Understanding Cold vs. Allergy Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference
It’s all too easy to confuse a cold with seasonal allergies, especially when dealing with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and congestion. But knowing whether you’re dealing with a cold or an allergy can help you get the right treatment and feel better sooner. Let’s look at how you can tell the difference and…
How to Celebrate Audiology Awareness Month
October is Audiology Awareness Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness about hearing health and encouraging the use of protective measures to prevent hearing damage. Audiology Awareness Month began in 2008 and aims to equip people with knowledge and resources about hearing loss, allowing communities to better understand and prioritize auditory care. The World Health…
What to Know About Mold Allergies
Mold allergies are common, affecting approximately one in five people. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments and can be found both indoors and outdoors. While some people can be around mold without any problems, others may experience allergic reactions when they encounter mold spores that may be similar to…
Why Does My Child Have Chronic Ear Infections?
Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for most kids. (Remember yours? Ouch.) Most ear infections either resolve on their own or are effectively treated by antibiotics. But sometimes, ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem that leads to other issues, such as hearing loss, poor school performance…
Don’t Get Caught Off-Balance This Summer With Vestibular Issues
Hiking, tennis, water sports—summer is the season to stay active outside! But if you or someone you love has a vestibular disorder, participating fully in all the summer fun may be a little more challenging. What Is a Vestibular Disorder? A vestibular disorder is a condition that affects the vestibular system, which is part of…
New Report Suggests Over 1.6M Americans May Have Permanently Lost Sense of Smell
We’ve known that COVID-19 can cause patients to temporarily lose their sense of smell. However, a new report estimates that 1.6 million people in the United States have experienced chronic loss of smell (anosmia) lasting at least six months following their infection. The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery,appears to be one of…
The Importance of Screening for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer may not seem like a prevalent disease, accounting for only three percent of cancers and affecting roughly 54,000 people per year,1 but because the type of cancer is plagued by late discovery, it’s one of the deadliest—of the people newly diagnosed, only about 60% will live longer than five years.2 One person every…
Sleeping Soundly: How a Sleep Study Could Save Your Life
We spend about one-third of our lives asleep, yet sleep is one of the least understood areas in medicine. Countless medical studies conducted across the world have tried to crack the mystery of sleep, but only one conclusion persists: people need at least six to seven hours of restful sleep every night. Millions of Americans…
What Does a Lump Behind My Ear Mean?
If you find a lump behind your ear, it’s not necessarily a cause for worry. Lumps behind the ear can have various causes and can sometimes go away on their own. Read along to learn a little more about what could be causing these lumps and when it may be necessary to seek medical attention….
How Do I Check My Neck for Thyroid Issues?
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to check on the health of this small but mighty gland. A regular self-exam, also known as a “neck check,” can help you find lumps or enlargements on your thyroid gland, which could indicate the presence of everything from nodules to cancer. The Six-Step Thyroid…
“I came to be under Dr. Donovan's care during a medical emergency at the hospital. The care I received that day and in every interaction after, at Willamette ENT has been prompt, professional and very thorough. I feel very well cared for.”