Otolaryngologist
Specialists:
An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in problems of the head and neck. Otolaryngology is a shortened form of the term otorhinolaryngology, which comes from Greek words for ear (oto), nose (rhino), and throat (laryn).
Otolaryngologists used to focus solely on problems of the ear, nose, and throat. You may still hear them called an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) or ENT doctors. Over the last 50 years, the specialty has expanded to include all structures of the head and neck except for the eyes and brain.
Why do you need to see them?
You’ll generally see your primary care doctor first and be referred to an otolaryngologist. Check with your insurance provider about going directly to an otolaryngologist if you or your child have any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent ear or tonsil infections
- Sudden hearing loss
- Hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks
- Chronic sore throat or cough
- A lump on the neck
What do they do?
An otolaryngologist performs examinations, often using specialized equipment, to diagnose disorders and diseases of the head and neck. Depending on your symptoms, they may order additional testing such as bloodwork, a sleep study, or a swallow study. They can also do comprehensive hearing, balance, or allergy testing at their office.
They’re both doctors and surgeons, so they can provide treatment by prescribing medicine or performing a procedure or surgery.
Otolaryngologists provide treatment for benign tumours and cancers of the head and neck, except for eye and brain cancers. They treat tonsil and adenoid problems, chronic reflux (stomach acid flowing into your esophagus), and disorders related to thyroid, nerve, voice, swallowing, and sleep. They perform reconstructive plastic surgery after facial injury or surgery and cosmetic plastic surgeries of the face and neck. Some of the more common problems they treat are:
Hearing loss
Otolaryngologists diagnose hearing loss and provide treatment or symptom management. In-office procedures include removing ear wax blockages and prescribing and maintaining hearing aids. Otolaryngologists perform surgeries such as stapedectomy, the removal of a small bone in the ear if it isn’t working properly, and the placement of cochlear implants, electronic devices that allow you to hear.
Balance disorders
Some balance issues result from problems inside your ear. An otolaryngologist does tests to find the cause of the problem and provides treatment. They can also refer you to a vestibular therapist, who can help improve your symptoms.
Ear infections
Many ear infections get better on their own within 72 hours. An otolaryngologist can prescribe antibiotics for infections that don’t clear quickly. If the fluid in your middle ear is causing frequent ear infections or hearing loss, they may perform a painless surgery to place tiny ear tubes in your eardrums. This allows fluid to drain from your ears, reducing the number of ear infections and restoring hearing.
Tinnitus
This symptom is a response from your brain to changes like ear or sinus infections. Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing in the ears but can also sound like buzzing, roaring, or clicking. An otolaryngologist works to uncover the cause of tinnitus and treat it or provide management techniques and devices.
Nose and Sinus Disorders
Loss of smell can result from a number of problems such as sinusitis, polyps (abnormal tissue growth), and allergies. Sinusitis is a chronic disease that causes trouble breathing through your nose, drainage, and frequent sinus infections. An otolaryngologist will prescribe medications that can help. If the problem persists, they can do endoscopic sinus surgery to remove blockages.
Polyps are small, noncancerous growths inside the nose or sinuses that can block airways and keep your sinuses from draining. An otolaryngologist may surgically remove polyps and keep watch to help prevent their return. Allergies can play a huge role in problems with your nose and sinuses. Otolaryngologists provide allergy testing and prescribe oral medications or allergy shots if needed.
Physician consultation is a good opportunity and you should be prepared for it.
- Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It helps in better understanding your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests.
- Make sure you discuss your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you are taking.
- Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary habits and also about your profession. Your lifestyle and nature of job may be associated with the risk for cardiac diseases.