What Does an ENT Do?
Ear — Treatment of ear disorders include medical and surgical treatment for hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial nerve disorders, as well as management of congenital (birth) and cancerous disorders of the outer and inner ear.
Nose — Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of an otolaryngologist. Management of disorders of the nasal cavity, sinuses, allergies, sense of smell and nasal respiration (breathing), as well as the external appearance of the nose are part of an ENT’s area of expertise.
Throat — Also specific to an otolaryngologist is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aerodigestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
Head and neck — In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors (both benign and malignant), facial trauma and deformities of the face. ENTs are surgical specialists who complete extensive training in surgery of the head and neck. This includes thyroid/parathyroid surgery, salivary gland surgery, throat cancer and skin cancer.