Find out which type of hearing aid will help you get back in the conversation again.

Has an ENT doctor or audiologist determined that you have hearing loss? If so, you may be wondering, “What now?” Well, the next step is to get fitted for a hearing aid. Of course, with all the advancements in technology there are now so many options when it comes to hearing aids that it can be a bit confusing. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a hearing aid,

The Style

Discretion is usually one of the most important factors that someone mentions when getting a hearing aid (we know being able to hide your hearing aid from others is important). Of course, there are other factors to consider that can help you determine the right style for you. Common hearing aid styles include:

• Invisible-in-the-canal
• Completely-in-the-canal
• In-the-canal
• In-the-ear
• Receiver-in-canal
• Behind-the-ear (often the most versatile hearing aid to accommodate all severities of hearing loss)

Special and Advanced Features

Hearing aids now come with some pretty awesome features and while some may not apply to you or be particularly important for your lifestyle, there are other features that you may wish to have. Top features include:

Noise reduction

This feature separates out dynamic sounds (e.g. television; conversations) from static sounds (e.g. running water) and increases the dynamic sounds while reducing static sounds, making it easier to hear what you actually want to hear.

Directionality

Noisy environments can be a real pain for people with hearing loss. Here’s where the directionality feature on a hearing aid comes in handy. Instead of just “turning up” the volume on all sounds around you, this feature allows you to hear what’s in closer proximity and help you turn your attention and focus on the person in front of you rather than the noisy environment around you. This is particularly helpful for those who work in loud environments such as restaurants.

Multiple channels

Just because a hearing aid has more channels than another doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. What it means is that these different channels offer ways to adjust different frequencies. Therefore, those dealing with both low-end and high-end pitch problems can adjust the volume on one without necessarily adjusting the volume on another. The idea is that these different channels help even out what a person can hear.

Your Hearing Loss

Of course, the type and severity of your hearing loss will also play a factor in which kind of hearing aid will truly give you the best opportunity to understand those around you. This is something that your otolaryngologist can discuss with you during your evaluation and fitting. There are many options available for those dealing with everything from mild to profound hearing loss.

Are you ready to sit down with an ENT specialist to discuss your hearing aid options? Don’t put off addressing your hearing difficulties. The sooner you treat your hearing loss the better.

For the most delicate and important disorders of the head and neck, seek the diagnostic and treatment skills of ENT doctor, Dr. William Bond. In his Washington, D.C., practice, Dr. Bond specializes in disorders of the ears, nose and throat, using a variety of treatment modalities to help patients achieve optimal wellness and function. Do you need head and neck surgery?

The first step

Most patients come to Dr. Bond's ENT practice in Washington, D.C., with a variety of symptoms. Perhaps it's blocked nasal passages, a sluggish metabolism, sleep apnea or a suspicious lump in the area of the salivary glands. Whatever the complaint, Dr. Bond will:

• Review the symptoms
• Review the medical, surgical and prescription history
• Do a complete physical examination of the ears, nose and throat
• Order lab work as needed

Then, the doctor may perform in-office diagnostics such as endoscopy (a lighted tube introduced into the esophagus, or food pipe) to visualize interior structures or even take tissue samples for biopsy. While Dr. Bond and other otolaryngologists strive to use the most conservative treatment methods possible (medications as an example), sometimes head and neck surgery is the best option. Dr. Bond performs a variety of procedures both in the office and in the local hospital.

Common head and neck procedures

Rest assured you will be informed fully on your condition and treatment options. You will receive pre-operative instructions and discharge and after-care instructions so you know what to expect before, during and after your procedure.
Common head and neck surgeries include:

• Removal of the thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Excision of tumors and cancerous lesions (about four percent of all cancers involve the head and neck, says the American Society of Clinical Oncology)
• Treatment of voice and swallowing disorders
• Soft tissue removal and reconstruction for treatment of sleep apnea
• Removal of benign nasal polyps
• Tonsillectomy
• Septoplasty to alleviate a deviated septum, the divider between the right and left nostril

Find out more

If you're in need of head and neck surgery, come see the expert: otolaryngologist Dr. William Bond. He and his professional and caring staff will give you the information you need so you are fully prepared for your important procedure and can expect the best of outcomes. Phone our office in Washington, D.C., at (202) 726-7770 for an appointment.

Sinus infections are painful. You have sinuses around your eyes and behind your nose, any of which can harbor an infection. The first sign you may have a sinus infection is a dull, throbbing pain in the area of your sinuses. You may also experience:

• Pain in your upper jaws or teeth, eyes, nose or forehead
• A yellowish-green discharge when you blow your nose
• Congestion caused from swelling in your sinuses
• Severe headaches and earaches
• A sore throat and persistent cough

• Use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom; this keeps the air in your house moist, which soothes your sinuses. Dry air irritates your nasal passages and can cause increased mucus production, resulting in congestion and a sinus infection.
• Try an over-the-counter nasal irrigation kit; these kits, when used daily, can keep your nasal passages clean and free of mucus so bacteria won’t have a place to breed, causing a sinus infection. The saline solution also works to soothe your nasal passages.
• Wash your hands often, and don’t touch your face, nose, mouth or eyes; this helps to prevent spreading germs and bacteria to other places of your body.
• Stop smoking, because it increases mucus production and irritates your sinuses, providing an environment perfect for bacteria.
• Avoid alcohol, because alcohol can make your sinuses irritated and swollen, resulting in a sinus infection.
• Eat healthy and take your vitamins, especially vitamin C, and get sufficient exercise to keep your immune system at its peak so you can fight off a sinus infection.

A canker sore is a painful ulcer that often develops within the mouth or tongue, but can also be found within the throat or on the lips. Canker sores should not be confused with cold sores (fever blisters), which are the result of a virus. There are several factors that can lead to canker sores, from spicy foods and vitamin deficiencies to stress or certain disorders.

While canker sores are benign and don’t require treatment, most of the time people are looking for ways to reduce canker sore pain until the sore heals on its own. There are two types of canker sores: simple and complex. Simple canker sores only appear a few times a year, usually lasting up to one or two weeks. Complex canker sores, on the other hand, aren’t as common and appear more frequently.

What causes canker sores?

While experts still don’t know what causes canker sores, we do know that there are certain things that can trigger the development of a sore. This includes:

• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods (e.g. lemons; tomatoes)
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. zinc; vitamin B-12)
• Minor injuries to the mouth (e.g. biting your cheek)
• Food sensitivities
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Poor or weak immune system
• Celiac disease
• HIV/AIDS

When should I see a doctor?

It might be time to consult an ENT doctor if you are noticing:

• Sores that last several weeks
• Recurrent outbreaks
• Pain that isn’t responding to at-home care
• Severe pain that affects eating
• Extremely large sores
• Sores accompanied by a high fever

What are some ways to treat canker sores?

Most of the time canker sores do not require any treatment; however, if you are dealing with extremely large, painful or numerous sores then you may need to seek care from an ENT physician. Since canker sores will heal on their own, your doctor’s goal will be to help manage your pain through common treatment options such as:

• Topical medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can be used to numb the pain or even speed up the healing process.
• Oral rinses: To reduce inflammation or to numb the pain a doctor may prescribe a special mouth rinse.
• Oral medications: If canker sores aren’t responsive to other treatment options, oral medications may be recommended. Such options include steroids.
• Supplements: If your canker sores are the result of a nutritional deficiency then a doctor may recommend taking certain vitamins or supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B-12 or zinc.

If you are dealing with painful canker sores that you can’t seem to get under control then it’s time to turn to an ear, nose & throat specialist who can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

Controlling your sleep apnea is a must if you've been diagnosed with the common sleep condition. If you don't manage your symptoms, you may face an increased risk of several serious health conditions. Luckily, your Washington, DC, ENT, Dr. William Bond Jr., offers effective treatment options that will put an end to your nightly breathing pauses.

More than just snoring

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing because your airway collapses or becomes obstructed while you sleep, often triggering loud snoring. Breathing pauses last for at least 10 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of time during the night.

The pauses deprive your body of oxygen, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Because you wake up multiple times during the night, it's hard to get a good night's sleep. When you wake up, you may feel exhausted and might feel even sleepier as the day goes on. If you can't keep your eyes open, it can be difficult to excel at work or stay awake on the drive to and from work.

Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, a problem that can affect your relationships at home and at work. Weight gain is another consequence of sleep apnea. When you're constantly tired, it's hard to muster the energy to work out. Unfortunately, obesity only increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

How can my Washington ENT help me?

Ear nose and throat doctors offer several treatments aimed at stopping breathing pauses. If breathing pauses occur due to obstructions, such as excess throat tissue or enlarged adenoids or tonsils, your ENT may recommend procedures to remove the excess tissue, adenoids or tonsils.

If a deviated septum is responsible for your sleep apnea, you may benefit from surgery to re-position your septum. Other minor procedures can also be helpful, depending on the cause of your symptoms.

Many people who have sleep apnea benefit from using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night. A mask worn over your face delivers a steady stream of air that keeps your airway open. Oral appliances offer another treatment option. The devices fit over your teeth and prevent your tongue from falling against your airway.

Improve your health and your sleep apnea symptoms with a visit to your Washington, DC, ENT, Dr. William Bond Jr. Call him at (202) 726-7770 to schedule an appointment.