Dr. Michael Burnett Specializes in Problems of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses and Throat.

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

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Category Archives: Ear Pain

Ear Infections

Most people will deal with an ear infection at some point in their lives. This condition is very common among children but can affect people of all ages. There are many different ear infection symptoms. Regardless of the type of ear infection you have, you will want to deal with the pain and irritation right away. Keep reading to learn about ear infections so you can go to your doctor’s appointment informed.

Ear Infection Causes

Ear infections (also known as acute otitis media) are caused by a variety of things, but the most common causes are viral or bacterial infections in the middle part of the ear or excess fluid in the middle part of the ear. This part of your ear contains delicate eustachian tubes that are prone to fluid buildup and infection. Young children are most likely to get ear infections because their eustachian tubes are very small and have a difficult time clearing themselves out.

Eustachian tubes often get blocked due to excess fluid from another infection. Sinus infections, colds, tonsillitis, and allergies can all cause ear infections. While you’re most likely to get an ear infection from another illness (especially as an adult), other issues can cause infections too. Cigarette smoke and changes in altitude can both lead to ear infections. People can even cause ear infections themselves by inserting objects like cotton swabs in their ears.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Ear infection symptoms vary from person to person and might change depending on the cause of the infection. Some common ear infection symptoms are ear pain that can range from mild to severe, pressure or irritation inside the ear, changes in hearing, and fluid draining out of the ears. Babies and young children also tend to get fevers during ear infections.

Ear infection symptoms can occur in one or both of your ears. Symptoms might also change over time. Some people (usually children) with ear infections also experience a loss of balance, headaches, and/or changes in appetite. Because this issue is so common for kids, it’s important to consider an ear infection every time your child is under the weather.

When To See A Doctor

If you suspect you or your child have an ear infection, it’s important to see a doctor right away. While your symptoms might just seem annoying, they could be caused by an infection that requires prescription medication to treat. This is especially important if you or your child have a fever, hearing loss, or symptoms that do not get better after 7 days with over-the-counter medication.

While most ear infections can be treated with medication and home remedies like a warm cloth placed on the ear, chronic ear infections may require surgery to fix. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan that gives you long-term relief.

If you are dealing with an ear infection, help is available now.

Contact Dr. Michael Burnett at 212-867-4813 to schedule an ENT appointment today.

Common Ear Ache Causes

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists handle a variety of problems. Among children, earaches are among the most common conditions affecting them. Adults, too, can suffer from this health problem, but children tend to get earaches more frequently. This includes infants and not simply school age children.

What Are Ear Aches?

As the name suggests, an earache is a condition that causes pain inside the ear. It may be a mild ache or a more severe pain. You or your child may require medical attention is the pain is severe and is accompanied by other symptoms including:

Dizziness
High fever
Severe headache
Swelling around the ear
Discharge from the ear e.g. mucus or blood

These may indicate the potential of a ruptured eardrum.

Common Causes of Ear Aches

The causes of earaches vary. Anything that creates the conditions for a buildup of fluid in the middle ear can result in an earache. Earaches are often the result of any of the following occurrences:

Ear Infection: This is the most common reason you or your child may have an earache. Although otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), is the major cause of infection, the basis of the problem may differ. The medical condition may be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial infections are easily treated with antibiotics; viral infections are not.
Earwax Buildup
Employing Cotton Swabs: Cleaning the ears with this or other devices, may damage the ear or create conditions causal factors in earaches. Never use sharp devices or anything that may harm your ears
Foreign Object in the Ear
Pressure Changes: When you fly, the pressure may alter. This can result in a shift in fluid creating the conditions for an earache. The same may apply for climbing and other changes in altitude
Sinusitis: Infection of your nasal cavities or sinuses
Strep throat
Water Trapped in the Ear: Any water or water-based product e.g. shampoo, that becomes trapped in the ear can create the discomfort known as earaches. Water may become trapped in your inner ear if you swim regularly. Infection may result if the water remains inside for an extended period or the water is contaminated with bacteria or other toxins
Many of these problems can occur during the course of your day. If you seem prone to earaches, it is important you take precautions to decrease the number of incidents. Be careful when you wash your hair and wear a swim cap or ear plugs if you swim. Talk to your doctor or ENT specialist about any measures you can take to reduce your risk of the pain from earaches.

Michael C. Burnett, MD

115 East 57th Street
(Between Park + Lexington Ave.)
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022