expert type icon EXPERT

Karen M. Major, AU.D.,F-AAA

Audiologist

Dr. Karen Major is an audiologist practicing in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Major evaluates, diagnoses and treats hearing loss, balance issues and tinnitus. Audiologists can care for patients of all ages and treat almost all types of hearing loss. As an audiologist, Dr. Major takes part in services like prescribing and fitting hearing aids, recommending assisted listening devices and providing hearing rehabilitation. Audiologists can work in a number of settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices as well as government, military and VA hospitals.
Karen M. Major, AU.D.,F-AAA
  • Fort Myers, FL
  • Accepting new patients

I had an ear drum repair surgery four months back and now its again infected. What should I do?

Definitely return to your ear nose and throat physician at your earliest convenience!

What causes ear wax build up in babies?

Earwax is completely natural and is actually produced by the ear as a protective mechanism. Its especially important to note that while infants may appear to have more wax than READ MORE
Earwax is completely natural and is actually produced by the ear as a protective mechanism. Its especially important to note that while infants may appear to have more wax than adults, typically its not the case. It simply looks that way because their canals are so much smaller. VERY important to note is that infants have ear canals that are not fully developed yet so please DO NOT use Qtips or any other object to try to clean the ears. Using a wet wash cloth around the outside of the ear canal is typically all that is needed. Enjoy your baby!

Is hearing loss hereditary?

Hi there, great question! Hearing loss can absolutely be hereditary and passed from generation to generation, though its not always the case. There are many other factors that READ MORE
Hi there, great question! Hearing loss can absolutely be hereditary and passed from generation to generation, though its not always the case. There are many other factors that cause hearing loss including noise exposure and other medical conditions. If there is a strong family history of hearing loss then we would always recommend you have a baseline hearing examination done early so that you can monitor for changes. Hope that helps!

Ear leaked suddenly?

You should absolutely go back and see your ENT (not your primary doctor) and let them take a better look. After having cholesteatomas there is no reason to hesitate to have a READ MORE
You should absolutely go back and see your ENT (not your primary doctor) and let them take a better look. After having cholesteatomas there is no reason to hesitate to have a more thorough exam. Good luck!

Ear drop issue?

This is ok! Hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar are both natural and shouldn’t cause any harm to the ears. Of course, go see your doctor if you experience any issues.

I need an audiologist who deals with cochlear implant patients?

Hi there, Cochlear Americas should absolutely be able to provide you with a list of other CI audiologists in your area. Contact them directly!

Ear drum question?

I would advise you to discuss this with your ENT. I’m not certain what you mean that you have an open wall in your eardrum. Perhaps you mean a perforation in the eardrum? Or READ MORE
I would advise you to discuss this with your ENT. I’m not certain what you mean that you have an open wall in your eardrum. Perhaps you mean a perforation in the eardrum? Or that you’ve had a mastoidectomy and your ear canal has been surgically modified? Either way, best to discuss with your otolaryngologist to avoid infection. Best of luck!

Ringing in left ear?

If you feel that the hearing has also decreased, I would encourage you to call for an ASAP appointment with an ENT. You can tell them you’ve experienced “sudden hearing loss and READ MORE
If you feel that the hearing has also decreased, I would encourage you to call for an ASAP appointment with an ENT. You can tell them you’ve experienced “sudden hearing loss and ringing” in one ear and they should get you in quickly to investigate what could be going on. Best of luck!

Foreign object in the ear canal?

If the physician was able to remove it, it should be fine. If they used water irrigation to flush it out, he could be perceiving a strange feeling as the ear dries out. If you’re READ MORE
If the physician was able to remove it, it should be fine. If they used water irrigation to flush it out, he could be perceiving a strange feeling as the ear dries out. If you’re concerned after a day or two, don’t hesitate to schedule him with an ENT! Take Care!

Bleeding ears?

Please call for an appointment with an ENT. It’s possible that the eardrum perforated and they will need to help you clear that up. In the meantime, keep the ear dry and put READ MORE
Please call for an appointment with an ENT. It’s possible that the eardrum perforated and they will need to help you clear that up. In the meantime, keep the ear dry and put nothing in it until the specialist can take a look! Best of luck!

Ear wax impacted?

Not to worry, if you’re using drops to soften the remaining wax it’s totally normal for the ear to feel blocked until they get it cleared!

I'm losing my hearing?

Please go to an ENT immediately. It’s possible it’s something simple like wax build up or an ear infection, but also possible that it’s a sudden hearing loss. If it’s the latter, READ MORE
Please go to an ENT immediately. It’s possible it’s something simple like wax build up or an ear infection, but also possible that it’s a sudden hearing loss. If it’s the latter, although more rare, there’s a small window of time in which we have to try to get your hearing to come back and that time is NOW.

Is my eardrum ruptured?

Hi there, it sounds as if you have a pretty severe fungal infection if they prescribed that combination of oral and topical medications. Keep the ear dry completely- the only READ MORE
Hi there, it sounds as if you have a pretty severe fungal infection if they prescribed that combination of oral and topical medications. Keep the ear dry completely- the only thing going in the ear should be those drops. Otherwise, perhaps plan to schedule a visit with an ENT specialist who will take a look for you and clean it out. The pain associated with fungal infections can be intense. If you see an ENT they will continue your treatments and also visualize the eardrum to determine if there is any rupture. Good luck!

Can herpes cause hearing loss?

Absolutely. The virus that affects the ears is called Herpes Zoster and can definitely affect the hearing and occasionally also the balance mechanism. He should see an audiologist READ MORE
Absolutely. The virus that affects the ears is called Herpes Zoster and can definitely affect the hearing and occasionally also the balance mechanism. He should see an audiologist to have a hearing test completed!

Concern for husband?

Hi there, I would absolutely call his audiologist and see if they can get him in to take a look. There is no way for us to know unless we physically see the patient in the office. READ MORE
Hi there, I would absolutely call his audiologist and see if they can get him in to take a look. There is no way for us to know unless we physically see the patient in the office. He could have something as simple as positional vertigo which is easily treated as well. Give them a call right away!

Can swimming cause hearing loss?

No, swimming itself cannot cause hearing loss. You may develop more wax simply because of the ears being exposed to more water than typical. But ears are very self cleaning so READ MORE
No, swimming itself cannot cause hearing loss. You may develop more wax simply because of the ears being exposed to more water than typical. But ears are very self cleaning so no need to worry!

What is the best way to treat hearing loss due to age?

Unfortunately, there is no way to “prevent” the natural progression of hearing loss. Most adults will start seeing progressive changes after age 55 or so. Just have your dad READ MORE
Unfortunately, there is no way to “prevent” the natural progression of hearing loss. Most adults will start seeing progressive changes after age 55 or so. Just have your dad see an audiologist for a good examination and go from there!

Can my father hear again?

Hi there, Perhaps your father has enough hearing loss that a hearing aid will no longer benefit him? If so, he may be a cochlear implant candidate. We do cochlear implant candidacy READ MORE
Hi there,

Perhaps your father has enough hearing loss that a hearing aid will no longer benefit him? If so, he may be a cochlear implant candidate. We do cochlear implant candidacy evaluations at our office.

Recovery for a stapedectomy surgery?

Hi there, I would strongly advise you to direct this question to your surgeon! There are many variables affecting recovery time after any surgery, but your surgeon will be able READ MORE
Hi there, I would strongly advise you to direct this question to your surgeon! There are many variables affecting recovery time after any surgery, but your surgeon will be able to best direct you with your case in particular.

Ear efussion?

Sir, it appears you have an ongoing medical issue that is not resolving over 60 days. I would strongly advise you to make an appointment with an ear nose and throat doctor at READ MORE
Sir, it appears you have an ongoing medical issue that is not resolving over 60 days. I would strongly advise you to make an appointment with an ear nose and throat doctor at your earliest convenience.