Otolaryngology (Ear-Nose-Throat)
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that deals with disorders and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) region, and related areas of the head and neck. If you have a problem that is related to your ear, nose, or throat, you may need to see an ENT specialist, who is also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor or an otolaryngologist.
ENT specialists are experts in both the medical and surgical management of the following: You may need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you have an ear disorder or condition, such as hearing impairment, ear infections, disorders that affect balance, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or pain in your ear. ENT specialists can also treat congenital disorders of the ear.
ENT specialists often manage and treat problems that affect the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. These problems can affect smell, breathing, and physical appearance.
Conditions of the throat. Disorders and conditions that affect the throat can affect speech, singing, eating, swallowing, and digestion. The specialists can diagnose, manage, and treat these problems.
ENT specialists are trained to manage diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, neck, and face. They can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in these areas. They can also manage problems with the nerves in the head and neck that control sight, smelling, hearing, and facial movements.
Among the conditions that are commonly treated by an ear, nose, and throat doctor are:
• Injury to your ears, nose, or throat
• Nerve problems in your ears, nose, or throat
• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Hearing impairment
• Ear infection
• Tonsil or adenoid infection
• Swimmer's ear
• Pain in your ears, nose, or throat
• Tinnitus
• Ear, nose, or throat birth defects
• Breathing problems
• Sinus problem
• Growth or tumor in your ears, nose, or throat
• Deviated septum
• Cleft palate
• Nose bleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Problems with smell
• Voice or swallowing problems
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness