ENT Consultation
When should one consider consulting an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, also known as an otolaryngologist?
For a variety of symptoms related to the Ear, Nose, and Throat :
Ear-related Symptoms:
- Recurring or persistent ear infections - watery discharge
- Ear pain or discomfort or itching
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems
Nasal and Sinus Symptoms:
- Chronic or recurrent sinusitis (sinus infections)
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Facial pain or pressure/headache
- Nasal polyps
Throat and Voice Symptoms:
- Chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or throat clearing
- Tonsil infections or enlargement
Allergy-related Symptoms:
- Seasonal or perennial allergies
- Hay fever symptoms (sneezing, itchy or runny nose, watery eyes)
- Allergic reactions causing respiratory symptom
Sleep-related Symptoms:
- Chronic snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep (indicative of sleep apnea)
Head and Neck Symptoms:
- Neck masses or enlarged lymph nodes
- Thyroid nodules or disorders
- Salivary gland issues (swelling, pain, or dry mouth)
A proper diagnosis is only made by an ENT surgeon after a thorough evaluation.
What can you expect at an ENT consultation?
- Comprehensive medical history evaluation
- Thorough physical examination of the ears, nose, and throat
- Diagnostic tests, such as audiometry (hearing test)
- Tympanometry to assess middle ear function
- Nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and sinuses
- Flexible laryngoscopy to evaluate the throat and vocal cords
- Allergy testing to identify potential triggers
- Treatment of acute and chronic ear infections
- Assessment and management of hearing loss
- Diagnosis and treatment of nasal congestion and sinusitis
- Evaluation and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea
- Voice and swallowing evaluation and therapy
- Management of allergies and allergic rhinitis
- Treatment of tonsillitis and adenoiditis
- Diagnosis and management of vertigo and dizziness
- Evaluation and treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Foreign body removal from the ear, nose, or throat
- Consultation for facial pain or nerve disorders