Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and Sleep Apnea treated at ENT Specialty Care in Goshen NYSnoring may be the cause of some disharmony in your home. If you or a loved-one suffers from loud prolonged snoring, snoring may only be the tip of the iceberg. People who snore may suffer from a more serious problem called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by feeling as if you did not get a good nights sleep, daytime fatigue and sleepiness, headaches, and irritability. This is caused by not getting enough oxygen while sleeping and not going through normal sleep cycles. People who suffer from sleep apnea are at significant risk for high blood pressure, lung and heart disease. Luckily there are very successful treatments for both snoring and sleep apnea.

If you or a loved-one suffers from snoring, see one of our specialists.  Call (845) 294-0661 to schedule an appointment.

Sleep Study Interpretation

Snoring and Sleep Study Interpretation located in Orange County NYObstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is evidenced by snoring and breathing obstructions during sleep. It may cause severe daytime drowsiness and can greatly increase the risk of being involved in an automobile accident. In addition, it can be an important contributing factor to heart disease, hypertension, and depression, as well ask increase the risk of stroke.

Dr. Gordon and Dr. West can arrange for a sleep study to diagnose the problem and make recommendations for the treatment.

To find out if you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, contact our office at (845) 294-0661 to schedule your appointment.

Hyperparathyroid Treatment

Minimally Advanced Parathyroid Surgery

Hyperparathyroidism is caused by the excessive production of parathyroid hormone by one or more of the parathyroid glands. This over activity of the parathyroid glands results in the excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

PTH helps maintain the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in your body. Normal parathyroid glands are suppressed with an elevated calcium level. The problem occurs when a diseased parathyroid gland continues to discrete PTH despite an elevated calcium level. The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is made when there is an elevated blood calcium level together with an elevated or high normal PTH.

At Dr. Gordon’s New York Center for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery we have the benefit of placing our operative suites next to our imaging facility enabling the ready use of the Minimally Invasive Radioguided Parathyroidectomy (MIRP) Surgery technique. This permits the convenience and use of the intraoperative gamma counter if indicated shortly after sestamibi injection while the parathyroid adenoma nuclear activity is still elevated.

The minimally invasive radioguided parathyroidectomy technique was popularized in the late 1990’s and still plays a role for certain cases. MIRP plays a useful role in assisting the surgeon with localizing the parathyroid adenoma intraoperatively.

About 97% of parathyroid disease patients have only one bad parathyroid. So rather than use the traditional parathyroid operation technique requiring a large neck incision to locate and examine the four parathyroid glands the MIRP surgical technique simply remove the one bad gland and leave the others alone.

New York Center for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Orange County NY

To learn more about Dr. Gordon’s New York Center for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery please visit www.advancedparathryoid.com or call 888-760-0966.

Online Patient Portal Convenience and Benefits

ENT Specialty Care Patient Portal Goshen NY

When you register through our website there is no need to fill out paper forms – ever! From the convenience of your home you can input and update the information of your very own personal health record. We provide you with one central place to list and update all your doctors, your pharmacies, your medical conditions, your medications, your allergies, and your immunizations. When your information changes just log on and update your health record.  You can also securely message our office, request appointments, and more!

Please contact our office at (845) 294-0661 if you do not have a username associated with our patient portal.

Hearing Loss Treatment, Goshen NY

Hearing Loss Treatment ENT Specialty Care Goshen NY 10924

Why seek hearing loss treatment?

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition facing adults today. Despite being an incredibly debilitating issue many individuals delay seeking treatment out of denial fear or embarrassment.

Individuals who suspect they’re suffering from hearing loss should seek treatment as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to a number of other health problems both physical and psychological.

Untreated hearing loss also is linked to a variety of emotional problems including anxiety and depression. Individuals with hearing loss often have difficulty following day-to-day conversations and may begin withdrawing from activities and other things they enjoy. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and the decrease in quality of life if allowed to manifest for an extended period of time.

In addition to the emotional and physical effects of hearing loss a study by the Better Hearing Institute found households with an employed individual who has untreated hearing loss makes up to $12 000 less annually.

There are a number of effective hearing loss treatments available today including a variety of hearing aids to meet different individual needs. Please schedule with ENT Specialty Care to inquire further about these different options.

Treatment for temporary hearing loss?

Temporary hearing loss is generally caused by exposure to loud noises or music. Because temporary hearing loss usually wears off within a few hours treatment options are minimal. Ear plugs are advised to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss and should be worn because prolonged exposure could result in permanent hearing loss.

Treatment for conductive hearing loss

Generally caused by a condition in the outer or middle inner ear conductive hearing loss is usually temporary. Conductive hearing loss is often the result of ear wax build-up fluid in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum. Because of the nature of conductive hearing loss treatment options usually involve medication first to address the specific cause.

In the event treatment with medicine does not clear up the hearing loss please contact ENT Specialty Care in Goshen, NY.

Hearing Loss Symtpoms ENT Specialty Care Goshen NY 10924

Treatment for permanent hearing loss

Because permanent hearing loss isn’t reversible individuals suffering from it will usually need a hearing aid or amplification device.

Sensorineural hearing loss originates in the inner ear and/or auditory nerve and is generally caused by damage to the inner ear hair cells. Because these hair cells do not repair themselves and cannot be medically treated once damaged sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent form of permanent hearing loss.

If a permanent hearing loss is suspected individuals should seek treatment from a hearing healthcare provider who can help pursue other available options. In fact studies show 95% of cases of sensorineural hearing loss can be improved using hearing aids or cochlear implants. Please contact ENT Specialty Care in Goshen, NY for more information or to receive a hearing assessment and possible solutions.

Treating hearing loss with hearing aids

When medical intervention cannot restore hearing hearing aids are a viable option for many individuals. Hearing aids can be purchased in a variety of colors styles and sizes and offer different price points based on what features an individual needs or wants.

The purpose of a hearing aid is to amplify or make a sound louder. While they do not restore hearing they do improve hearing ability allowing individuals to communicate more clearly and function better. Hearing aids can be worn behind the ear and in the ear depending on a person’s degree of hearing loss and personal preference.

If you would like to evaluate your hearing, check out ENT Specialty Care’s Hearing Difficulty Questionnaire and contact ENT Specialty Care in Goshen, NY at (845) 294-0661.

To learn more about hearing aid solutions in Goshen, NY, visit ENT Specialty Care’s Hearing Aid FAQs.

“Copyright 2013. Reprinted with permission from www.healthyhearing.com. Please visit our site for the original article: Hearing Aids.”

Hearing Aids in Goshen, NY

Digital Hearing Aid Dispensory Goshen NY

ENT Specialty Care utilizes the most advanced technology for audiological diagnosis of all ages including newborns.  Hearing aid selection fitting and follow-up is done over a two-three month period with active participation of client and family.  Digital hearing aids assistive listening devices and rehabilitation are all integral components of the process. Additionally objective tests such as sound field evaluation and speech mapping are important to verify hearing aid benefit.

Discover a better life through better hearing. We provide Hearing Aid fitting services conveniently located in our Goshen, NY office.  Please call (845) 294-0661 to set up your appointment today.

FAQ – Sinusitis

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes swollen shut normal mucus drainage may not occur and this may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

Sinusitis Goshen NY 10924

What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms include:

  • Facial Pain pressure congestion or fullness
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose 
  • Teeth pain
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Fatigue 
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath

What types of doctors treat sinusitis?

Many types of doctors treat sinusitis including general and family practice physicians pediatricians and allergists. However if you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to medical treatment you may be referred to a specialist – an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) physician or Otolaryngologist.

How is sinusitis treated?

Various approaches have emerged for surgeons to consider when treating sinusitis patients:

  • Medical therapy
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery with cutting instruments Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with cutting instruments)
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery with balloon catheters

Medical Therapy

Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is successful for many sinusitis sufferers. Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help. However at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.

Sinus surgery aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage. The procedure removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to pain scarring and bleeding.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with Balloon Sinuplasty technology)

The technology utilizes a small flexible Sinus Balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty system is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked sinuses.

Head and Neck Surgery

Dr. Lawrence Gordon provides Head and Neck Surgery for all aspects of head and neck disorders including disorders of the ear, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, neck, thyroid, salivary glands, bronchial tubes, and esophagus, as well as cosmetic surgery of the face and neck.  Dr. Gordon has expertise in treating a wide variety of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including those of the salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid, tongue, lips, throat, and skin.

FAQ – Serial Endpoint Titration (S.E.T.)

What is S.E.T. allergy testing?

Serial Endpoint Titration is a method of testing the skin to determine the presence on allergic diseases.

How does S.E.T. allergy testing work?

Small amounts of diluted allergen extracts are injected into the skin. After waiting ten minutes the skin is examined for a reaction.  This procedure is repeated using two to three dilutions of the extracts getting subsequently stronger each time.  Once your skin reacts positively to a particular allergen(s) the test is complete.

How long does the allergy test take?

Your testing should take about one and one half to two hours to complete.  No eating drinking or smoking is allowed during your test.

What does S.E.T. allergy testing actually test for?

Advanced Allergy Testing at ENT Specialty Care

Do I have to stop any medications before I get an allergy test?

Because this test requires a reaction of the skin there are certain medications that must be discontinued prior to these tests.  These medications may interfere with the skin’s ability to react. 

If you have any more questions regarding S.E.T. Allergy testing please contact our office today at (845) 294-0661.
 

FAQ – Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are miniature electronic devices that sit in or on the ear and selectively amplify and process sounds. All hearing aids contain one or more microphones to pick up sound a processor that amplifies and processes sound a receiver or speaker that sends the signal into your ear and a battery for a power source.

When thinking about purchasing hearing aids there are numerous factors to consider during your visit with a hearing healthcare professional including: types and styles fitting pricing reviews and comparisons cleaning repair accessories and other associations that might help cover the costs to obtain hearing aids.

Hearing Aids: Types and styles of hearing aids

While hearing aids can be split into two broad categories – in-the-ear styles (ITE) and behind-the-ear styles (BTE) – there are several styles available with different locations in or behind the ear allowing the wearer to find the most comfortable and beneficial fit.

The following hearing aid types are considered in-the-ear styles and vary from completely invisible and in the canal to on the outer edge of the ear bowl:

Invisible in the canal (IIC): IIC styles are the tiniest hearing aids made. They fit very deeply in the ear canal and are typically fit for mild or moderate hearing losses and offer high cosmetic appeal as they’re nearly invisible when worn.

In the canal (ITC): ITC hearing aids sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they’re slightly larger than IIC and CIC styles they have a longer battery life and can fit a wider range of hearing losses.

Low profile: Low profile instruments range from half shell designs that fill half the bowl of the outer ear to designs that fill almost the entire outer ear bowl. The size of a low profile style makes it desirable for people with dexterity issues because it is easier to handle than the smaller sizes.

If an in-the-ear hearing device isn’t suitable or desired by a patient there also are numerous behind-the-ear styles available including:

Mini BTE with slim tube and tip: Mini BTE styles are designed to hide behind the outer ear and have ultra-thin tubing to discreetly route sound into the ear. This style is so popular that more occluding ear tips have become available in order to accommodate a greater degree of hearing loss with the mini BTE.

Receiver in the ear (RITE): RITE hearing aid styles are mini BTEs that have the speaker built into the ear tip instead of the main body of the hearing aid. This allows the speaker of the hearing aid to rest in the ear canal but the microphone and processor sit in a tiny case behind the ear.

BTE with ear mold: BTE styles that come with ear molds can fit any type of hearing loss from mild to profound. Their longer shape follows the contour behind the outer ear and can generally house more features controls and power than any other style of hearing aid.

Hearing Aids: Hearing Aid Technology

Because hearing aids today are digital and programmable the amplification can be fine-tuned and tailored for each wearer. Basic hearing aids usually require some manual adjustments depending on the type and degree of loss experienced by a person. Basic hearing aids allow for some customization but are limited in the amount of adjustments to fit unusual patterns of hearing loss. Advanced hearing aids offer several different levels of technology. As the level of technology increases hearing devices are more automatic equipped with more features and allow for a more-personal experience.

The hearing aids produced today utilize wireless technology. This allows two hearing aids to operate together as one complete system instead of acting as two independent devices. Additionally wireless technology allows hearing aid users more ability to customize their experience and program their device.

Wireless hearing aids are often capable of wireless communication with external devices as well such as Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth enables hearing aid wearers to connect personal electronic devices and stream signals directly to the hearing aid. Wireless hearing aids can use compatible assistive listening devices often called streamers to provide a communication link between the wireless technology in the hearing aids and any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Hearing Aid Fitting

Once a hearing healthcare professional recommends hearing aids for an individual a number of factors will be considered when selecting and fitting a device. The hearing healthcare practitioner will take the hearing test results into consideration to determine the severity of hearing loss. Additionally the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will take your lifestyle and preferences into account. There are certain features hearing aids offer which might be more suitable for individuals seeking more time outdoors.

Because hearing aids are such a specific personalized piece of technology not every brand or style of device will be suitable for everyone. This can make comparing and reviewing hearing aids difficult. It’s best to talk to your hearing healthcare provider about what options and features are ideal for your particular loss.

Hearing healthcare professionals will perform an initial fitting where they fine-tune features and adjust levels to ensure the hearing aid wearer is getting the most out of the device. It is important to note there is an adjustment period when wearing a new device so in order to get used to the new aid a user should follow the audiologist’s instructions. A hearing aid shouldn’t be painful however so if an individual is experiencing pain they should contact their provider immediately.

Hearing Aids: Hearing Aid Upkeep

While many hearing healthcare professionals offer hearing device cleaning at no cost it’s good practice to follow at home. For daily upkeep use a dry cloth or tissue daily to remove any dust earwax or moisture from your device. This allows the hearing aid user to be more aware of the condition the hearing aid is in and how well it’s functioning.

From time to time it’s possible a hearing aid might need some repairs. While many problems can be easy to troubleshoot at home if the user begins hearing an increased amount of static or feedback finds the volume is going in and out or experiences any other general interference it would be a good time to take the aid into the hearing center for diagnosis. Also if the device is running through batteries more frequently or if any parts or tubes become dislodged it’s important to allow a hearing healthcare professional to look at the device.

Discover a better life through better hearing.

We provide Hearing Aid services conveniently located in our Goshen, NY office. Please call (845) 294-0661 to set up your appointment today.

“Copyright 2013. Reprinted with permission from www.healthyhearing.com. Please visit our site for the original article: Hearing Aids.”