Hearing loss doesn’t just mean someone needs to turn up the TV or ask “Can you repeat that?” It has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The doctors at Midwest ENT & Allergy know parents have concerns when their child seems to be suffering. Dr. Todd provides answers to six common questions parents have when it comes to testing kids for allergies
Breathe Easier with Relief from Nasal Obstruction
New Non-Invasive Treatment for Nasal Airway Obstruction (Stuffy Nose)
Millions of Americans struggle to breathe through their nose due to nasal airway obstruction. This common, but often undiagnosed, condition can interfere with life’s most basic functions such as sleep and exercise and can take a significant toll on one’s quality of life and daily productivity.
Nasal obstruction makes it difficult to breathe freely through the nose. It can lead to:
- Constant nasal congestion
- Trouble sleeping
- Snoring
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing during exercise or physical activity
This condition is often caused by an anatomical blockage in the nasal passage that limits airflow. While medications and home remedies may offer temporary relief, true lasting relief comes when the nasal airway is properly opened.
VivAer® Treatment: A Non-Invasive Solution
If breathing through your nose has become a daily struggle, and nothing seems to help, you may be suffering from nasal obstruction. Fortunately, a lasting, non-surgical solution is now available.
Why Choose VivAer®?
- Lasting Relief
97% of patients reported a significant improvement in nasal breathing.¹ - Non-Invasive
No incisions, minimal discomfort, and performed right in the office. - Quick Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity the same day.* - Improved Quality of Life
Clinically shown to significantly improve sleep, exercise tolerance, and overall well-being.
Breathe better. Live better.
VivAer® features a thin, wand-like, temperature-controlled stylus that attaches to a console. The stylus is inserted via the nostril to gently remodel the nasal tissue and improve airflow using patented temperature-controlled radio frequency technology. Treatment can be performed with a local anesthetic during a routine office visit, with no incisions, minimal to no downtime, and minimal discomfort. Patients typically return to normal activity on the same day.*
In clinical studies, treatment with VivAer® demonstrated both rapid symptom relief as well as long lasting results for patients. At Midwest ENT & Allergy, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to add VivAer® to the treatments available in our office.
What Patients Are Saying:
- 97% experienced significant improvement in nasal breathing
- 94% could breathe better during physical activity
- 89% reported better sleep
Am I a Candidate?
Try this simple test to find out:
Cottle’s Maneuver
Step 1: Place two fingertips on your cheeks, beside your nose.
Step 2: Gently press and pull outward to open your nasal passages. Try breathing in.
Did that help? You may be a candidate for VivAer®
Ready to Breathe Better?
Call us to schedule your appointment today. 605-336-3503
📌 View Important Safety Information
*Individual results may vary.
The TULA® System - Ear Tubes Done Differently
The TULA® System is an in-office alternative to traditional tympanostomy. TULA uses a revolutionary local anesthesia system, and an automated 1-click tube delivery device.
Midwest ENT & Allergy is proud to announce that we now offer the ground-breaking Tula System, which enables ear tube (or tympanostomy) procedures in the clinic without the operating room or general anesthesia. The TULA System is approved for patients aged 6-months and older.
Each year, approximately 700,000 ear tube surgeries are performed in the US on children in an operating room, making it the most common childhood surgery performed with general anesthesia.
Recurrent ear infections and / or persistent fluid in the middle ear may lead to other issues involving speech, hearing, school performance, lack of sleep and repeated rounds of antibiotics.
The innovative Tula System gives parents an option for in-office placement of ear tubes using a child-friendly system to numb the eardrum while the child can play or watch videos. Throughout the procedure, parents may stay with their child. The Tula system has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical studies, and 95% of parents in the most recent study were satisfied with the procedure.
The technology allows physicians to create a myringotomy and insert a tube in less than half a second, minimizing the amount of time a child needs to remain still. The overall procedure is completed in a single office visit lasting around 35 minutes, and parents can stay with their child throughout. Since no general anesthestic or sedation medications are required, the child does not need to fast before the procedure, and in fact, is able to have a snack while the Tula procedure is performed.
Most children can return to normal activity immediately after the procedure. Clinical results: In the recent clinical study of 337 subjects aged 6 months to 12 years, Tula was shown to be safe and effective. There were zero device, drug, or procedure-related serious adverse events.
Overall procedure success of 87% (86% in children under 5, and 89% in children 5-12 yrs)
- 95% of parents were very satisfied with their Tula procedure (results from parents of children who participated in the Tula pivotal clinical study, n=201-203)
- 94% tube patency at 3-week follow-up.
- Average procedure time was around 35 minutes.
Pros and Cons of the TULA Tympanostomy System
Operating Room – Pros
- Your child is asleep and immobile during the procedure
- This surgery has historically been the standard of care
Operating Room – Cons
- Possible side effects and complications of general anesthesia
- Fasting is required prior to surgery
- You will be separated from your child during the procedure
Doctor’s Office with Tula – Pros
- Avoid a trip to the operating room. No general anesthesia.
- You can stay with your child.
- Your child can likely return to normal activities immediately following procedure without grogginess.
- No fasting. Your child can eat or drink during the procedure.
Doctor’s Office with Tula – Cons
- Your child must be willing to wear earplugs for about 10 minutes and sit still for ear tube insertion.
- Your child may be rescheduled for a procedure in the Operating Room if the in-office procedure is not successful. Rescheduling may be necessary if the numbing medication is ineffective or if your child is unable to sit still.
Find more information at tulatubes.com or give us a call to schedule your consultation today!
Earlens® Educational Webinar
This webinar features Dr. Scott, Board Certified ENT physician from Midwest ENT & ALLERGY, and Earlens Audiologist, Fred Price. They answer questions related to Earlens and explain the physiology behind this amazing new technology.
If you are considering the latest advanced technology to improve your hearing, be sure to watch this video.
SINUVA™ Sinus Implant
Sinuva is a non-surgical procedure to shrink nasal polyps using advanced sinus technology
Sinuva is a sinus implant that works by releasing steroidal anti-inflammatory medication into the sinuses over a 90 day course. Sinuva also opens the sinus cavities to improve breathing. The widening affect of the sinuva implant reduces congestion, while the medication works to shrink nasal polyps, creating a two factor effective technique for improved breathing for patients without surgery.
The procedure is performed in-office at Midwest ENT & ALLERGY. The procedure takes around 20 minutes. The Sinuva implant usually cannot be felt by the patient after it is gently inserted. The implant is in for 90 days, delivering anti-inflammatory medication, shrinking the nasal polyps. After 90 days, it will be removed.
Benefits of the Sinuva Procedure for Sinus Relief:
- Release of anti-inflammatory medication for 90 days to improve sinus congestion
- Non-surgical treatment of nasal polyps
- Reduces nasal obstructions
- Improved sense of taste and smell