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Taringa, ihu me korokoro

Ear, nose and throat

Find out about conditions that affect the ear, nose and throat.

Colds in adults

Colds are caused by viruses infecting your upper airways (nose, sinuses, mouth, throat and voice box).

Earache

If you or a whānau member has earache, you may have pain that is sharp, dull, or throbbing. You may also have muffled hearing or a feeling of pressure or blockage.

Hearing loss in adults

Most hearing loss in adults happens because of ageing, but there are other possible reasons. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.

Hoarse or lost voice (laryngitis)

Hoarse or lost voice happens when there is a problem with your vocal cords, which are the moving parts of your voice box (larynx). This can make your voice sound croaky, strained or weak.

Nosebleeds

A nosebleed is when blood comes out of one or both nostrils. Nosebleeds are common, especially in tamariki (children). They are usually easy to treat and do not mean anything is seriously wrong.

Sore throat

Sore throats are very common, especially in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teenagers). Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better by themselves with no treatment other than pain relief.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Swallowing disorders can make it hard for you to eat or drink. They are caused by a wide range of conditions.

Snoring

Snoring is the harsh rattling noise made by some people when they sleep. Mild or occasional snoring is generally harmless, but could be a sign of another condition.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is when an infection or inflammation of your sinuses stops them from draining properly. Your head may feel heavy and painful and you may have a blocked or runny nose and headache.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds in your ears or head that do not come from your surroundings. It results from changes in your hearing or nervous system. There are different forms of tinnitus and many different causes.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition itself.