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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Otolaryngology
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma What is acoustic neuroma? Acoustic neuroma, also referred to as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous tumor that may develop from an overproduction of Schwann cells that press on the hearing and balance nerves in the inner ear. Schwann cells are cells that normally wrap around and support nerve fibers. If the tumor becomes large, it can press on the facial nerve or brain structure. What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma? The following are the most common symptoms of acoustic neuro...
Aphasia
Aphasia What is aphasia? Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, and leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others. Approximately 1 million people in the United States have aphasia, with about 80,000 cases diagnosed each year from stroke alone. Both genders are affected equally, and most people with aphasia are in middle to old age. What are the different types of aphasia? There are many types of...
Audiology
Audiology What is audiology? Audiology is the clinical evaluation and management of hearing and balance problems in people of all ages. It also involves the fitting and management of hearing aids and other hearing assistive devices. The specialist who practices audiology is called an audiologist . Signs that may indicate the need to see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation: Problems hearing over the telephone Trouble following conversations when two or more people speak at once Trouble following conv...
Balance Disorders
Balance Disorders Many balance disorders require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Acoustic Neuroma Ménière's Disease
Deviated Septum
Deviated Septum What is a deviated septum? The nasal septum is made of cartilage, and divides the nose into two separate chambers. A deviated septum is an abnormal configuration of the cartilage that divides the two sides of the nasal cavity, which may cause congestion, problems with proper breathing, or nasal discharge. Estimates are that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center. A deviated septum is when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline. The most common symptom from a deviate...
Ear Infections
Ear Infections Many different types of ear infections require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Otitis Media Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) Ears and Airplane Travel, Ear Wax, and Ear Cleaning
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Many disorders of the ear, nose, and throat require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hearing Disorders Balance Disorders Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders) Speech and Voice Disorders Language Disorders Vocal Cord Disorders Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx)
Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts
Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts Click Image to Enlarge What is the ear? External or outer ear, consisting of: Pinna or auricle. This is the outside part of the ear. External auditory canal or tube . This is the tube that connects the outer ear to the inside or middle ear. Tympanic membrane (also called the eardrum). The tympanic membrane divides the external ear from the middle ear. Middle ear (tympanic cavity), consisting of: Ossicles . These are the three small bones that are connected and transmit the so...
Ears and Airplane Travel, Ear Wax, and Ear Cleaning
Ears and Airplane Travel, Ear Wax, and Ear Cleaning Ears and air travel Click Image to Enlarge The experience of "popping" ears when flying on an airplane is the most common medical complaint of airplane passengers. Due to an air pocket in the middle ear that is sensitive to air pressure changes, the changing altitude as the plane takes off or lands can cause discomfort in the ears. Swallowing or yawning usually can help "pop" the ears (activating the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube, which connect...
Glossary - Otolaryngology
Glossary - Otolaryngology | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma) - a tumor, usually benign, which develops on the hearing and balance nerves and can cause gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. Acquired deafness - loss of hearing that occurs or develops over the course of a lifetime; deafness not present at b...
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids What are hearing aids? Nearly 36 million adults in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids can help improve hearing and speech especially in persons with sensorineural hearing loss (hearing loss in the inner ear due to damaged hair cells or a damaged hearing nerve). Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by virus or bacteria, noise, injury, infection, aging, certain medications, birth defects, tumors, problems with blood circulation or high blood pressure, and stroke. Hear...
Hearing and Speech Communication Services and Devices
Hearing and Speech Communication Services and Devices What are hearing and speech communication services and devices? Aside from medical intervention and hearing aids, there are many devices and services available to help improve and support communication in daily life. This support includes, as of 1993, the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires all telephone companies to provide telecommunications relay services. Other options available to people with hearing loss and other communication disord...
Hearing Disorders
Hearing Disorders Many conditions concerned with hearing require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hearing Loss Presbycusis Tinnitus Usher Syndrome Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss What is hearing loss? Hearing loss is a medical disorder that affects nearly 36 million adults in the United States. Impaired hearing may be caused by many things. Older people are the largest group affected by hearing loss. The contributors range from excessive noise, drugs, viral or bacterial infections, head injury or head tumors, stroke, and heredity. One in three older adults over age 60 has hearing loss. Nearly half of people ages 75 to 85 have hearing loss. Diseases and disorders tha...
Home Page - Otolaryngology
Topic Index Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Hearing Disorders Balance Disorders Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders) Speech and Voice Disorders Language Disorders Vocal Cord Disorders Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx) Hearing and Speech Communication Services and Devices Glossary Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that focuses on disorders in the ear, nose, and throat. Although many of us think of hearing loss, si...
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome? Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare language disorder. It frequently occurs in normally developing children, usually between five and seven years of age, and is characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of the ability to use or comprehend spoken language. What are the signs of Landau-Kleffner syndrome? The following are the most common indicators of Landau-Kleffner syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Early si...
Language Disorders
Language Disorders Many language disorders require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Aphasia Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx)
Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx) What is laryngeal cancer? Laryngeal cancer includes cancerous cells found in any part of the larynx, which consists of the glottis, the supraglottis, or the subglottis. The larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is a two-inch long tube-shaped organ located in the neck at the top of the trachea (windpipe). The cartilage in front of the larynx is sometimes called the Adam's apple . The vocal cords (or vocal folds) are two bands of muscle that form a V shape ins...
Ménière's Disease
Ménière's Disease What is Ménière's disease? Ménière's disease is a balance disorder caused by an abnormality found in a section of the inner ear called the labyrinth . There are an estimated 615,000 people in the U.S. who have Ménière's disease, with 45,500 new cases diagnosed each year. What causes Ménière's disease? The labyrinth contains the organs of balance and hearing. It is made up of two parts: Bony labyrinth Membranous labyrinth The membranous labyrinth is encased in bone and contains a fluid ...
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Noise and hearing loss When the ears are exposed to extremely loud noises, or to prolonged loud noises, inner ear structures can be damaged, leading to noise-induced hearing loss. What constitutes a loud noise? Noise is characterized by intensity measured in decibels, pitch measured in hertz (Hz, which means cycles per second), and duration. Normal conversation levels occur at about 60 decibels. Continual exposure to more than 85 decibels can be dangerous. Pitch is the frequen...
Online Resources - Otolaryngology
Online Resources - Otolaryngology This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contai...
Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Many conditions of the ear, nose, and throat require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Bell's Palsy Deviated Septum Sinusitis Snoring Tonsillitis Ear Infections Otitis Media Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) Ears and Airplane Travel, Ear Wax, and Ear Cleaning
Otitis Externa
Otitis Externa What is otitis externa (swimmer's ear)? Click Image to Enlarge Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and fungi. What causes swimmer's ear? Many different factors can increase your child's chance of developing swimmer's ear. As the name implies, one ...
Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
Otitis Media (Ear Infection) What is otitis media? Click Image to Enlarge Otitis media is infection or inflammation located in the middle ear. About 75 percent of children have at least one episode of otitis media by the time they are three years of age. Otitis media can also affect adults, although it is primarily a disease that occurs most often in children. What causes otitis media? Inflammation usually begins when infections due to sore throats, colds, or other respiratory problems, spread to the mi...
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology What is otolaryngology? Click Image to Enlarge Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that focuses on medical and surgical treatment for patients who have disorders of the: Ear, which may include: Hearing problems Ear infections Balance disorders Tinnitus Some cranial nerve disorders Nose, which may include: Allergies Problems with smelling Appearance of the nose Throat, which may include: Diseases of the larynx (voice box) Upper aero-digestive tract disorders Disorders involving the eso...
Presbycusis
Presbycusis What is presbycusis? Click Image to Enlarge Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age. It is a common disorder associated with aging. One in three older adults over age 65 has hearing loss. About half of people over age 75 have hearing loss. Presbycusis usually occurs gradually, and typically in both ears equally, with some people not immediately aware of the change. What causes presbycusis? There may be many causes for presbycusis, but it most commonly occurs beca...
Sinusitis
Sinusitis What are sinuses? Click Image to Enlarge The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, that are near the nasal passage. The sinuses make mucus, which is a fluid that cleans the bacteria and other particles out of the air we breathe. There are four different types of sinuses: Ethmoid sinus. Located inside the face, around the area of the bridge of the nose, it is is present at birth and continues to grow. Maxillary sinus. Located inside the face, around the area of the cheeks, it is also pre...
Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders)
Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders) What are smell and taste disorders? The loss of the senses of smell ( anosmia ) and taste ( ageusia ) are the most common chemosensory disorders. The reduced ability to smell ( hyposmia ) or to taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty substances ( hypogeusia ) are also common. In other disorders of the chemosenses, odors, tastes, or flavors may be misread or distorted, causing a person to detect an unpleasant odor or taste from something that is normally ple...
Snoring
Snoring What is snoring? Snoring is the sound that occurs during sleep when flow of air is obstructed in the area where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula. Snoring noises occur when these structures vibrate against each other during breathing. It is estimated that 45 percent of all adults snore occasionally, and 25 percent habitually snore. Snoring is more common in males and people who are overweight, and worsens with age. Snoring is obstructed breathing. In addition to disturbe...
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic Dysphonia What is spasmodic dysphonia? Spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia , is a voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles of the larynx (voice box) that cause the voice to break, and have a tight, strained, or strangled sound. Difficulties that result from spasmodic dysphonia range from occasional problems with saying a word or two to complete inability to communicate. Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic condition that most often affec...
Speech and Voice Disorders
Speech and Voice Disorders Many speech and voice disorders require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Spasmodic Dysphonia Stuttering
Stuttering
Stuttering What is stuttering? Stuttering, sometimes referred to as stammering or diffluent speech , is a speech disorder. This is different than normal repetition of words that children may do when learning to speak. Normal developmental stuttering may occur when the child is younger than 5 years old. This may include repeating words or phrases, poor pronunciation of words, leaving out words or sounds, and speaking some words that are hard to recognize. True stuttering may occur in a child who has some...
Tinnitus
Tinnitus What is tinnitus? Click Image to Enlarge Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, or clicking that occurs inside the head. The sounds may come and go, be continuous, occur in one or both ears, and vary in pitch. Currently, more than 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from some degree of tinnitus. Of these individuals, at least 2 million experience it so severely that it interferes with their daily activities, according to the American Tinnitus Association. What causes tinn...
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of a tonsil--the large, fleshy, oval glands that lie in the lateral wall of the oral pharynx on either side of the throat. These glands contain cells that produce antibodies that are helpful in fighting infection. What causes tonsillitis? There are many possible, highly contagious bacterial and viral causes of tonsillitis. Causes of tonsillitis include the following: Streptococcus (commonly referred to as "strep") bacteria (the most...
Topic Index - Otolaryngology
Topic Index - Otolaryngology Otolaryngology Home Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts Otolaryngology Audiology Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Hearing Disorders Hearing Loss Presbycusis Tinnitus Usher Syndrome Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Hearing Aids Balance Disorders Acoustic Neuroma Ménière's Disease Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders) Speech and Voice Disorders Spasmodic Dysphonia Stuttering Language Disorders Aphasia Landau-Kleffner Syndrome Vocal Cord Disorders Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Diso...
Usher Syndrome
Usher Syndrome What is Usher syndrome? Usher syndrome is an inherited disorder that involves both a hearing impairment and a vision impairment called retinitis pigmentosa. Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive degeneration of the retina that causes night blindness and reduction of peripheral vision (side vision). Some people also have varying problems with balance. Usher syndrome is passed from parents to their children genetically. What are the different types of Usher syndrome? There are three types o...
Vocal Cord Disorders
Vocal Cord Disorders What are vocal cord disorders? The vocal cords (also called vocal folds) are two bands of smooth muscle tissue located in the larynx (voice box). The larynx is located in the neck at the top of the trachea (windpipe). Vocal cords produce the sound of your voice by vibration and the air passing through the cords from the lungs. The sound the vocal cords produce is then sent through the throat, nose, and mouth, giving the sound "resonance." The sound of each individual voice is determ...
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