With over two decades of experience, Dr. Rebecca Heywood brings global training, deep expertise in hearing and balance disorders, and a personal touch to every patient she sees. We sat down with her to learn more about what drives her passion for ENT and what patients can expect when they step into her consult room. What drew you to ENT — and…
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Whether you’re stuck in stop-start bus traffic, cruising at sea, or soaring through turbulence at 30,000 feet, motion sickness can strike even the most seasoned traveller. The culprit? A sensory “mismatch” between what your inner ear—and other balance sensors—detect and what your eyes perceive. Our vestibular system (inner ears, eyes, and proprioceptors in neck and spine) constantly sends the brain data about…
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Many people believe that earwax is a sign of poor hygiene and should be regularly removed. However, Dr. Chris Hobbs clarifies, “Please don’t try to clean your ears! Earwax is not a sign of uncleanliness or poor self-care.” In fact, earwax, or cerumen, plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health. What Does Earwax Do? Earwax serves several important functions: Common Misconceptions…
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Understanding Ear Infections in Children Ear infections are a common concern for children and are generally categorized into two types: infections within the ear canal and those behind the eardrum (middle ear infections). Ear canal infections often result from activities like self-cleaning of earwax after swimming or showering. Middle ear infections, on the other hand, usually occur as a complication of colds…
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Dr. Chris Hobbs, an experienced ENT specialist, shares insights into his journey in medicine, common conditions he treats, and his approach to patient care. Get to know more about Dr. Hobbs’ career, memorable moments, and tips for maintaining your ear, nose, and throat health. What inspired you to specialize in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) medicine? I was inspired to specialise in…
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Tinnitus, that persistent ringing in the ears, can be more than just an annoyance. For many, it disrupts daily life, interfering with sleep, concentration, and even emotional well-being. Tinnitus is a symptom often indicating underlying issues with the ear, ranging from hearing loss to ear infections. Understanding the root cause is key to finding effective tinnitus treatment. Common causes The first step…
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Q: What inspired you to be an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist? I found ENT very interesting as a medical student in Oxford. The ENT Department at the Radcliffe Infirmary had many inspiring ENT Consultants. ENT is both a medical and a surgical specialty. Many treatments for ENT issues do not involve surgery, so one feels like a physician and a…
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