Ear, Nose, & Throat physicians are trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck.

Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. They diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.

The Ears

Hearing loss affects one in 10 North Americans. ENT physicians are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. ENT specialists also treat congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

The Nose

About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Other nose-related topics include the care of the nasal cavity and sinuses; management of the nasal area including allergies and sense of smell; breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose.

The Throat

Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Throat topics included managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

The Head and Neck

This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, treatment of infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face.

Text adapted from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery website:www.entnet.org