Managing ENT Health During the Minnesota Flu Season: Tips for Staying Well
Winter brings plenty of joy, from the first snowfall to shared holiday meals. It also marks the start of flu season, a time when our bodies have to work harder to stay healthy. While flu season makes you more likely to catch the flu, it can also make you more vulnerable to certain ENT conditions….
Type 2 Diabetes and Hearing Loss: A New Study Confirms a Strong Connection
A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (November 2025) confirms a growing body of evidence showing a strong link between Type 2 diabetes and hearing loss. The meta-analysis reviewed 17 prior studies involving nearly 8,000 participants and found that adults with diabetes were more than four times as likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without…
How Winter Can Impact Sinus Infections
Winter is a season full of wonderful opportunities to enjoy family traditions, holiday activities and time with loved ones. It’s also the season when sinus infections tend to linger bringing stuffy noses and pressure behind the eyes. As temperatures drop and indoor heaters kick on, many Minnesotans may find themselves fighting recurring sinus infections all…
Considering Hearing Aids? Don’t Wait!
If you’ve been considering pursuing hearing treatment for years, you are not alone. In a recent study by the Hearing Industries Association[1], respondents reported that they were aware of their hearing difficulty for an average of four years before purchasing hearing aids. Though that number has decreased from previous years, patients still report wishing they’d…
How Climate Change is Affecting Seasonal Allergies in the Twin Cities
Allergy season is the time between spring and fall when trees, grasses and weeds release pollen. Recent rising temperatures are causing spring to begin earlier and fall to extend longer, leading to a lengthier allergy season. How Much Longer Is Allergy Season? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its 2025 Allergy Capitals…
Fall Allergies in Minnesota: How Ragweed and Mold Spores Affect Local Residents
As the air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to pull out your favorite fall sweaters and enjoy a steaming cup of apple cider. For many Minnesotans, this cozy season also brings one unpleasant guest: fall allergies. Understanding Two Common Fall Allergens Ragweed and mold spores are two common allergens affecting Minnesota residents. Ragweed Ragweed…
Can Hearing Loss Increase Your Risk of Falls?
Treating hearing loss makes effective communication more possible, but that isn’t its only benefit. Some research suggests it could also impact your balance. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies and over 5 million participants found a possible connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls. These findings highlight the broader…
Alpha-Gal Meat Allergy: When a Tick Bite Changes What’s on Your Plate
The Growing Impact of Alpha-Gal Meat Allergy A single tick bite can do more than cause an itchy red welt. For some people, it triggers alpha-gal meat allergy, also known as alpha-gal syndrome or tick bite meat allergy. This unusual condition makes red meat and even dairy products dangerous. Caused by the lone star tick,…
Social Isolation & Depression: How Hearing Treatment Can Restore Connection
Hearing loss often develops gradually, and so does its emotional consequences. One of the most significant impacts is how hearing loss can isolate you from the people and world around you. Over time, this disconnection can lead to loneliness, anxiety and even depression. How Untreated Hearing Loss Creates Distance Hearing loss makes everyday communication more…
Noise Exposure: Are Your Daily Habits Damaging Your Hearing?
Noise-related hearing loss affects approximately 5% of the global population. When you think of loud noise, booming concerts and earth-shaking explosions are probably the first culprits that come to mind. While these things can damage your hearing, they aren’t the only sources of dangerous noise. Daily Sources of Loud Noise Exposure Sound is measured in…