Understanding Ear Pain: Is It Due to Improper Ear Cleaning or a Cold?
Ear pain? Two days ago, I had a cold and I was cleaning my ears, but I used the wrong tool. As a result, I woke up yesterday with significant pain in my ear, but today the pain is gone. I still have cold symptoms. Is the ear pain caused by improper ear cleaning or is it related t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the common cold is caused by a viral infection and is not directly related to ear digging. However, ear digging may cause skin abrasions that can lead to further bacterial infections, so it should be avoided as much as possible. If you experie...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Is It Due to Improper Ear Cleaning or a Cold?
Understanding Chronic Sore Throat: Causes and Remedies
Sore throat I have been experiencing a sore throat frequently over the past few years, and the pain lasts for at least a week. Could this be caused by excessive heat in the body and staying up late? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, staying up late may weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections. This can lead to acute or chronic pharyngitis. If you experience further discomfort, please visit a hospital for further examination and treatm...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Sore Throat: Causes and Remedies
Choosing the Right Specialist for Dizziness and Headaches: ENT or Neurology?
Options for Seeking Medical Attention for Suspected Dizziness and Headaches Hello, could you please advise which department a patient should choose for their first outpatient visit based on their condition (ENT, Neurology, or Neurosurgery)? Additionally, what basic tests should b...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, please visit the otolaryngology department at major hospitals for evaluation of dizziness. If there are related conditions, you will be referred to a neurologist and other relevant specialties for joint diagnosis and treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Dizziness and Headaches: ENT or Neurology?
Understanding Right Ear Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right ear pain? Hello, I have been experiencing pain behind my right ear for over a week. I have seen an ENT specialist who found no signs of inflammation, but I still feel a throbbing pain behind my right ear. There is also a swollen area that doesn't hurt when pressed, but...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your symptoms, it may be indicative of inflammation. However, further physical examination and assessment are necessary to determine the exact condition. Therefore, I recommend that you visit the nearest hospital's otolaryngology ...[Read More] Understanding Right Ear Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hearing Loss: Treatment Options and Recovery Strategies
Hearing problems My boyfriend has had hearing issues since high school; he is completely deaf in his left ear and has hearing loss in his right ear. He has seen a doctor and undergone examinations. What can be done to help restore his hearing? Should he start with an outpatient v...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is necessary to review the audiogram. If it is sensorineural hearing loss, the only option may be to use a hearing aid. If it is conductive hearing loss, surgery might resolve some of the issues. Therefore, I recommend that you visit a near...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss: Treatment Options and Recovery Strategies
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes
Could you please clarify your question, doctor? What are the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? How is it treated? Can it be completely cured? I have heard that there are several symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and I have some of them. I have a hard lump below the back o...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the main symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, unexplained nosebleeds, and symptoms such as ear fullness or tinnitus. These symptoms are often associated with a relevant family medical history....[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes
Understanding Laser Surgery for Snoring: Uvulopalatoplasty and Tonsil Removal
May I ask if your hospital uses laser cutting for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngeal surgery? Could you please tell me what treatments your hospital offers for snoring? If it is caused by enlarged tonsils or an elongated uvula leading to a narrowed oropharynx, wo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your symptoms, a traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) should be performed. This is a conventional surgical procedure, not a laser surgery, and you will need to stay in the hospital for about a week postoperatively. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Laser Surgery for Snoring: Uvulopalatoplasty and Tonsil Removal
Understanding Sebaceous Cysts in the Earlobe: Symptoms and Treatment
Sebaceous cyst on the earlobe? Hello! I have a small, hard lump inside my left earlobe. It doesn't hurt much, but I can definitely feel a hard, grainy object when I touch it. I feel like it might be getting a bit larger (it seems bigger than before), although it doesn't...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, please visit a hospital for evaluation or undergo further biopsy testing to confirm the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Sebaceous Cysts in the Earlobe: Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment Options
Hearing impairment Hello Doctor: I have a friend who suffers from nasal allergies and often sneezes. During his pre-military physical examination, he may have caused hearing damage due to sneezing too forcefully. Previously, he underwent surgery for severe snoring, and now he ten...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the assessment of hearing impairment should be conducted through pure tone audiometry to determine the extent of the hearing loss. Generally speaking, sneezing does not affect hearing. It is recommended that your friend visit a nearby otolaryn...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Otitis Media: Surgery and Necessary Evaluations
Chronic Otitis Media Recently, I visited the Veterans General Hospital due to ear pain. The doctor informed me that I have a perforation in my eardrum and showed me the damage using a camera-like device. Indeed, there is a hole in the lower right portion of my eardrum. I also und...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, Veterans General Hospital is one of the top medical centers in Taiwan. They should have conducted a thorough examination for you. Based on your description, pure tone audiometry and microscopic examination should be sufficient. At most, a comp...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Otitis Media: Surgery and Necessary Evaluations
Understanding Ear Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Ear pain? Hello, Director. I would like to ask for your advice: About four months ago, I started experiencing a pulsating sensation in my ear occasionally, which comes and goes at irregular intervals. During this period, I have visited an otolaryngologist multiple times and under...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, experiencing sharp pain in the ear while chewing may sometimes be caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as inflammation. It is recommended that you visit a specialist for further examination to determine the underlying cause.[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Issues: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Treatment Options
Ear Previously, after catching a cold, I experienced twitching in my ears (without pain), followed by a sensation of echo or reverberation when hearing others speak the next day. This was followed by a feeling of ear fullness or blockage, and my hearing seemed to be diminished, a...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction may indeed experience a feeling of ear fullness or pressure. However, middle ear effusion can also present with similar symptoms. Moreover, since you developed these symptoms after a cold, middle ear e...[Read More] Understanding Ear Issues: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Treatment Options
Understanding Tinnitus: When to Seek Help from an ENT Specialist
May I ask the doctor? Doctor: Hello, my tinnitus suddenly appeared one morning {I never had it before}... I have seen an ENT specialist and an internist, both said it was due to ear inflammation and earwax blockage... It has been nearly two months... Every night, I experience a s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of tinnitus, most of which are neurological in nature, but the possibility of an acoustic neuroma cannot be ruled out. Therefore, please visit the otolaryngology department at the hospital for further hearing and related ...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: When to Seek Help from an ENT Specialist
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Tinnitus Hello, Doctor Hsu. I've been staying up late almost every day this week working on a school project. About three days ago, I woke up with sudden nasal congestion and a sore throat. Then, I started experiencing headaches that worsened by the evening, accompanied by d...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, your symptoms seem to be caused by swelling of the Eustachian tube following an infection. It may take some time for the medication to alleviate the symptoms. Therefore, please see an otolaryngologist for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Ear Pain and Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Ear pain accompanied by headache? I have been experiencing difficulty sleeping due to long-term late nights. About six months ago, I started having intermittent pain in my left ear, which was followed by headaches on the left side of my head. After consulting an otolaryngologist,...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, you should go to the hospital for a physical examination and pure tone audiometry to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate management and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recurring Dizziness and Ginkgo Biloba Use
Hearing an echo when tapping on the head? Hello Dr. Hsu: I have a history of dizziness from 8 years ago and stopped medication after 4 months. I started taking ginkgo biloba for health maintenance six months ago, but two weeks ago I experienced a sensation of echo when lightly ta...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Dizziness is a symptom, and a correct diagnosis is needed to address your concerns. 2. I recommend that you cooperate with your physician's examination to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and then take your medication as prescribed. Thank...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Dizziness and Ginkgo Biloba Use
Understanding Laser Surgery Costs for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
The price of laser treatments? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I am a patient with allergic rhinitis and I would like to undergo laser surgery to alleviate my discomfort. Although this procedure is covered by health insurance, I am concerned that private clinics and general hospitals may have di...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, our hospital currently offers laser surgery for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and it is still covered by health insurance. You will only need to bear one-tenth of the total cost. For detailed information regarding the charges, we recommen...[Read More] Understanding Laser Surgery Costs for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Understanding Tinnitus: Is Your Hearing at Risk from Gunfire?
Tinnitus issues? Hello, doctor. I am currently serving in the military, and during each shooting practice, the instructors do not allow us to plug our ears. As a result, I experience severe tinnitus after each session, and I have difficulty hearing for a while, even feeling a bit...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question. Based on your symptoms, it is evident that your tinnitus is closely related to shooting. I recommend that you visit an otolaryngology teaching hospital for a pure tone audiometry test to assess your hearing condition.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Is Your Hearing at Risk from Gunfire?
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Connections to Recent Illness
Tinnitus Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an issue I have been experiencing. A little over three months ago, after recovering from a cold, I suddenly noticed tinnitus in my right ear one morning, about a week later. When I press on my left ear and listen with my right ear...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your inquiry, based on your symptoms, it is possible that you experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss due to a cold over three months ago, but did not receive aggressive treatment, resulting in persistent high-frequency hearing impairment. I recommend ...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Connections to Recent Illness
Understanding Chronic Migraines with Facial and Jaw Pain: Causes and Solutions
Migraine associated with facial and mandibular pain? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been suffering from migraines of unknown origin for about ten years. In the past two to three years, I have experienced more frequent symptoms such as dry eyes, swelling around the eyebrows and eyes, right...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question. 1. The main symptoms of sinusitis include facial pain, a feeling of pressure or swelling, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and loss of smell. Secondary symptoms may include headache, fever, halitosis, fatigue, toothache, and cough. Given that you...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Migraines with Facial and Jaw Pain: Causes and Solutions