When to See an ENT: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Do you have ringing in your ears, trouble hearing, frequent sinus problems or loud snoring? While some ear, nose and throat (ENT) issues may seem minor, others can be signs of a condition that needs medical attention. Knowing when to see a specialist can help you get the right care sooner.

ENT doctors, also called otolaryngologists, diagnose and treat conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. They care for people of all ages and can help with concerns ranging from hearing loss and sinus infections to sleep problems and head and neck cancers.

Don't Ignore Ongoing Symptoms

Some symptoms should never be brushed aside. If you have ongoing ear, nose or throat pain, a lump in your head or neck, trouble breathing through your nose, or changes in your hearing, it's important to talk with a doctor. These symptoms may be caused by an infection or another condition that needs treatment.

Hearing Changes: What's Normal?

Hearing loss can happen gradually as we age. In fact, hearing problems become more common later in life. But if you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, seek medical care right away. Sudden hearing loss is considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Whether your hearing changes happen slowly over time or all at once, an ENT specialist can help find the cause and recommend treatment options. Read Do You Hear What I Hear? to learn about hearing tests.

Is It a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

Colds and sinus infections can feel similar, but they are not the same.

A cold is caused by a virus and often leads to:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Feeling tired

A sinus infection may cause:

• Pain or pressure in the face
• Pressure around the eyes, cheeks or forehead
• Thick yellow or green mucus
• Symptoms that last longer than 10 days

If you're not getting better or your symptoms are worsening, it may be time to see an ENT specialist.

Why Do My Ears Ring?

Ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking or whooshing sounds in the ears are called tinnitus. Tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, but it can also be caused by:

• Exposure to loud noise
• Earwax or other blockages
• Blood vessel problems
• Head or neck injuries

Tinnitus can affect people of any age, but it becomes more common as we get older. If the ringing is frequent or bothersome, an ENT specialist can help identify the cause.

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths inside the nose or sinuses. They can:

• Make it harder to breathe
• Reduce your sense of smell
• Increase the risk of sinus infections

Any new growth inside the nose should be evaluated by an ENT doctor to determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Is Snoring a Sign of a Bigger Problem?

Many people snore. For some, it's simply a nighttime annoyance. For others, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If snoring doesn't improve with lifestyle changes, such as sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol before bed or maintaining a healthy weight, talk with your doctor.

Snoring can be linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. The risk increases with age because the muscles in the airway can weaken over time. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study to learn more about what's causing your snoring. MetroHealth's Sleep Medicine experts can help.

Comprehensive ENT Care at MetroHealth

MetroHealth ENT specialists provide care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• General adult ENT care
• Hearing and balance disorders
• Sinus and allergy conditions
• Voice and swallowing problems
• Head and neck cancer
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
• Pediatric ENT care

If you're experiencing ongoing ear, nose or throat symptoms, don't ignore them. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you feel better, protect your health and improve your quality of life.