Having an ENT, or an ear, nose and throat physician, is more important than many people realize. An ENT doctor treats a wide range of conditions that can affect anyone at any age.
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, formally known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the head and neck. Although they are specialists, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor without a referral from your primary care provider.
If you have a condition that affects your ears, nose or throat, or you have symptoms for an undiagnosed condition that does, make an appointment with an ENT doctor.
What is an ENT?
An ENT is a specialist in the medical specialty of otolaryngology. Otolaryngologists diagnose, manage and treat disorders of your head and neck. An ENT doctor treats conditions affecting your ears, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx and other related parts of your body.
Otolaryngologists are doctors who undergo a rigorous course of specialty training after earning a medical degree. ENTs are board-certified in otolaryngology and maintain their licenses by taking extra medical classes and attending conferences on a regular basis.
ENT doctors are trained in several specialty areas, including:
- Allergies
- Pediatric otolaryngology
- Reconstructive facial and plastic surgeries
- Rhinology, which addresses issues with the nose and sinuses
- Laryngology, which comprises swallowing, voice and throat issues
- Otology, neurotology and audiology – specifically ears, tinnitus and balance disorders
What does an ENT treat?
ENT providers treat a wide range of conditions, from common ailments like ear infections to complex issues such as head and neck cancers. They can also perform surgical treatments when necessary.
Some of these conditions and treatments include:
Ears
- Hearing loss – from age-related changes to noise-induced damage.
- Tinnitus
- Ear infections, both acute and chronic
- Balance disorders, such as vertigo or Menière’s disease.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Cochlear implants for hearing restoration
- Eardrum perforation repairs
- Ear tube inserts
- Hearing aid fittings
Nose
- Sinusitis – acute and chronic
- Allergies
- Deviated septum repairs
- Nasal polyps – noncancerous growths in the nasal passages
- Sleep apnea
Throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Swallowing disorders
- Tonsillitis
- Tonsil and adenoid removal
- Obstructive sleep apnea that affects breathing during sleep.
Head and neck
- Thyroid disorders, including goiters and thyroid cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Facial trauma or deformities that require reconstructive surgery
- Head and neck surgery, such as tumor removal
- Plastic and maxillofacial surgeries
- Congenital abnormalities (cleft palate, lip, a loss of smell)
- Speech disorders
When to see an ENT
Your primary care provider can often diagnose minor problems, especially if the condition is acute. However, an ENT physician can perform specific tests to identify a disorder of your head or neck, or identify chronic conditions.
You should see an ENT if you have any of these issues:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Balance issues or dizziness
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergies
- Recurring ear infections or swimmer’s ear
- Hearing issues or loss
- Hoarseness and chronic sore throats
- Nosebleeds
- Ear pain
- Snoring or sleep apnea symptoms
- Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
- Unexplained lumps in the head or neck
During your first visit to an ENT provider, the doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Some of the tests they may perform include:
- Audiological exam for patients with possible hearing loss
- Balance assessment test for balance issues
- Nasal endoscopy – a procedure that uses a small telescope to check in your nose
- Nasal exam
- Neck exam
- Pressure testing your eardrum for fluid that can cause hearing loss
- Voicebox, or larynx, exam
How we can help
While your primary care provider usually doesn’t need to refer you to an ENT doctor, they may recommend specific providers. If you have symptoms of a condition that an ENT treats, make an appointment. Early intervention can get you on a treatment plan that’s right for your condition sooner.
Learn about the ear, nose and throat services we offer at Bon Secours.
