When to See an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor

If your primary care physician has referred you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further evaluation, you may be wondering what these specialists do. Please continue reading to learn more about this medical specialty, including conditions for which you should see an ENT doctor.

What is the difference between an ENT and an otolaryngologist?

An ENT is an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Otolaryngologist is another word for the same medical specialist. ENT is easier to remember and pronounce, so otolaryngology is commonly called ENT, and an otolaryngologist is called an ENT specialist.

ENT doctors or otolaryngologists diagnose and treat conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. They also provide medical and surgical treatment for related areas such as the head and neck.

After graduating from a four-year medical school program, ENT physicians complete at least five additional years of specialty training in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Board-certified ENTs also pass a certification examination by the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. In total, it takes 12-13 years of study to become an ENT doctor.

What conditions would an otolaryngologist treat?

Otolaryngologists treat a wide range of conditions that impact the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, and upper airways. Problems in these parts of the body can impact normal breathing, swallowing, hearing, and speech.

People are commonly referred by their primary care doctor to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to treat problems listed below. Some of these health conditions require medical treatment while others require surgical management. The treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and the underlying condition.

Ear Disorders

Chronic ear infections
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Hearing loss
Ruptured eardrum
Vertigo
Cholesteatoma (an abnormal growth in the middle ear that can grow large enough to affect hearing)
External ear deformities requiring reconstructive surgery (this may be done along with specialists in maxillofacial surgery or facial plastic surgery)

Nose and Sinus Disorders

Allergies
Sinus infections and sinus pain (the sinuses are four pairs of air-filled pockets in the skull, including the maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, and paranasal sinuses)
Chronic nasal congestion or stuffy nose
Chronic rhinorrhea or runny nose
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
Smell and taste disorders
Deviated septum (crookedness of the nasal septum or wall between the nostrils)
Nasal polyps (growths in the nasal cavity that can cause nasal obstruction)
Nasal valve collapse (narrowing or weakness of the narrowest part of the nasal passage)

Throat Disorders

Chronic sore throat
Tonsillitis
Problems with the voice box, such as laryngitis (inflammation), vocal cord paralysis, and vocal cord dysfunction
Sleep apnea (breathing problems at night, including repeated stopping and starting of breathing and loud snoring)
Croup and other childhood respiratory illnesses (these may be treated by pediatric otolaryngology specialists who specialize in treating children)
Foreign body stuck in the throat
Laryngeal or tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the airway)

Head and Neck Disorders

Symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo
Growths or masses in the head and neck region
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Problems with the salivary glands
Tumors in the thyroid gland
Vascular malformations such as hemangiomas

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see an ENT for an ear infection?

You should see an ENT if your ear infection does not go away with antibiotic treatment or keeps coming back. Young children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are especially prone to chronic ear infections. Left untreated, they can affect hearing and lead to delays in speech and development.

Should I see an ENT for a swollen lymph node?

Upper respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu, strep throat, ear infections, and tooth abscesses are some common causes of swollen lymph nodes. Your primary care doctor or dentist can usually treat these conditions. However, you may need to see an ENT specialist if you have chronic (long-lasting) swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck region. These may be a sign of a more serious problem. It is especially important to see an ENT if your swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, problems swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Which doctor is best for throat infection?

A throat infection such as strep throat or viral infection can usually be treated by primary care doctors. However, you may need to see an ENT if you have a chronic sore throat or your throat infections keep coming back. An otolaryngologist will be able to identify the cause, whether it is irritants like air pollution, allergies, infections, or acid reflux causing chronic pharyngitis (throat inflammation).

When should you see an ENT for clogged ears?

You should see an ENT for clogged ears if your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a couple of weeks. In severe cases, the ENT may need to drain fluid and use ear tubes to relieve pressure.

Air travel is the most common cause of blocked, plugged, or clogged ears. It occurs because of pressure changes in the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. Yawning, swallowing, or chewing sugar-free gum can usually unblock your ears. Closing your mouth and pinching your nose shut while breathing out strongly can also help to pop your ears.

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