Who are ENT specialists?

Field of medicine that deals with the study of ear, nose, throat or head and neck is Otorhinolaryngology. ENT specialists or Otorhinolaryngologists are the doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and diseases related to the ear, nose, and throat.

What are the qualifications of the Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) specialist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, the following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be an ENT Specialist:

• MS - ENT
• MRCS - ENT
• CCST - Otolaryngology
• Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (DLO)
• Diplomate in American Board of Otolaryngology
• FRCS - Otolaryngology
• Ph D - ENT
• DNB - Otorhinolaryngology
• Diploma in ENT
• FCPS - Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
• DNB - ENT

Why should an individual consult an ENT specialist?

Individuals who are suffering from any of the following diseases or infections can consult an ENT specialist.

• Nosebleeds
• Injury to ear, nose or throat
• Asthma
• Sinus
• Severe snoring
• Cholesteatoma
• Dizziness
• Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
• Ear infection (Otitis media)
• Hearing aids
• Hearing loss
• Hoarseness
• Meniere’s
• Swimmer’s ear (Otitis Externa)
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Tonsils & adenoid problems

Which procedures can be performed by ENT doctors?

ENT doctors can perform many ear, nose and throat surgeries along with diagnostic procedures and few of them are:

• Sinus surgery
• Nose surgery
• Ear surgery
• Tonsil removal
• Bronchoscopy
• Sleep disorder surgery
• Corrective breathing surgery
• Airway reconstruction surgery
• Dental implant surgery
• Facial fracture repair surgery
• Facial reconstruction
• Hearing implant surgery
• Lip surgery
• Microvascular reconstruction

What do an ENT specialist do on a patient's first visit?

During the visit to an ENT specialist, the doctor will perform a physical and visual examination. The examined areas may include looking in the eyes, nose, and throat. 

Can cancer be diagnosed by an ENT specialist?

For suspected cancer inside the nose or throat, a tissue sample must be sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. For nose cancer, this may be done in the clinic using local anesthesia and an endoscope to guide the biopsy.