Dr Benke Knows Ears

Bells Palsy – Disorders of the facial nerve can occur to men, women, and children, but they are more prominent among men and women over 40 years of age, people with diabetes, upper respiratory ailments, weak immune systems, or pregnant women.

Cholesteatoma  – A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in an abnormal location, the middle ear behind the eardrum.

Cochlear Implants  – A cochlear implant is an electronic device that restores partial hearing to the deaf. It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and activated by a device worn outside the ear. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make sound louder or clearer.

Middle Ear Infections and Earache  – Otitis media means inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation occurs as a result of a middle ear infection.

Ear Tubes  – Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for children – by the age of five, nearly every child has experienced at least one episode. Most ear infections either resolve on their own (viral) or are effectively treated by antibiotics (bacterial).

Ears and Altitude  – Ear problems are the most common medical complaint of airplane travelers, and while they are usually simple, minor annoyances, they may result in temporary pain and hearing loss.

Earwax  – Good intentions to keep ears clean may be risking the ability to hear. The ear is a delicate and intricate area, including the skin of the ear canal and the eardrum.

How the Ear Works  – The ear has three main parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear (the part you can see) opens into the ear canal.

Perforated Eardrum  – A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear.

Plastic Surgery of the Ear  – Protruding and drooping ears or torn earlobes can be surgically corrected. Exceptionally large ears or those that stick out make children vulnerable to teasing.

Dizziness and Motion Sickness  – Feeling unsteady or dizzy can happen due to poor circulation, vertigo, injury, infection, allergies, or neurological disease.

Meniere’s Disease  – Affecting the inner ear, Ménière’s disease is a condition that causes vertigo (attacks of a spinning sensation), hearing loss, tinnitus (a roaring, buzzing, or ringing sound in the ear), and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.

Swimmer’s Ear  – Affecting the outer ear, swimmer’s ear is a condition causing pain resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection.

TMJ  – Open your jaw all the way and shut it. This simple movement would not be possible without the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ).

Why Do We Fall?  – Today’s society is more active than ever, but inevitably every year more than two million Americans fall and sustain serious injury, costing the healthcare system in excess of $3 billion dollars.