CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
It’s easy to ignore ear, nose, and throat problems, especially when the symptoms seem to go away on their own. However, when symptoms linger, keep returning, or begin affecting your daily life, it may be time to see an ENT provider, also called an otolaryngologist.
Filipino actress Via Antonio shares what prompted her recent visit to an ENT specialist. As she works toward her triathlon goals, she wanted to know if her ears were in good shape for her swim training.
Via has loved swimming since she was young and remembers spending many weekends at her family’s resort. With all those hours in the water, she would sometimes feel like water was trapped in her ears. At times, it even caused temporary hearing difficulties, including occasional ringing in her ears.
Over the years, she would have her ears cleaned by irrigation, a procedure that uses liquid to flush out earwax.
As she prepares for her triathlon journey, Via wanted to make sure there is no underlying ear problem that could hinder her training. So, she decided to have her ears checked by an ENT using her Medicare Plus HMO card.
The good news? Her doctor found that her ears were clear and her eardrums intact. That gave Via the reassurance she needed and, more importantly, the go-ahead to start her swim training to support her goal of becoming a triathlete.
Sometimes, a checkup is all it takes to replace the worry with peace of mind and get you back to doing what you love.
If you’re looking for affordable HMO plans in the Philippines, you can contact our Medical Plan Advisor for more details.
Ear, nose, and throat concerns can show up in different ways. Here are some common reasons why you may need to see an ENT specialist.
1. Chronic ear infections
According to Mayo Clinic, children six months to two years old are prone to ear infections because of the size and shape of their ear passageways. Ear infections can also be a result of colds, allergies, or flu, causing congestion and swelling.
An ear infection can cause more than just ear pain. It may also cause fever, headaches, temporary hearing loss, and loss of balance.
If your child has recurring ear infections, it is advisable to consult an ENT provider to prevent hearing problems that can lead to social, speech, and developmental delays.
2. Ringing in the ears
Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing, humming, or buzzing in the ears, can happen more than once a week and may last for several minutes. For some, the sound can be very bothersome and distracting. In the long run, tinnitus can interfere with sleep, focus, and everyday activities. An ENT specialist can help determine if tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition and recommend ways to manage it to reduce its impact on one’s quality of life.
3. Dizziness or Vertigo
Vertigo is more than feeling dizzy. It’s the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you’re completely still. The feeling can persist even when you close your eyes. Vertigo can be due to an inner ear issue, but it can be linked to a brain tumor or stroke.
See an ENT if you experience frequent bouts of vertigo. Your symptoms may be linked to an underlying condition that needs proper evaluation.
4. Hearing Loss
If you constantly turn up the volume on your devices or find yourself asking people to repeat themselves because their voices sound too soft, it may be time to have your hearing checked by an ENT provider with the help of an audiologist.
5. Chronic sinusitis
Sinusitis is a condition where your sinuses become swollen and inflamed. A stuffy nose can make it hard to breathe through your nose. It is advisable to see an ENT if you experience frequent sinus infections that last longer than three months.
6. Chronic tonsillitis
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils or the lymph glands found in the back of the throat become inflamed. Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis may include fever, long-lasting sore throat, bad breath, tonsil stones, muffled voice, and persistent tender lymph nodes in the neck. It’s recommended that you see an ENT if your tonsillitis symptoms last more than three to four days, do not get better with home care, or are accompanied by severe pain and high fever.
7. Other Conditions
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), nosebleeds, loss of smell, enlarged lymph nodes, and sleep apnea are other conditions that may benefit from an ENT evaluation.
The condition of your ears, nose, and throat can affect your daily life. Whether it’s recurring ear infections, persistent tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, constant ringing in the ears, vertigo, or hearing loss, getting checked by an ENT specialist can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and what treatment may work best for you.
With Medicare Plus, the best HMO in the Philippines, getting the care you need can be easier and more convenient. Use your HMO benefits to help manage your healthcare needs, from consultations to appropriate treatment, so you can focus on feeling better.
1. What is an ENT?
An ENT, also called an otolaryngologist, is a healthcare provider who treats medical conditions affecting your ears, nose, and throat.
2. When should I see an ENT specialist?
Consider seeing an ENT if you have recurring problems with your ears, nose, or throat, such as hearing loss, ear infections, ringing in the ears, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.
3. Can an ENT help with sleep apnea?
Yes. An ENT can check whether problems in the nose, throat, or airway may be contributing to sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment.
4. What symptoms should I not ignore?
Hearing loss, persistent ringing in the ears, recurring dizziness or vertigo, chronic sinusitis, or tonsillitis that keeps coming back are worth getting checked.
5. What can I expect during an ENT consultation?
Your ENT will ask about your symptoms and medical history and may examine your ears, nose, or throat. Depending on their findings, they may recommend additional tests or treatment.
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