings. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Chia-Chen.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Migraines: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you a question: I have a relative who has been experiencing insomnia for over three years due to difficulty sleeping for six months without seeking medication. Later, they began to hear a constant sound in their head similar to cicada...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... Menopause can lead to these situations, but for long-term insomnia, you should see a psychiatrist rather than a neurologist. Hsu Chia-Chen, Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
How to Identify Sinusitis Symptoms During Pregnancy
How to diagnose sinusitis? Hello, Doctor Hsu. Every morning when I wake up, I have a blob of yellow-green thick mucus in my nose, but I can't blow it out; I have to either sneeze or inhale deeply and spit it out. This symptom has been present for almost two weeks. I have a h...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question... Chronic allergic rhinitis can lead to impaired nasal mucosal function, making it susceptible to acute infections such as sinusitis or other symptoms. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for further evaluation. Keelung Hospital, De...[Read More] How to Identify Sinusitis Symptoms During Pregnancy