Balance disorders and vertigo Archive

The tongue’s appearance gives doctors an idea about certain aspects of your health, and its color is an important clue. Some changes in the tongue’s color or appearance are signs of health issues and should be seen by a doctor.

Having conversations in restaurants and other noisy places can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Strategic seating and using devices such as hearing aids (adjusted to reduce background noise) or a remote microphone can help people follow and engage in conversations.

Hearing aids amplify sound and can improve communication for most people with hearing loss. They come in several styles and offer different features, so you can choose an option that fits your preferences, technology comfort level, and degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids are available by prescription or over the counter; over‑the‑counter options include certain types of earbuds.

A strong salty taste that lingers in the mouth and upsets the stomach can signal several issues, from dehydration to medications and sinus problems.

Morning congestion can stem from allergies, medications, or nasal problems—even in winter. Find out what may be behind it and how to ease it.

Not only is our face our calling card to the world, its features evolved to mount immune system defenses, help ward off illness, and protect us in many ways. Our eyes, nose, mouth, and facial structure itself all contribute to our continued well-being.

A lump under the chin that is getting larger should be checked. Find out what doctors look for and which tests may identify the cause.

A persistent metallic or smoky odor can have several explanations. Explore the possibilities and when changes in smell deserve medical attention.

Wearing earplugs helps protect the inner ears from loud sounds that can damage hearing. It should be safe to wear earplugs frequently—as long as they are clean and inserted properly, they aren’t causing earwax buildup or pain, and they aren’t used to avoid non-threatening everyday noise.

Stuffy nose and sneezing caused by allergies can narrow airways and disrupt sleep, sometimes fueling snoring and even sleep apnea. Targeted treatment may help.