Michael M. Bibliowicz, D.O.
Dale C. Harrington, D.O.
David R. Rabaja, D.O.
Lisa J. Waizenegger, M.D.
Orlando Ear Nose & Throat
Adult and Pediatrics
Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Surgery
Hearing Aids

Orlando Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.

Orlando FL: 407-658-0228Se Habla EspañolOviedo, FL: 407-971-3337

Doctor's Corner

Alternative to Traditional Nasal Allergy Sprays

May 7th, 2012

Recently, the FDA approved Qnsal, a “dry” aerosol nasal spray corticosteroid that elminates the wet, drippy feeling that often accompanies traditional nasal allergy sprays. Qnsal is especially effective at treating allergic rhinitis, which often manifests as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Many people who suffer from allergic rhinitis are dissatisfied with current means of treatment and are now able to obtain this new alternative treatment by prescription.

Photo by Jeroen van Oostrom

Recommended for adults and children 12 years of age and older, Qnsal has limited side effects, including headache and nosebleed. Corticosteriods are not to be taken lightly, though, as they can affect immune response and slow wound healing. If you are suffering  from seasonal allergies, first consider slightly altering your lifestyle to reduce your exposure to springtime allergens.  If that doesn’t work, the next step would be to see your ENT specialist, who will be able to test you for specific allergies and go over the various treatment options with you. Call the office or stop in to make an appointment. Make sure to let us know if you’re currently taking any allergy medications.

Is Your Convertible Causing Hearing Loss?

May 1st, 2012

Photo by winnond

A study out of Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcestershire, U.K. suggests that riding in your convertible may just be damaging your hearing. Hearing loss can occur when you are exposed to sounds above 85 decibels for long periods of time. 85 decibels may not seem like a lot, but consider that a typical conversation is about 60 decibels, and a rock concert tops off at around 115 decibels.

Philip Michael, MD, an ear nose and throat surgeon and lead on the study, found that riding at at 70 miles per hour in a convertible with the top down caused up to 89 decibels of sound — exceeding the threshold for safe hearing. So, that long a long weekend trip and hours of highway driving might just mean bad news in the long run for your hearing.

The study tested seven different types of cars driven at 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour. Noise levels were tested at the driver’s roadside ear. The noise level didn’t increase significantly with speed but 70 miles per hour was found to be the nosiest.

So how can you protect your hearing while still enjoying your convertible? Wearing ear plugs or rolling up the windows will cut the noise level significantly, allowing you to feel the wind in your hair without the high cost of hearing loss. Also, limiting the duration or speed of your drives will help to moderate the effects on your ears.

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