What Is an Otolaryngologist?
An otolaryngologist (or ENT) is a physician who specializes in caring for medical conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Otolaryngologists also perform surgical procedures on the head and neck. The conditions addressed by an ENT range in severity from common colds to head and neck cancers. The goal of otolaryngology is to prevent these diseases and related disorders if possible, and to treat them effectively when they occur.
Otolaryngologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical or osteopathic school, a five-year residency in otolaryngology, and additional years of training in various specialties. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by a professional governing body.
What Does an Otolaryngologist Do?
Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat a broad array of immunological symptoms and sensitivities, such as:
- Ear conditions, including infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, ruptured eardrums, balance disorders, and Ménière's disease.
- Nose conditions, including allergies, sinus infections, polyps, rhinitis, nosebleeds, and deviated septum.
- Throat conditions, including sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, and swallowing problems (dysphagia).
- Cancers of the neck, mouth, throat, thyroid, or salivary glands.
- Sleep disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea.
Otolaryngologists accomplish this through doctor-patient interaction, conducting physical exams, ordering tests, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and arranging for surgical procedures or other forms of specialty care. ENTs also recommend lifestyle changes as a form of preventive medicine, for example, tobacco cessation, allergen avoidance, and weight loss (the latter for sleep apnea).
Otolaryngologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.
What Types of Otolaryngologists Are There?
Otolaryngologists are trained in one or more specialties:
- Head and neck otolaryngology: Treatment and removal of tumors from the upper respiratory system (mouth, sinuses, throat, larynx, and esophagus).
- Immunology: A specialization in treating environmental allergies.
- Laryngology: Expertise in diseases of the larynx and vocal cords.
- Otology: A focus on ear and audio disorders, including hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.
- Pediatric otolaryngology: Diagnosis and treatment of ENT conditions in children and adolescents.
- Reconstructive surgery: Cosmetic surgical procedures.
- Rhinology: A specialization in nose and sinus conditions.
- Sleep medicine: Treatment of sleep disorders involving breathing, such as snoring and sleep apnea.
Otolaryngologists often work with other medical professionals in caring for patients. These include allergists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
When Should You See an Otolaryngologist?
You should see an ENT whenever you experience the symptoms commonly associated with diseases of the ears, nose, or throat, including:
- Uncontrolled coughing
- Red, watery eyes
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Scratchy throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness and imbalance
- Hearing loss
- Repeat infections
- Snoring
- Poor nighttime breathing
- Unusual growths on the face, scalp, neck, gums, or tongue
If your symptoms are life-threatening – for example, severe dizziness or extreme difficulty in breathing – call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency medical facility.
What Can I Expect at My Visit to an Otolaryngologist?
A visit to an otolaryngologist will begin like any other medical visit. Your ENT will conduct a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and record your family history. He or she may also perform one or more tests to aid in your diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, these might include:
- Blood tests
- Hearing tests
- Ear-drum testing
- Allergy testing
- Nasal endoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- Imaging scans
With this information, your otolaryngologist can create a treatment plan specific to you, possibly including medications or, in the case of allergies, immunotherapy. He or she can also arrange specialty care, which may or may not involve a minimally invasive or surgical procedure.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health ear, nose, and throat team is ready with expert care. For more information, contact us at 1.844.6Baptist.
Otolaryngologist FAQs
Are otolaryngologists the same as ENTs?
Yes. ENT stands for “ears, nose, and throat.” It’s easier to remember (and easier to say) than the more technical otolaryngologist, but the two terms refer to the same kind of doctor.
Do otolaryngologists perform surgery?
Yes. In addition to using non-surgical means of treating medical conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, otolaryngologists perform head and neck surgeries, mostly to excise tumors but also to correct congenital defects or to reconstruct facial features for medical or cosmetic purposes.
Is an otolaryngologist the same as an allergist?
No. Otolaryngologists are medical doctors specializing in a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions, as well as surgical and non-surgical treatments. Allergists are more narrowly focused; they specialize in the non-surgical treatment of medical conditions involving the body’s immune system.