Hearing Center
Mon: 8:00am ‐ 4:30pm Tue: 8:00am ‐ 4:30pm Wed: 8:00am ‐ 4:30pm Thur: 8:00am ‐ 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am ‐ 3:00pm Closed daily from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
How ENT Issues Affect Your Rest and What to Do About It
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health, but many people struggle to get the rest they need due to issues related to the ear, nose, and throat. Conditions such as sleep apnea or snoring can lead to daytime fatigue and long-term health risks. Understanding how these conditions affect rest and what can be…
What Are the Three Types of Sleep Apnea?

If you feel that you consistently get enough sleep at night but still wake up feeling tired, or if your partner complains about your loud snoring, you may be suffering from a condition called sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea, all of which are characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep; however,…
How Will Chilly Weather Affect My ENT Health?

People often associate cold weather season with a time of year when sickness is common. Cold weather can impact your health, especially your ear, nose and throat (ENT) health, and here’s how: Nasal Dryness In cold weather, both outdoor air and indoor heating tend to have low humidity, which can dry out your nasal passages….
A New Study Finds a Link Between Throat Health and Blood Pressure

When you have the occasional throat issue, whether it’s a persistent sore throat, a raspy voice or the sensation of something stuck in the throat—we typically attribute them to temporary irritants like seasonal colds or a day of cheering at the Kidd Brewer Stadium. However, a new study suggests that chronic throat problems may impact…
Why Did I Lose My Sense of Smell?

Losing the ability to smell is a disorienting experience, affecting how you enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like the aroma of fresh flowers in your garden or the taste of your favorite Oldhouse Goods meal. This condition, known as anosmia, can significantly impact your quality of life. Let’s explore how your sense of smell functions, some…
Joseph D. Garner, MD

Dr. Garner joined Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, and Throat in September 2024 as a comprehensive otolaryngologist. He treats a wide range of conditions, including hearing and balance disorders, environmental allergies, sinus disease, head and neck cancers, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, and other conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. He sees patients at our Boone…
How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Throat Health?

Have you ever finished a big meal or large latte from Hatchet Coffee only to be greeted with an unpleasant nausea and burning sensation in the chest? This discomfort is likely caused by acid reflux, a condition wherein stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach. Occasional…
Inspire
Approximately 18 million Americans experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that can cause serious problems such as excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, memory loss and lack of concentration. These individuals have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. While PAP therapy is the preferred treatment method, not everybody can tolerate…
What To Know About Managing Pediatric Strep Throat

Strep throat is a common, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. While anyone can get strep throat, it is most common among children between the ages of five and 15. A few common symptoms of strep throat include: If your child has recently come down with strep throat, you know it…