Cochlear Implants Help Young Hearing Loss Patients

When Dean Berrones’s parents noticed their one-year-old son was showing signs of hearing loss and a speech delay, they knew they had to act fast to get him the help he needed. Thanks to their quick response, Dean, now a kindergartener at a mainstream school, has cochlear implants to treat his profound hearing loss and…
The Running Noses Take on Hood to Coast

On August 28–29, a team of dedicated runners from Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery (WENT) and River Road Surgery Center (RRSC) took on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic endurance events, the Providence Hood to Coast Relay. Known as the “Mother of All Relays,” Hood to Coast is the largest and most popular…
Transitioning From Summer to Ragweed Season in the Valley

It’s common to associate the onset of fall with the close of allergy season, but don’t be fooled: this is when ragweed rears its head (or, pollen). Keep on top of your allergy management regimen if you have a pollen allergy, because symptoms aren’t going away just yet. Identifying Ragweed Ragweed is an annual wildflower…
How to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke Season with Allergies

It’s an unfortunate truth that August and September in Oregon have become wildfire season. Smoky air is uncomfortable and hazardous as it is, but it’s especially a problem for people with allergies. Let’s discuss why this is and what you can do to prepare for the smoke. How Wildfire Smoke Affects Allergies Wildfire smoke contains…
How to Keep Summer Progress Going into Fall

If you started an immunotherapy regimen earlier this year, you’re probably feeling excited about the progress you’ve made. Perhaps you’ve already made it to the maintenance phase, and maybe you’ve already noticed a significant change in your allergy symptoms. This can be a great feeling in the spring and summer when allergy symptoms are at…
Building a Year-Round Allergy-Safe Home Routine

Summer is the peak of allergy season, but that doesn’t mean that allergy symptoms are exclusive to the warmer months. The habits that help you manage your allergies in the spring and summer are just as beneficial in the fall and winter. So, let’s discuss how to make a plan for allergies to keep your…
Willamette ENT Connects With Thousands at Local Family Fest

Willamette ENT was proud to participate in this year’s Family Building Blocks Riverfront Family Fest in Salem on August 8, joining more than 4,000 community members for a day filled with family-friendly fun and activities. One of the highlights at our booth was our smell identification game, where visitors tested their sense of smell with…
Drying Laundry Outside in a Heatwave May Worsen Allergies—And Sleep

The summer sun brings a lot of fun, but there are several instances when it is crucial to be mindful of it—including when hanging laundry out to dry. It is especially important for people with allergies that bedding should not be left outside to dry during heat waves. Why It Matters “During periods of high…
How Humidity and Dust Impact Your Allergies

If your allergy symptoms seem worse during the summer, humidity and dust may be contributing factors. High humidity can encourage mold growth and increase pollen exposure, while dust can irritate your airways and expose you to allergens like dust mites. Together, these environmental factors can make allergy symptoms feel more intense, even when the allergens…
Managing Allergies During Outdoor Sports and Activities

Soccer, baseball and softball are in full swing right now! Whether your kiddo is a member of a youth sports team or you’re on an intramural team with some buddies, summer sports are an excellent time to get outdoors, get some exercise and socialize a bit. They’re also, unfortunately, an excellent opportunity to encounter grass…
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