WHAT IS OTOLARYNGOLOGY?
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty for physicians who treat diseases and conditions that affect the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) are also trained as surgical specialists to perform surgery on the delicate tissues and interconnected systems within the head and neck.
However, ENT specialists typically specialize in chronic or critical ear, nose, and throat problems. For minor ENT issues, it’s better to visit your primary care physician or local urgent care clinic rather than seek out an ENT specialist.
Ear conditions
- otosclerosis (a condition of the middle ear that causes hearing loss) and other problems with hearing and deafness
- otitis media with effusion – a common condition of childhood (also known as glue ear) in which the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid
- age-related hearing loss
- tinnitus(ringing in the ears) and eustachian tube dysfunction
- dizziness and vertigo
- ear infections
- perforated eardrum and cholesteatoma
- protruding ears
Nose conditions
- sinus infection and rhino-sinusitis, including in children
- nasal injuries
- nasal polyps
- tumours of the nose
- nasal obstruction
- disorders of the sense of smell
Throat conditions
- adenoid problems – surgical removal of these small glands in the throat at the back of the nose is sometimes needed, and is usually performed in childhood
- tonsillitis, sometimes requiring surgical removal of the tonsils, usually in childhood
- hoarseness and laryngitis
- swallowing problems
- upper airway breathing problems
- snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (when breathing stops during sleep)
Head and neck conditions
- cancer affecting the mouth, oral cavity, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, skull base, or the nose and sinuses
- thyroid and parathyroid problems
- facial skin lesions including skin cancer