Florida E.N.T. & Allergy provides comprehensive ear, nose, throat and allergy care for people of all ages. In honor of Better Hearing & Speech Month and Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month this May, they are helping raise awareness for these conditions.
Hearing & Speech Awareness
More people than ever are talking on the phone, video conferencing, and participating in virtual meetings — which makes this the perfect time to check in on your hearing and speech health.
Did you know that 48 million Americans (one in five) experience hearing loss severe enough to affect communication? Better Hearing & Speech Month aims to raise awareness about communication disorders, such as hearing loss, in addition to problems like speaking and understanding. These challenges oftentimes compromise physical and emotional health — as well as affect social, educational, vocational, and recreational aspects of everyday life.
Complete the hearing self-check below to see if you or a loved one could benefit from a consultation with an audiologist:
Answer YES or NO to each item:
1. Do you ask others to repeat themselves or speak up?
2. Do you sometimes feel people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?
3. Do you experience difficulty understanding soft or whispered speech?
4. Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy places?
5. Do you have trouble understanding women’s and children’s voices?
6. Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone?
7. Do you have trouble understanding a speaker at a public meeting or religious service?
8. Do you hear better with one ear than the other?
9. Have you had significant noise expo-sure at work, recreation or in military service?
10. Do you experience ringing or noises in your ears?
If you answered YES to two or more questions, a consultation with an audiologist at Florida E.N.T. & Allergy is recommended.
In addition to hearing, many communication issues derive from the throat. If you experience hoarseness, chronic cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or problems with voice projection, you may benefit from seeing a laryngologist or speech language pathologist. Providers at The Florida Center for Voice & Swallowing, an extension of Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, have certifications of clinical competence in speech-pathology through the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association and are trained to diagnose and treat underlying causes.
Allergy/Asthma Awareness
Allergy and asthma symptoms are often confused with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or the flu, and asthma can put individuals at higher risk. Relief is attainable and now is the time to see a board-certified physician.
With approximately 26 million people in the U.S. living with asthma and millions more who suffer from allergies, it’s important to shine a spotlight on these conditions. Due to season change, May is often thought of as a peak month for asthma sufferers. In Florida, allergy season lasts approximately 10 months and flare ups can be caused by dust, mold, animal dander, and pollen. These allergy flare-ups can wreak havoc for someone who also suffers from asthma.
Asthma is the condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, producing extra mucus and making it difficult to breathe. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or itchy eyes can worsen symptoms of asthma in the lungs and airways. Other asthma triggers include smoke, cold or humid air, infections, strong emotions, strong odors, some medicines, and even exercise.
Keep in mind that allergy and asthma symptoms can change and evolve over time. Whether you require short-term or long-term treatment, treatment options are available.
If you or someone you know suffers from allergy and asthma symptoms and/or has issues with hearing or speech, be sure to reach out to Florida E.N.T. & Allergy. With 13 locations across Tampa Bay and same day/next day appointments available, their providers can help you feel better fast.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 813-879-8045 or visit
Florida E.N.T. & Allergy online at www.FloridaENTandAllergy.com.