Otolaryngology

What is Otolaryngology?
Otolaryngology is better known as Ear, Nose and Throat or ENT.  An otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) is a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of disease and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck.  Common problems include ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, laryngitis, voice disorders, tonsillitis, and nasal and sinus problems.  ENT doctors also specialize in head and neck, tumor, cancer, and reconstruction surgery and snoring and sleep disorders as well.  More specific information is provided below.

Ear
Problems or pathologies of the ear can involve sudden or gradual hearing loss, middle ear infections, chronically draining ears, ear pain, a sensation of fullness, ringing or ear noise, inner ear problems, and/or dizziness.  The ENT doctor conducts an otological examination by looking in the ear with an otoscope and performing basic tuning fork tests.  If necessary, further testing is performed by the audiologist, which may include a comprehensive audiological evaluation and/or a balance and dizzy evaluation.  (Refer to Audiology for further details and for information pertaining to hearing aids.)

Nose
ENT doctors are able to evaluate and treat nasal and sinus problems including allergy, infections, bleeding, smell, deviated septum, and polyps.  Nose bleeds can range from slight traces of blood to excessive bleeding. 

Throat