The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, larynx, vocal cords and head-and-neck region. Nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus problems, sore throat, reduced hearing, tinnitus, dizziness and hoarseness are common reasons for consultation. Depending on the complaint, the examination may be supported by endoscopy, hearing tests or imaging.
What Is ENT?
ENT conditions can affect essential daily functions such as breathing, hearing, balance, swallowing and voice. Because a single symptom can have different causes, dizziness should not automatically be assumed to come from the ear, and nasal blockage should not automatically be attributed to sinusitis.
An ENT examination may include assessment of the ear canal and eardrum, nasal cavity, mouth and throat, neck and, when necessary, the larynx. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may require coordination with audiology, radiology, allergy, neurology or other specialties.
What Symptoms or Concerns May Require an Appointment?
- Nasal blockage, discharge or reduced sense of smell
- Facial pain or pressure and recurrent sinus complaints
- Ear pain, discharge, blocked sensation or reduced hearing
- Tinnitus and dizziness
- Frequent throat infections or tonsil problems
- Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or a persistent sensation of something in the throat
- Snoring and breathing problems during sleep
- A neck lump or swelling of a salivary gland
Which Conditions Are Evaluated and Treated?
- Nose and sinus disorders: Rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps.
- Ear disorders: Outer and middle ear infections, eardrum problems and hearing loss.
- Balance disorders: Assessment of vertigo causes originating from the inner ear.
- Tonsil and adenoid disorders: Recurrent infection, enlargement and associated breathing problems.
- Voice and laryngeal disorders: Hoarseness, vocal-cord nodules and other laryngeal conditions.
- Sleep-related breathing disorders: ENT evaluation of snoring and suspected sleep apnea.
- Head and neck masses: Evaluation of masses affecting the neck, salivary glands, mouth and throat.
How Does the Examination and Diagnostic Process Work?
The initial assessment begins with a detailed medical history and ENT examination. Tests are selected according to the physician’s clinical question and individual patient needs.
- Ear, nose, throat and neck examination
- Nasal or laryngeal endoscopy when indicated
- Audiometry and other hearing tests
- Balance tests in suitable cases
- Ultrasound, CT or MRI when clinically necessary
Treatment and Service Areas
The following items describe general ENT services.
- Evaluation of ear infections and hearing problems
- Treatment of nasal obstruction, rhinitis and sinusitis
- Evaluation of tonsil and adenoid disorders
- ENT assessment for dizziness and tinnitus
- Examination of hoarseness and laryngeal disease
- Upper-airway evaluation for snoring and suspected sleep apnea
- ENT surgery in suitable patients, according to the institution’s service scope
When Should You Seek Care?
Sudden hearing loss, difficulty breathing, a foreign body in the airway or throat, serious facial or neck trauma, a nosebleed that does not stop or rapidly increasing neck swelling may require urgent medical assessment. Persistent symptoms such as unexplained hoarseness lasting longer than about three weeks also warrant timely examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can sinusitis be distinguished from a common cold?
A common cold is usually viral and short-lived. Symptoms that persist, worsen again after initial improvement, or include prominent facial pain or pressure may increase the likelihood of sinusitis, but a clinical assessment is needed for diagnosis.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax, certain medications or many other conditions. Unilateral tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus or tinnitus accompanied by sudden hearing loss should be medically evaluated.
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
Yes. Hearing loss that develops over hours or a few days requires prompt ENT assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment may be important in some cases.
Are nasal turbinates and adenoids the same thing?
No. Adenoids are lymphoid tissue behind the nose. Nasal turbinates are different anatomical structures inside the nasal cavity. Treatment depends on which structure is causing the symptoms.
Does snoring always mean sleep apnea?
No. Snoring alone does not equal sleep apnea. Evaluation is particularly important when pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness or morning headaches are present.
Does dizziness always come from the ear?
No. Inner-ear disorders are common causes, but dizziness may also have neurologic, cardiovascular, metabolic or medication-related causes. Accompanying symptoms help determine which specialties should be involved.
When should I see a doctor for hoarseness?
Short-term hoarseness associated with a cold may resolve on its own. Persistent or recurrent hoarseness, especially when accompanied by difficulty swallowing, breathing problems or a neck mass, should be evaluated by an ENT physician.
Should earwax be cleaned at home?
Inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal can push wax deeper and may injure the eardrum. If there is blockage or reduced hearing, the safest method should be determined after medical assessment.
