I recently had the pleasure of joining the team at KING 5’s New Day Northwest to talk about some of the exciting advances happening in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care. ENT really is one of those fields where technology has transformed how we help patients feel better with minimal downtime, and I was thrilled to share some of these options with viewers.
A New Solution for Sleep Apnea
We started the conversation talking about sleep apnea. So many people know about CPAP machines, but the reality is that many patients simply can’t tolerate sleeping with a mask and tubing. That can lead to inconsistent use, which can cause ongoing health risks, including dementia, high blood pressure, heart disease and lung issues.
That’s where Inspire therapy comes in. It’s a game changer for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea who’ve tried CPAP but couldn’t stick with it. The Inspire implant works like a pacemaker for your airway. We implant a small device under the skin that gently stimulates the tongue nerve when you breathe in, keeping the airway open throughout the night. No mask, no hose. Patients just turn it on at bedtime with a handheld remote.
Studies show that sleep apnea improves by about 70%, often reducing the severity of sleep apnea in patients with moderate to severe apnea down to the mild category. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients go home the same day. What I love most is hearing from patients about their dramatic improvements in energy, quality of life, and truly restful sleep.
Relief from That Clogged Ear Feeling
We also discussed something so many people experience: that uncomfortable clogged sensation in the ears, especially on planes, while diving, or driving through the mountains. This is often caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, when the small passage connecting your nose and ear doesn’t open properly.
You’ll experience pressure, fullness, a sensation of blocked ears, an inability to pop your ears, and difficulty with altitude changes or going underwater. It can be incredibly frustrating.
While we’ve traditionally used nasal sprays and allergy medications, there’s now a highly effective option for chronic cases: Eustachian tube balloon dilation. This minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny balloon that’s gently inserted into the Eustachian tube and inflated for a few minutes.
Most studies show about 75 to 80% of patients have long-term symptom relief. Risks are minimal, and people often notice relief immediately.
Finally Breathing Freely
The last topic we covered was chronic rhinitis. For those living with a constant runny nose, congestion, and chronic cough, even without allergies, this condition is often the culprit. It’s caused by overactive nerves in the nose, and when medications and sprays don’t help, the problem can feel never-ending.
I introduced viewers to treatments like cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, which use cold or gentle heat energy to calm those overactive nasal nerves right at the source. It’s done in the office, with no incisions, and takes just a few minutes. Most patients return to normal activities right away and can finally find relief from their runny nose.
Quality of Life Is What Matters
What I really wanted viewers to understand is that these minimally invasive solutions help people breathe, sleep, and feel better without the long recovery times that once came with ENT treatments.
If you have persistent snoring, ear pressure, or congestion that hasn’t improved with routine treatments, it’s worth seeing an ENT to talk about these options. At Proliance Surgeons Puget Sound ENT, we’re able to see patients quickly, and we work to improve quality of life issues for patients.
We have three convenient locations in Edmonds, Seattle, and Mill Creek, and we treat both children and adults. We offer minimally invasive treatment options, immediate appointment availability, and an on-site ambulatory surgery center for outpatient procedures.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, click here or call (425) 201-1083. Thank you to the New Day Northwest team for having me. It was a wonderful opportunity to share these life-changing treatment options with the community.