Broken nose

A broken nose (also called a fractured nose) is a common injury after a knock to your face.

Cochlear implant

A cochlear implant is a small device that helps people hear. It is used when hearing aids do not work for people who have severe hearing loss.

Colds

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.

Ear problems

Information about blocked ears, outer ear infections and waxy ears.

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.

Feeling of a lump in the throat (globus sensation)

Globus sensation is the feeling of having a lump in your throat, but there is nothing there. It is also called globus pharyngeus.

Neck lumps

Lumps in the neck are very common and are not usually a serious problem.

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.

Obstructive sleep apnoea

If you have obstructive sleep apnoea your throat muscles relax too much when you are asleep, blocking the airway. This causes pauses in your breathing. These breathing pauses can lead to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels.

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.

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.

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.

Speech and communication difficulties

Speech and communication difficulties are problems with speaking, understanding or using language. They can affect how clearly someone talks or how well they understand others.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Swallowing difficulties can make it hard for you to eat and drink. They can be caused by a wide range of conditions, some of which can be serious.

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.