Do you suffer from ear, nose, or throat (ENT) problems? If so, you should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. ENT specialists use instruments designed to get a closer look at these areas of your body.
Aside from diagnosing and treating ear, nose, throat conditions, ENTs may also perform surgical procedures if medically necessary. As one of the oldest medical practices in the United States, ear, nose, and throat disorders have been well-documented since the 19th century.
Ear, nose, throat specialists are trained to care for the health of patients suffering from conditions related to the neck, including the head, mouth, and throat.
What Does an ENT Do?
You would need to see an ENT if you are having trouble with your voice and swallowing, for example. Some other reasons to see an ENT include:
- Facial trauma and deformities
- Diseases of the larynx
- Cranial nerve damage
- Chronic sinusitis
- Ear infections
- Sore throat
Other Areas of Study
In addition, some other common medical concerns warrant the care of an ear, nose, throat specialist. For example, hearing loss, allergies, trouble sleeping, snoring, sleep apnea, tumors, breathing difficulties, and balance problems.
Essentially, anything having to do with your head, neck, ears, nose, throat requires the care of an ENT specialist. Your ENT doctor might also refer you to a neurologist or ophthalmologist if they think your medical concerns are related to your nervous system, eyes, or brain function.
What Is an ENT Doctor Called?
Doctors who have a medical specialty in ENT (ear, nose, throat) are called otolaryngologists. If you experience trouble with your ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, it’s essential to seek physicians trained in the medical field of otolaryngology. If children are having trouble with their head and neck, they would need to see a doctor experienced in pediatric otolaryngology.
How Are Otolaryngologists Trained?
Otolaryngologists must have at least four years of medical school education, as well as a minimum of five years in special health training. Following their education, otolaryngology students must pass an exam to become certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.
Additional Training
Some otolaryngologists may also choose to get an additional one to two years of health training in various subspecialties, including:
Allergies
These medical doctors assist in the treatment of environmental allergies, such as pollen or pet dander, using medications or immunology. In addition, these specialists can also determine whether you have an allergy to certain kinds of food.
Reconstructive/facial plastic surgery
These doctors perform plastic and reconstructive surgery, including nose jobs and facelifts. This is because facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is sometimes needed for patients who were born with ear, nose, and throat, or head and neck disorders.
Cosmetic plastic surgery may also be needed if a patient was in an accident that required specialty surgery. Your primary care physician will likely refer you ENTs who specialize in this area if it is believed that you need surgery.
Head and neck
Head and neck disorders or diseases, such as a tumor located in your nose, voice box, throat, mouth, sinuses, or upper esophagus, may need to see an otolaryngologist who is qualified in medical and surgical management.
Patients who require neck surgery may need to seek treatment from a head and neck specialist depending on the medical nature of their condition.
Laryngology
Treatment for the health of your voice box and vocal cords requires the care of a laryngologist. Diseases that affect your throat may be treatable with the help of a qualified laryngologist.
Otology/neurotology
These are ENTs who treat conditions related to dizziness, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or an ear infection.
Pediatric ENTs
Your child may have a difficult time explaining to their primary care physician what is bothering them. A pediatric ENT specializes in the health of children who are suffering from hearing problems or need treatment for head and neck issues.
In short, an otolaryngologist may receive up to 15 years of training to treat health conditions related to the ears, nose, and throat. It all depends on what additional training they decide to undergo.
Alternative Treatment for Hearing Loss
On the other hand, did you know that you can buy hearing aids online to help you treat your hearing troubles? Here at Otofonix, we offer high-quality listening devices at affordable prices.
Going to an otolaryngologist for prescription listening devices can be expensive. And that’s not including the cost of the listening devices. You can potentially spend thousands of dollars to treat your hearing difficulties.
We Save You Money
With Otofonix listening devices, you pay a fraction of what you would pay for prescription devices. Our models include the same cutting-edge features and technology found in those expensive prescription units.
What’s more, you don’t need a medical prescription to get our listening devices. Simply take our free online test to help you determine the severity of your hearing trouble. Then, explore our catalog of products to find the best units for your needs.
Visit Us Today
If you can’t hear clearly and are trying to save money, we encourage you to give one of our hearing aids a try or visit one of our trusted audiologists. We can help you regain your quality of life and hear better than ever.
Above all, it’s always best to speak with your doctor to help you better understand why you can’t hear well. If they determine that you need a listening device to hear clearly, please feel free to check our selection. With our help, you’ll be able to hear those around you much better.
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