DRF Centurions — At the Forefront of Our Cause
In 1963, the nation’s leading ear, nose and throat specialists came together with a simple but important goal: to advance the research crucial to their fi elds, knowing that their practices and patients would directly benefi t from this work. This innovative group became The Centurions – champions and supporters of the Deafness Research Foundation (DRF).
The Centurions now enjoy the support of more than 1,800 physicians, researchers and other professionals in fi elds related to hearing and balance sciences. Under the leadership of esteemed President Dr. Richard T. Miyamoto and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David S. Haynes, The Centurions play an essential role in promoting DRF.
To learn more about The Centurions, how to become a member or identify Centurions members in your area, please contact DRF at 866.454.3924, 888.435.6104 (TTY) or visit our Web site at www.drf.org.
In each issue, a member of The Centurions fi elds questions about hearing health and related issues. In this issue, questions were addressed by Centurion Charles W. Beatty, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic.
Is it normal for my ears to feel congested during exercise? It’s the same feeling as a plane trip or having a cold but from exercise. What causes this?
Phyllis Raymond, Ithaca, N.Y.
The feeling of congestion during exercise is due to alteration of function of the Eustachian tube, the tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear. The lining tissue of the Eustachian tube most probably is constricting during exercise, creating an open tube which creates the sensation of congestion. This may also cause one to hear his/her breathing and voice abnormally loudly.
How is ear wax made? Why do some of us seem to have overactive wax glands?
Estelle Janes, Portland, Ore.
Earwax (cerumen) is normal and does have a protective function for the skin of the ear canal. There are wax producing glands in the outer portion of the ear canal. The amount of wax produced does vary considerably from one person to another. The skin of the ear canal normally migrates from the eardrum to the outside and carries wax out. People should not attempt earwax removal at home with cotton swabs, bobby pins, pencils or other implements. Such attempts usually pack the wax in more and can damage the eardrum.
My son just got over an ear infection but the doctor said he still has fl uid in his ears. We are going on vacation soon and will be fl ying, which seems to be problematic for children anyway. I wonder if the fluid in the ears will make flying a painful experience for him? Should I give him some Benadryl to help him through the flight?
Irene Jones, St. Louis, Mo.
Middle ear fluid which remains after an ear infection usually clears spontaneously. The fluid in your son’s middle ear should not cause pain while flying. Benadryl or other antihistamines tend to dry out the ear and may cause the fluid to thicken and, therefore, are not helpful. If there are persistent problems secondary to middle ear fluid, middle ear ventilation tubes may be indicated.
Got a question you would like one of the nation’s leading ear, nose and throat doctors to answer? E-mail it to info@drf.org.
