AOC Welcomes Three New Providers!
The talented team at AOC is expanding! We look forward to adding three new, highly specialized and experienced providers this fall! Adam Kravietz, MD Laryngology/Otolaryngology – Joining September 2024 Michael Ye, MD Rhinology/Otolaryngology – Joining September 2024 Lindsay Boven, MD Otolaryngology/Pediatric – Joining November 2024
What is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
What is Single Sided Deafness? Sometimes referred to as unilateral hearing loss, single sided deafness is a condition in which an individual experiences hearing loss in only one ear but can hear normally out of the other ear. While most patients with a hearing impairment suffer from bilateral (two-sided) hearing loss, SSD affects approximately 60,000…
What is Sudden Hearing Loss?
For most people who experience hearing loss, the condition comes on gradually over a period of years. In rare cases, an abrupt loss of hearing occurs with little or no warning. This condition is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). What is Sudden Deafness? Sudden deafness is an unexplained and rapid hearing loss that…
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
How Can Sounds Hurt Your Ears? Background sound is a constant in our busy lives. Normally, background noises are at safe levels that do not negatively impact our hearing. But repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB) can cause noise induced hearing loss. The louder the sound, the less amount of time it takes…
AOC Doctor Helps Save Unusual Patient—a Bornean Orangutan!
Dr. David Simms, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants, has helped thousands of patients over the years, but none like the one he operated on this month. The patient, Daniel, is a 12-year-old Bornean orangutan at the Phoenix Zoo. When the zoo called asking Dr. Simms if he could perform sinus…
Don’t Choke – Get Help for Your Swallowing Disorder
Swallowing is something we usually don’t even think about. But when something goes wrong, it can be a serious, even life-threatening, problem. Some 15 million Americans suffer from swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. While gulping something down seems like a simple process, in fact our bodies go through three stages in moving food and liquids from…
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of movement, even when neither you nor your surroundings are moving. As a child you may have voluntarily induced vertigo by turning around and around in a circle until you fell down giggling. For vertigo patients, though, the sensation is no fun. They can sometimes have trouble walking and feel nauseated…
Frequent Nosebleeds? Signs You Should See A Doctor
Most people, at some point in their lives, will experience a nosebleed. Whether your nosebleed is caused by an injury or happens spontaneously, it’s important for patients to know that this medical phenomenon is usually nothing to worry about. Still, it is possible for people to experience occasional nosebleeds. In these instances, we encourage patients…
What Is “Silent” Acid Reflux?
If you’ve ever watched a Tums, Rolaids, or Pepto-Bismol commercial before, you’re probably familiar with the term “acid reflux” or “heartburn.” If you don’t experience acid reflux, consider yourself lucky! If you do, then you know all about the burning chest pain, nausea, belching, and regurgitation symptoms acid reflux disease can cause. While most people will experience…
Holiday Traveling Tips for The Hearing Impaired
And just like that, the holidays are in full swing! With Halloween over and done with, it’s now time to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Like most Americans, this time of year is highly anticipated, as the holiday season allows us to see family and friends! If you’re planning to take a bus, car, train, or plane…