Naugatuck Valley ENT

05/20/2026

(RHS) is a rare but serious condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. It can lead to facial paralysis, a painful ear rash, hearing loss, vertigo, and more, all on one side of the face.

The good news? Early treatment with antiviral therapy and corticosteroids can significantly improve recovery.

If you're experiencing sudden facial weakness, ear pain, or unexplained hearing changes, don't wait. Contact us today.

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Expert ENT care for sinus, throat, and hearing issues. Naugatuck Valley ENT offers advanced treatments to help you breathe, hear, and feel your best.

05/19/2026

Most age-related hearing loss happens gradually in both ears. When it shows up in just one ear, especially alongside ringing or balance issues, it can sometimes point to something more specific.

, also known as , is a rare, non-cancerous tumor that grows on the nerve responsible for hearing and balance. The tumor does not spread or invade the brain, but larger ones can cause significant symptoms over time.

Common symptoms include:
• Gradual or sudden hearing loss in one ear
• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the affected ear ( )
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Vertigo or unsteadiness
• Headache, facial numbness, or facial weakness

Because these symptoms overlap with more common ENT conditions, accurate diagnosis is important and typically involves MRI imaging. Treatment depends on tumor size, hearing function, and overall health, and may include careful monitoring, targeted radiation, or surgery.

If you have noticed hearing changes in one ear, persistent ringing, or balance issues, please schedule an evaluation with .

Vestibular schwannoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance.

05/18/2026

Voice and swallowing disorders can have a meaningful impact on daily life, from difficulty communicating at work to challenges with eating and drinking safely. Our Department at provides specialized evaluation and treatment for a wide range of conditions.

We evaluate and treat:
• Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Vocal cord paralysis
• Involuntary voice spasms (spasmodic dysphonia)
• Voice and throat symptoms caused by acid reflux
• Voice restoration after head and neck cancer treatment

Evaluations may include detailed imaging of the vocal cords, an endoscopic procedure that allows the swallowing process to be observed in real time, and voice restoration support for patients recovering from head and neck cancer surgery.

Learn about our speech and swallow services from Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates, located in Waterbury, CT.

05/15/2026

(BMS) is a real, recognized condition that affects up to 15% of people, most often post-menopausal women. Because the mouth typically appears normal on exam, it often goes undiagnosed for years.

Symptoms can include a burning or scalding feeling on the tongue, lips, or roof of the mouth, along with dry mouth, taste changes, or tingling.

Causes vary widely, from vitamin deficiencies and reflux to medication side effects, thyroid issues, or nerve-related changes. The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis, and many patients find significant relief once the underlying cause is identified.

If this sounds familiar, it is time to schedule an evaluation.

Burning mouth syndrome, also known as glossodynia, refers to pain or a hot, burning sensation in the mouth or oral cavity.

05/13/2026

Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms can make everyday life uncomfortable, especially during peak allergy seasons. At Naugatuck Valley ENT, our experienced team provides comprehensive to help identify triggers and create personalized treatment plans designed to help you breathe easier and feel better.

From allergy testing and immunotherapy to education and ongoing support, we’re here to help patients manage allergies and related conditions like asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis, and sore throats.
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Learn about our allergies services from Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates ENT Services.

05/12/2026

, also known as , is an infection of the outer ear canal that often develops when moisture gets trapped in the ear after swimming, bathing, or time in humid environments. While it’s especially common during the summer months, swimmer’s ear can affect both children and adults year-round.

Symptoms may include ear pain, itching, drainage, swelling, fullness in the ear, or temporary hearing changes. Early treatment can help prevent complications and provide relief more quickly.

Learn more about swimmer’s ear, common causes, treatment options, and prevention tips on our blog.

Swimmer's Ear, or otitis externa, is a painful condition affecting the outer ear and ear canal. Learn more and how we can help.

05/11/2026

can present differently in children than it does in adults. Along with having congestion or nasal drainage, kids may experience cough, bad breath, fatigue, irritability, or even swelling around the eyes.

If your child has symptoms that linger longer than 10 days, keeps getting sinus infections, or seems to worsen after starting to improve, it may be time to see an ENT specialist.

The pediatric team at Naugatuck Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Associates provide compassionate care for children with ear, nose, and throat conditions, from routine concerns to more complex cases.
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Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) in children typically results in a cough, bad breath, crankiness, low energy, swelling around the eyes, and thick yellow-green nasal discharge.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, mother figures, and all those who nurture with love in so many ways. Your support, strength, and compassion help others feel safe, heard, and cared for every day. We’re grateful for all that you do and wish you a day filled with comfort and appreciation. 🩷

05/08/2026

is the most common type of cancer, and early detection can make a significant difference. While many people associate skin cancer with dermatology, ENT specialists also diagnose and treat cancers affecting the face, ears, scalp, neck, lips, and other sun-exposed areas.

Watch for warning signs such as:
☀️ Moles that change in size, shape, or color
☀️ Sores that don’t heal
☀️ Spots that bleed, crust, or itch
☀️ New or unusual bumps or lesions

At , our team evaluates suspicious skin lesions and may perform biopsies right in the office to help diagnose skin cancer early. Protecting your skin with sunscreen, limiting UV exposure, and scheduling an evaluation for concerning spots are important steps for your health.

Skin cancer is a disease in which cancerous (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin.

05/07/2026

and are among the most common birth differences affecting babies and children. These conditions occur when the lip and/or roof of the mouth do not fully form during early pregnancy development. Depending on the severity, they may affect feeding, speech, hearing, breathing, and dental development.

Early evaluation and coordinated care can make a meaningful difference. Treatment often involves a team of specialists, including ENT physicians, speech pathologists, surgeons, audiologists, and dental professionals working together to support a child’s growth and development.

At , our Speech & Voice Pathologist provides evaluation and treatment for speech and swallowing concerns that may be associated with cleft lip and palate.

A “cleft” means a split or separation. A cleft palate refers to the roof of your mouth with or without the lip being split as well. Oral clefts are one of the most common birth defects.

05/06/2026

is an inflammation of the that can cause swelling, pain, dry mouth, and even fever. It’s often linked to infection, dehydration, or blocked saliva flow from stones in the glands.

Treatment may include hydration, warm compresses, gentle massage, and in some cases antibiotics or minimally invasive procedures. If symptoms persist or recur, it’s important to be evaluated.

provides expert diagnosis and care to help relieve symptoms and address underlying causes.

Sialadenitis is an inflammation of one or more of the salivary (spit) glands due to infection, salivary stones, or an underlying autoimmune disorder.