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The Ear Exam Is Changing  For more than a century, the otoscope has been the standard tool for examining the ear. Early versions appeared in the mid-1800s, using mirrors and external light sources before evolving into the handheld, battery-powered instruments clinicians recognize today. The basic method never really changed: look through a small lens,...

Winter brings the inevitable cycle of sniffles, coughs, and fevers. Children are particularly susceptible to seasonal bugs because their immune systems are still learning how to fight off viruses. However, the biggest hurdle isn’t always the cold itself, it’s the secondary issues that follow.  Ear infections are among the most frequent complications of a standard cold. Because the symptoms of a respiratory infection...

Why Ear Infections Spike Around the Holidays The holiday season, meant to be cozy and joyful, also brings winter viruses that increase the risk of ear infections for children. Cold air dries out nasal passages, crowded gatherings spread colds quickly, and congestion can lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Travel irritates ears; air...

Why Winter Makes Ear Infections Harder to Diagnose Winter can be harsh on families, especially those with young kids. During winter, colds, flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), and seasonal congestion spread easily, leading to pressure buildup in the middle ear. That’s why ear infections are so common in winter and why many children visit...

Across the U.S. and Canada, a wave of healthcare innovators is reshaping how care is delivered. Virtual-first clinics, hybrid home-visit models, digital health marketplaces, and remote chronic-care programs are all attempting to answer the same question: How do you deliver high-quality medical care when the patient isn’t physically in front of you? For years,...

The holidays are a whirlwind of travel, family gatherings, and well-deserved rest. It's a time when everything speeds up, except, it seems, access to medical care. During the busy holiday season, common ailments like ear infections, blockages, and severe pain often strike at the absolute worst times: when your pediatrician’s office is closed, your...

The holiday season often means colds and, perhaps most concerningly, ear pain in children, which can quickly turn into an uncomfortable earache. The congestion and excess mucus that come with seasonal illnesses are the primary reasons for most pediatric ear problems. When a child’s body fights off a virus, the inflammation and fluid buildup...