Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat

The eyes, ears, nose and throat are interconnected organs that are vital parts of several body systems. Discover how these organs work as well as conditions that can affect them.

Topics to Explore

Why do kids eat boogers?

How Colorblindness Works

Why do my ears pop when I dive in the deep end of the pool?

How Refractive Vision Problems Work

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Why Won't My Eye Stop Twitching?

The eye twitching that's driving you crazy — it's likely caused by nothing more than stress or fatigue. But you may need to see a doctor if you have other symptoms, too.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Nov 2, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

Scientists Discover Protein That Could Help Restore Hearing

For over 40 years, scientists have been searching for the protein that allows us to hear. Its recent discovery might help people regain their hearing.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 4, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear

Please Stop Flushing Your Contacts!

Contact lenses fragment into microplastics that slip through water filtering systems and ultimately end up in the oceans.

By Stell Simonton Aug 23, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

More Americans Than You'd Think Smell 'Phantom Odors'

About 1 in 15 Americans over 40 smell odors that aren't there, according to a new study. And the reason why is still a mystery.

By Alia Hoyt Aug 22, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

Do Blue Light-blocking Glasses Even Work?

Blue light-blocking glasses are super popular these days. But do they even work the way marketers promise?

By John Perritano Jun 18, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

This Year's Must-have for Music Festival Season: Ear Plugs

Music festivals are a blast, but research shows they can also be a bummer for your ears. One study even says that alcohol, coupled with loud music, can make the hearing loss worse.

By Dave Roos May 1, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear

How Long Does LASIK Last?

You had LASIK surgery a few years ago, and your vision has started to blur again. Is this normal?

By Nathan Chandler Apr 5, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

When Sound Makes You Sick

Diplomatic staffers in Havana, Cuba, recently began to suffer from a series of health problems. Were they sound-related?

By Patrick J. Kiger Mar 15, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear

Doctors Provide Yet Another Reason to Never Hold in a Sneeze

In case you needed one.

By Robert Lamb Jan 16, 2018 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

How Glasses Correct Colorblindness

Colorblindness affects around 300 million people worldwide. What is it and how can glasses help?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Jun 14, 2017 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

A Human's Sense of Smell Is Actually as Good as a Dog's

Although we've often been told that dogs have a superior sense of smell to people, a new report says there's little difference.

By Alia Hoyt May 31, 2017 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

If Sunlight Makes You Sneeze, You're Not Alone

Is this you? This is totally you. Why do some people burst into violent sneezing fits when they encounter bright sunlight? Check your genetics.

By Laurie L. Dove Sep 13, 2016 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

Could Your Smartphone Cause Temporary Blindness?

Maybe if you look at it with only one eye -- in the dark.

By Karen Kirkpatrick Jun 30, 2016 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

Half the World Will Be Nearsighted by 2050

And it's not because of all that screen time.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Mar 7, 2016 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

When It Comes to Q-Tips, We Do the One Thing We're Not Supposed to. Why?

Selfish humans act in our own self interest, but when it comes to cotton buds and ears we do exactly what science says not to. And yes, your doctor can tell.

By Laurie L. Dove Jan 27, 2016 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear

An Historic Sneeze, a Disgusting Sneeze Cloud

We dig into the science and history of those delightful respiratory explosions we call sneezes, including one that's copyrighted.

By Julie Douglas Dec 9, 2015 Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

How Vocal Fry Works

Does vocal fry signal the most annoying end of times? Or is it just part of a natural language progression?

By Oisin Curran Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

Is it possible to change your eye color?

Think your peepers are passé? Some cutting-edge cosmetic procedures can take your brown eyes to bright blue — with a few inherent risks.

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

Is it possible to cry blood?

Poetry is full of references to salty and bitter tears, but there's not much about bloody tears. Besides movie villains who weep blood, is this phenomenon real?

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

Can holding in a sneeze kill you?

In some settings, you just can't heave a giant sneeze. If you hold back during a meeting or date, you're exhibiting decorum. Could you also be making a death wish?

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

What is mucus made of?

It's hard to imagine being thankful for mucus when you've got a nose full of it, but if it all went away you'd really be in trouble.

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

Where does earwax come from?

Earwax might seem like just another gross bodily substance, but it serves a very important function in the health of your ear canal.

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear

How do boogers form in your nose?

Boogers are more than an annoyance. Your body makes them for a very specific purpose — and it's not to gross out other people.

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Nose & Throat

What are eye boogers?

As you're wiping away the crust from your eyes in the morning, do you ever ponder why it forms in the first place?

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Eye

What are some safe ways to remove earwax?

Any doctor will tell you not to stick a cotton swab in your ear, although most of us disregard the warning. Luckily, there are safer ways to remove earwax.

By Laurie L. Dove Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat / Ear