Why Do Ear Infections Keep Recurring? Understanding Causes and Risks
Why do ears repeatedly get infected and inflamed? About a month ago, I had a fungal infection in my left ear. After applying medication, I noticed some improvement, but I've been hesitant to clean my ears. Recently, I've experienced sudden bouts of dizziness and sharp p...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Most recurrent infections are often caused by persistent scratching. It is generally advisable to investigate the underlying reasons for the scratching. Some causes may include excessively dry ear canals or the presence of otitis media. Fungal infections could also be a contribut...[Read More] Why Do Ear Infections Keep Recurring? Understanding Causes and Risks
Post-Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Challenges of Oral Feeding After 1 Year
One year and three months after thyroid tumor surgery, the patient has been unable to eat orally? Hello, Director. My mother underwent thyroid tumor surgery on June 18, 1999. It has been 1 year and 3 months since she has been unable to eat orally (due to choking on liquids on Sep...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello! The recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the movement of both vocal cords, is located near the thyroid gland. When removing a tumor, it is important to consider the position of the nerve, as this often leads to bilateral vocal cord paralysis postoperatively. One possi...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Challenges of Oral Feeding After 1 Year
Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Earwax? Eustachian tube? About a month ago, while lying flat on my bed and talking with a friend, I started to hear a vibrating sound in my right ear. A few days later, whenever I spoke loudly or massaged my face, I would also hear this vibrating sound in my ear. This condition s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
You are correct in your assumption; the issue is mostly caused by small earwax adhering to the eardrum. The Eustachian tubes on both sides are not connected, so there will not be the interaction you mentioned.[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Does Earwax on the Eardrum Affect Hearing in the Other Ear?
The issue of earwax? When earwax is present on the eardrum, in addition to causing tinnitus, can it also affect the function of the other ear?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The impact caused by earwax adhesion on both eardrums will not result in interference between the left and right sides; please focus on treating the affected side only.[Read More] Does Earwax on the Eardrum Affect Hearing in the Other Ear?
Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
Can hearing tests alone determine if there are no issues with the auditory nerve? Hello, Doctor Hsu. About a month ago, I started experiencing persistent tinnitus in my right ear while lying in bed at night. The cause is unclear and could be due to various factors. I have a histo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
An experienced otolaryngologist can easily determine the possible causes of a patient's hearing impairment from an accurate audiogram. If there is a dislocation or damage to the ossicles, evidence can be seen on the audiogram. Of course, further CT imaging provides us with m...[Read More] Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Ear problems Since the Lunar New Year, I have been experiencing a vibrating sound in my ears when I hear the clinking of dishes or the sound of pages turning. Additionally, sometimes when people speak loudly, I also hear this vibrating sound in my ears. However, I do not feel any...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
This issue is mostly caused by small particles of earwax on the eardrum, which can create slight vibrations during sound conduction. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist, who should be able to resolve the problem effectively.[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Understanding Septoplasty: Risks and Recovery from Deviated Septum Surgery
Deviated septum Doctor, I would like to ask about a deviated septum. If surgery is necessary, is it considered a minor procedure? Are there any risks associated with the surgery? Could there be any long-term side effects? I am not very familiar with this condition; I have been to...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Deviated septum is a common issue, and the key factor is whether the patient experiences discomfort. If there are symptoms such as severe nasal obstruction, it is certainly necessary to address the problem. Correcting the septum can significantly improve airflow. Typically, this ...[Read More] Understanding Septoplasty: Risks and Recovery from Deviated Septum Surgery
Supporting Your Child with Congenital Hearing Loss: Cochlear Implants and Rehabilitation
A child with congenital hearing impairment in the family? I have a child with congenital hearing loss who is about to enter elementary school, currently with a hearing level of approximately 110 decibels in both ears. The child uses hearing aids. There was a previous assessment i...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
There is no age limit for the installation of cochlear implants; however, it is important to consider that late implantation may lead to poorer learning outcomes. Currently, the training environment in the country, particularly the courses offered at auditory-verbal centers, is s...[Read More] Supporting Your Child with Congenital Hearing Loss: Cochlear Implants and Rehabilitation
Understanding Otosclerosis: Insights for Parents and Patients
Otosclerosis of the stapes? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to read my letter. I hope to bring my son to your clinic during the summer vacation to discuss and find answers together. I am very grateful for your assistance.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
If possible, please bring the previous examination data for reference and comparison.[Read More] Understanding Otosclerosis: Insights for Parents and Patients
Blood Streaks on Cotton Swab: Is It Related to Post-Nasal Drip?
There are blood streaks in the ear? Hello Doctor: My father is 59 years old and has been suffering from chronic post-nasal drip that hasn't improved. Recently, while using a cotton swab to clean his ears, he noticed blood streaks on the swab. Could this be caused by the post...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
These are two different issues. Post-nasal drip may indicate the possibility of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. Using a cotton swab to dig into the external ear canal until it bleeds is a form of otitis externa. It is advisable to visit a nearby otolaryngology specialist, as it s...[Read More] Blood Streaks on Cotton Swab: Is It Related to Post-Nasal Drip?
Understanding Stapes Otosclerosis: Hope for Children's Hearing Loss
Otosclerosis of the stapes? Dear Dr. Hsu, I recently learned from the news that you have brought new hope to a young patient, and I hope that this good fortune can also come to us. My son is currently in the fourth grade. We discovered his hearing impairment when he was in kinde...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
I understand the anxiety of a concerned parent regarding your child's congenital issue. The pressure you feel and the hope for your child’s recovery are completely understandable. In cases of diagnosed otosclerosis, the most challenging aspect is the management of the stapes...[Read More] Understanding Stapes Otosclerosis: Hope for Children's Hearing Loss
Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments
Tinnitus & Hearing Loss What are the main causes of initial hearing loss in the ear? How can it be determined whether the hearing threshold is at a certain level? Is a lower threshold indicative of a problem or a higher one? 1. Tinnitus? 2. Deafness? If an MRI has confirme...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hearing loss is generally indicated by the degree of loss in decibels, such as a 30-decibel hearing loss, with higher values indicating more severe loss, which is less favorable. If a diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma has been made, treatment options currently include Gamma Knif...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Tinnitus and the Nose Hello, doctor. About a year ago, I experienced tinnitus and visited many hospitals before discovering that the cause was primarily due to nasal allergies, chronic nasal discharge, and nasal polyps, which led to problems with my Eustachian tube, resulting in ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
There are many cases of tinnitus caused by abnormal eustachian tube pressure. Typically, the nasal issues are addressed first to prevent further deterioration. If there is already a noticeable decline in hearing, it is advisable to get an examination immediately. You can go to a ...[Read More] Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Understanding Causes and Recovery Options
Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Ear Hello, Dr. Hsu. In the past few months, I've occasionally felt a slight itch in my ears, so I used a cotton swab to clean them. I noticed that when I touch my left ear, it produces popping sounds or sounds similar to crinkling plastic. Any movement of the cotton swab cau...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Please don't worry; most of these unusual sounds are caused by small earwax moving across the surface of the eardrum. Some patients even experience this when changing body positions (such as getting out of bed). It can be quite uncomfortable, and you can visit a specialist t...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Long-Term Tinnitus Treatment: Can Cerenin Help?
Regarding the long-term treatment of tinnitus... and Cerenin (Sertraline)? Hello, Vice Dean Hsu. I have been experiencing tinnitus for about three years. Previously, on your recommendation, I was hospitalized and underwent long-term treatment for over a year, during which I took ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Cerenin has been used clinically for a long time and is considered a relatively safe medication, so you can rest assured about that. At the same time, with advancements in medicine over the years, there are now more options available for treatment, and many new-generation medicat...[Read More] Long-Term Tinnitus Treatment: Can Cerenin Help?
Tinnitus and Dizziness: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Tinnitus and dizziness? Dear Dr. Hsu, I hope this message finds you well. I apologize for the interruption. Here is my situation: Since around October of last year, I have been working in an office for about nine to ten hours a day. The work environment is quite simple, and I us...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
From your description, it seems that this is undoubtedly an episode of vertigo; however, the accompanying tinnitus is likely causing you greater distress. In fact, these issues are commonly related to problems within the vestibular system. The clinical symptoms you mentioned indi...[Read More] Tinnitus and Dizziness: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes and Symptoms of Dizziness
Poor vestibular function in the inner ear? Hello Dr. Hsu: At the end of December last year, one morning I woke up feeling extremely dizzy, accompanied by nausea. I experienced dizziness whenever I lay down to rest or changed positions, which lasted for a few seconds before stoppi...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you have undergone a complete evaluation for vertigo and it has been confirmed as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), it can generally be managed effectively. Therefore, it is not accurate to suggest that there are other underlying conditions, so there is no ne...[Read More] Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes and Symptoms of Dizziness
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding dizziness? Hello, Dr. Hsu. This morning, my father suddenly experienced dizziness. He feels very uncomfortable with even slight head movements, and when he opens his eyes to look at things, everything seems to be spinning. He feels a bit...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Ms. Li. Dizziness not only causes discomfort for patients but is also an important clinical manifestation associated with many diseases. Typically, a physical examination is conducted first to rule out other significant acute conditions, such as a stroke. Further investiga...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Dealing with Persistent Tinnitus: Seeking Solutions for Ear Congestion
Hello, doctor. Regarding earplugs and tinnitus? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing ear congestion and tinnitus for a year. Last month, I took corticosteroids to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but now my ears get congested whenever I catch a cold. The Western medici...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Tinnitus is a troubling issue, but from your letter, I cannot determine what examinations you have undergone. I can only make general inferences. The diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss has a very strict definition, and since you have been diagnosed with it, it theoret...[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Tinnitus: Seeking Solutions for Ear Congestion
Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor
Ear problems What could be the reasons for pus discharge from the ear? Is it due to ear inflammation or a ruptured eardrum? What should be done about it? Is surgery necessary? What could happen if someone with pus discharge from the ear does not see a doctor? When cleaning the ea...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The presence of discharge in the ear canal does not necessarily indicate otitis media; it could simply be external otitis. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a trusted specialist. You don't need to overly worry about issues that are visible or not; assessing these is one ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor