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Otolaryngologist

Q: Why is the same specialist used to treat the ear, nose, and throat?

This is a very common question, and the answer is straightforward: it’s due to the connection between these three parts of the body, which often means that problems affecting one area can impact the health of the others. The ear and throat are connected through the Eustachian tube, a passage approximately 3.5 to 4 cm long that links the throat with the middle ear. Its function is to prevent secretions that may be infected from moving from the nasopharynx to the middle ear.

Last update on Sep 10th, 2024

Another name for an otolaryngologist: ENT Specialist

Otolaryngologists, also known as ENTs (ear, nose, and throat specialists), are highly trained medical professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the ear, nose, sinuses, throat, head, and neck. To simplify, otolaryngologists handle all medical issues above the shoulders and those that involve the upper respiratory tract.

What is an ENT specialist?

An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, is a medical professional specialised in conditions and diseases of the ear, throat, and nose. Additionally, they can perform surgeries required for these areas, a field they share with maxillofacial surgeons.

Why would you see an otolaryngologist?

If you’re wondering when to visit an ENT specialist, it's important to know there isn’t a single reason that would prompt a visit. As experts in a wide range of conditions, you might need their help for issues such as ear problems, vertigo, hearing loss, facial paralysis, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), or even nasal congestion, loss of smell, nasal bleeding, or ear infections like otitis.

While there can be various reasons, focusing on hearing, the main reason patients visit an ENT specialist is hearing loss or reduced hearing ability. Before your first appointment, it’s crucial to be clear about your personal history, genetics, and any medications you are taking. For instance, you should inform the doctor if you have asthma or allergies and if you are a smoker. Smokers, divers, and those exposed to noisy work environments are considered at higher risk.

In any case, it is highly advisable to visit an ENT specialist at least once a year to ensure everything is well or to address any potential issues that may have arisen. This not only helps preserve your health but also facilitates early detection of any conditions for more effective treatment.

Why is the same specialist used to treat the ear, nose, and throat?

This is a very common question, and the answer is straightforward: it’s due to the connection between these three parts of the body, which often means that problems affecting one area can impact the health of the others. The ear and throat are connected through the Eustachian tube, a passage approximately 3.5 to 4 cm long that links the throat with the middle ear. Its function is to prevent secretions that may be infected from moving from the nasopharynx to the middle ear.

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Pediatric otolaryngology

Does your child need surgery or complex medical treatment for conditions or issues affecting the ears, nose, or throat? If so, a paediatric ENT specialist has the experience and training to provide the care they need.

What distinguishes a paediatric ENT specialist?

While many general ENT specialists do provide surgical care for children, there are areas where more specialised paediatric ENT services are available. These specialists are doctors who, in addition to having general knowledge in this medical field, have completed additional training programmes at a paediatric medical centre, treating children from birth through to adolescence. They have chosen to focus their practice on paediatrics and are experts in both medical and surgical care for children, thanks to advanced training and practical experience in this area.

What types of treatments do pediatric otolaryngologists provide?

Paediatric ENT specialists focus on the medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat conditions in children. The youngest patients may not always be able to express what bothers them, answer medical questions, or have the patience and cooperation needed during a medical examination.

Understanding this, paediatric ENT specialists know how to examine and treat children in a way that helps them relax and be willing to cooperate, using specially designed equipment. In examination and waiting rooms, there may be toys, videos, and reading materials for children. This helps create a pleasant and stress-free environment for young patients.

Paediatric ENT specialists offer the following services:

Diagnosing and treating problems of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as conditions of the head and neck.
Performing surgery on the head and neck areas.
Providing guidance in identifying communication problems in children.

Where can I find a paediatric ENT specialist?

Paediatric ENT specialists work in various medical institutions, such as children's hospitals, university medical centres, and large community hospitals.

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Visit to the ENT Specialist

The purpose of a visit to an ENT specialist is to identify conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as other structures in the head and neck area. No special preparation is required from the patient before the examination. The initial phase of the visit involves gathering information about the symptoms, their onset, general health, any concurrent conditions and medications, and lifestyle. After this, the examination moves to the objective phase, which includes a direct visual inspection, if possible, of the area to be investigated, as well as manoeuvres or instrumental investigations designed to provide further information. A typical examination by an ENT specialist generally includes:

Observation of the outer ear and otoscopy: Inspection of the external ear and eardrum using an otoscope or an otomicroscope to highlight any abnormalities in the ear canal and eardrum. Often, the specialist may clean the ears with an ear wash to remove a wax plug, which can cause a sensation of a blocked ear, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Palpation of the neck and parotid glands: To rule out or identify the presence of swelling and/or new formations.
Inspection of the nose and its cavities (rhinoscopy or endoscopy): Using a rhinoscope or nasal speculum, an instrument that opens the nasal passages and allows for exploration of deeper areas with a light source.
Observation of the oral cavity and throat: When necessary, this examination may be performed using an endoscope, a fibre-optic system that sends enlarged images of the inspected organs to a monitor.
Once all these checks are completed, the ENT specialist may provide an initial diagnosis with a possible treatment plan or recommend further investigations such as:
Audiometric testing: To assess hearing ability (presence of any hearing loss or hypoacusis). Audiometry is divided into pure-tone (perception of pure tones at different intensities and frequencies) and speech (understanding lists of words at different volumes).
Impedance audiometry: Evaluates the condition of the eardrum and middle ear (tympanogram) and the stapedius reflexes (contraction of a small ear muscle in response to a high-intensity stimulus).
Vestibular tests: Necessary to evaluate the functionality of the balance organ.

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