expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Miranda Colletta Horton

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Dr. Miranda Horton is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Murrells Inlet, SC. Dr. Horton specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
9 years Experience
Dr. Miranda Colletta Horton
  • Conway, SC
  • Washington University
  • Accepting new patients

Ear

It could be ear wax. It could also be middle ear fluid or infection, which can come from nasal/sinus problems. I would recommend being seen for evaluation.

Why have my ears been popping for months?

What you are experiencing sounds like eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects your middle ear (the space behind your ear drum) to the back of your nose. Dysfunction READ MORE
What you are experiencing sounds like eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects your middle ear (the space behind your ear drum) to the back of your nose. Dysfunction of this tube most commonly can occur during/after a cold/flu or due to allergies or sinus problems.

Is tinnitus curable?

It depends on the cause of tinnitus. If tinnitus is related to hearing loss, it is typically not curable. However, sometimes tinnitus is related to environmental or medication READ MORE
It depends on the cause of tinnitus. If tinnitus is related to hearing loss, it is typically not curable. However, sometimes tinnitus is related to environmental or medication exposures. For example, caffeine, nicotine, aspirin, and other medications cause tinnitus as a side effect.

When should you go to the doctor for an ear infection?

It's reasonable to go to your primary care doctor if you have an earache that lasts for more than 3-5 days or if your symptoms are severe

Are drastic hearing changes normal in your 60s?

Hearing loss is common with age and is usually gradual in onset. Some people may be more genetically susceptible to hearing loss. Sudden changes in hearing are not normal and should READ MORE
Hearing loss is common with age and is usually gradual in onset. Some people may be more genetically susceptible to hearing loss. Sudden changes in hearing are not normal and should be investigated further with a physical exam and an audiogram (hearing test).

Ear infection

It's hard to say exactly what's going on without doing an exam. We do expect ear infections to improve with oral and topical antibiotics. Sometimes, if the ear canal is swollen READ MORE
It's hard to say exactly what's going on without doing an exam. We do expect ear infections to improve with oral and topical antibiotics. Sometimes, if the ear canal is swollen shut, then the antibiotic ear drops can't get where they need to be to treat the infection, which would lead to worsening of your symptoms.

What does it mean when you hear buzzing in your ear?

An abnormal sound in your ear, such as buzzing, is called tinnitus. It is a sign of hearing loss or may be related to a medication side effect or other issue.

What causes excessive ear wax?

Some people just happen to produce more wax than others, and we don't really know why. Other people may have trouble with eczema or other skin conditions involving the ear canal. READ MORE
Some people just happen to produce more wax than others, and we don't really know why. Other people may have trouble with eczema or other skin conditions involving the ear canal. Also, using Q-tips or other instruments in the ear canal can pack wax in, making wax problems worse.

What are the dangers of your ears going numb from the cold?

In extreme cold, ears can develop frostbite. In instances where the ear canal is repeatedly exposed to cold, such as cold-water surfing for example, it can develop narrowing in READ MORE
In extreme cold, ears can develop frostbite. In instances where the ear canal is repeatedly exposed to cold, such as cold-water surfing for example, it can develop narrowing in a condition called exostosis.

What causes enlarged tonsils?

Tonsils often become enlarged after infections, such as strep throat or mono, or related to other inflammation.

Is hearing damage permanent?

It depends on the situation and the type of hearing loss. Typically, nerve-related hearing loss is permanent; however, there are instances, such as sudden onset sensorineural hearing READ MORE
It depends on the situation and the type of hearing loss. Typically, nerve-related hearing loss is permanent; however, there are instances, such as sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss for example, in which early treatment sometimes can reverse the hearing loss to a degree.

What causes random inner ear pain?

Hard to say. Ear pain can come from many sources. You can have pain related to ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, temporomandibular joint arthritis, throat infections, READ MORE
Hard to say. Ear pain can come from many sources. You can have pain related to ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, temporomandibular joint arthritis, throat infections, neck problems, and others.

What causes a whooshing fan sound in your ear?

Tinnitus is often caused by hearing loss. It can also be a side effect of medications or related to anatomical problems.

Can an ear infection be a sign of something more serious?

Typically, an ear infection is not a sign of something more serious. Ear infections are very common in children. Ear tube placement is the most common procedure performed in the READ MORE
Typically, an ear infection is not a sign of something more serious. Ear infections are very common in children. Ear tube placement is the most common procedure performed in the US for ear infections. Sometimes, ear infections in older children (over the age of 4) can be a sign of enlarged adenoids. Yes, more serious problems can happen related to ear infections (such as mastoiditis), but such problems are quite rare.

Water in both ears for a week

If you have swimmers' ear, you can try to use an equal parts mixture of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water in the ear. Apply a few drops to the affected ear 2-3 READ MORE
If you have swimmers' ear, you can try to use an equal parts mixture of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water in the ear. Apply a few drops to the affected ear 2-3 times a day for 3-7 days. If you are still symptomatic, set an appointment for further evaluation.

My ears are horrible and making life miserable. What should I do

I think it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with an ENT for an ear exam and ear cleaning. You may have problems with chronic infection and/or eczema of the ear canals READ MORE
I think it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with an ENT for an ear exam and ear cleaning. You may have problems with chronic infection and/or eczema of the ear canals by your description. You would also benefit from an audiogram (hearing test).

Can tonsils infection be fixed with medications?

Often, antibiotics are prescribed for tonsil infections. If tonsil infections are very frequent, sometimes surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is considered.

Why do I hear ringing when I walk down the stairs?

I'm not quite sure. I would start evaluation with an exam and an audiogram (hearing test).

Headache

If your symptoms have only been present for 2 days, it is likely related to a viral infection. If you are symptomatic for over 10 days or get somewhat better but then worsen again, READ MORE
If your symptoms have only been present for 2 days, it is likely related to a viral infection. If you are symptomatic for over 10 days or get somewhat better but then worsen again, that can be a sign of sinusitis. You can try over the counter nasal saline irrigations (Neti Pot for example) and topical nasal steroids (such as Flonase) as well. Some patients benefit from antibiotics if their symptoms do not resolve with these measures.

Why do I produce so much ear wax every few months in the last few years?

Some patients have problems with ear wax accumulation if they have skin problems, such as eczema, in the ear canal. You can try over the counter ear wax drops (ex. Debrox) to help READ MORE
Some patients have problems with ear wax accumulation if they have skin problems, such as eczema, in the ear canal. You can try over the counter ear wax drops (ex. Debrox) to help dissolve it. There is no pill to decrease ear wax.