An Otolaryngologist, also called an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor, is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the:
- Ears
- Nose and sinuses
- Mouth
- Throat
- Voice box (larynx)
- Face and neck
ENT doctors are trained in both medicine and surgery, which is why the specialty is also called Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
This page explains common ear, nose, and throat conditions and the treatments available. If you have questions about your ENT health, this information can help you understand your options.
What is Otolaryngology?
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty focused on the ears, nose, throat, and related areas of the head and neck.
An otolaryngologist and an ENT doctor are the same type of specialist. They diagnose and treat problems related to hearing, breathing, speaking, swallowing, and balance.
Conditions and Treatments
ENT doctors treat medical and surgical problems involving hearing, balance, ear infections, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and certain nerve disorders.
Common Ear Conditions
- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa): An infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water trapped in the ear.
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): An infection behind the eardrum.
- Middle Ear Fluid (Middle Ear Effusion): Fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
- Earwax Blockage (Cerumen Impaction): Excess earwax causing discomfort or hearing problems.
- Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and Vertigo: Problems with hearing, ringing in the ears, or dizziness.
Common Ear Procedures
- Ear Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes): Small tubes placed in the eardrum, often for children, to drain fluid and prevent infections.
- Myringoplasty: Surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum.
ENT doctors are experts in treating problems involving the nose, sinuses, allergies, and sense of smell.
Common Nose and Sinus Conditions
- Rhinitis: Swelling inside the nose that causes congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip.
- Sinusitis: Swelling or infection of the sinuses.
- Deviated Septum: A crooked wall inside the nose that can make breathing difficult.
- Rhinorrhea: A runny nose with thin, clear drainage.
- (Epistaxis).
- CSF Leak: Leakage of fluid from around the brain into the nose or ear.
- Sinus or Skull Base Tumors: Growths that form in the sinuses or nearby areas.
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that develops in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Common Nose and Sinus Procedures
- Septoplasty: Surgery to straighten a deviated septum.
- Turbinate Reduction: A procedure to improve airflow through the nose.
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Removes sinus blockages that can cause infections, pain, and breathing problems.
- Nasal Cauterization: Treatment to stop recurring nosebleeds.
- CSF Leak Repair: Surgery to stop fluid from leaking into the nose or ear.
- Tumor Removal: Removal of noncancerous or cancerous tumors in the nose or sinuses.
- Pituitary Tumor Removal.
- Nasopharyngectomy: Endoscopic surgery used to treat certain cancers of the upper throat.
The throat helps you breathe, speak, and swallow. ENT doctors treat conditions involving the voice box, throat, and swallowing system.
Common Throat Conditions
- Dysphonia: Difficulty speaking because of problems with the voice box or vocal cords.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
- Throat or Voice Box Lesions: Abnormal growths or damaged tissue.
- Vocal Cord Disorders: Problems affecting the vocal cords.
Common Throat Procedures
- Biopsy or removal of abnormal tissue.
- Vocal cord injections.
- Speech and swallowing evaluations with a speech therapist.
The head and neck contain important nerves and structures that affect hearing, smell, vision, and other functions.
Common Conditions
- Neck lumps or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Growths or lesions on the skin, face, or inside the mouth.
- Head and neck cancers.
Common Procedures
- Lymph Node Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample for testing.
- Office Biopsy: Sampling of a skin lesion or other visible growth.
Children can have many of the same ear, nose, and throat problems as adults, but their symptoms and treatments may be different.
An ENT specialist can evaluate and treat common childhood conditions affecting the:
- Ears
- Nose
- Throat
- Head
- Neck
Click here for more information about our pediatric ENT services.
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.
They help patients improve communication, daily activities, and quality of life.
Audiology Services Include
- Hearing Loss: Evaluation and treatment of hearing problems.
- Balance Disorders: Assessment and treatment of dizziness and balance issues.
- Hearing Tests and Screenings: Identifying hearing loss and determining its severity.
- Hearing Protection Education: Teaching ways to prevent noise-related hearing loss.
- Tinnitus Management: Helping patients manage ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Click here for additional information about Saint Alphonsus' Audiology department.
Vestibular therapy is designed to help people who experience:
- Dizziness
- Spinning sensations (vertigo)
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty focusing or reading
- Balance problems
Specially trained therapists provide treatments that may include:
- Exercises and movements to reduce dizziness.
- Techniques to improve balance during daily activities.
- Home exercise programs to improve independence and function.
- SMART Balance Master Training and Testing, which measures balance performance and helps retrain the systems that control balance.
When Should You See an ENT Doctor?
Consider seeing an ENT specialist if you have:
- Frequent ear infections
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Ongoing dizziness or balance problems
- Chronic sinus infections or nasal congestion
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness that does not go away
- A lump in your neck
- Concerns about your child's ear, nose, or throat health
An ENT doctor can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
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