Posted by: Maryland ENT in General

Are you dealing with ear, nose, or throat problems? You may need to book an appointment with a specialist called an otolaryngologist.

Understanding what an otolaryngologist does can ensure you see the right doctor for your symptoms and find the most effective treatment for lasting relief. 

Keep reading to learn more about what an otolaryngologist does. 

What is an Otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the U.S. An otolaryngologist, also called an ENT or ear nose and throat doctor, is a specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat along with the neck and head.

Otolaryngologists can also perform surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting these areas. Unlike primary care physicians with more basic, broad medical knowledge, otolaryngologists are experts in their field of practice.

They’ve completed additional education and training and can offer more specialized care than a general practitioner. Otolaryngologists are uniquely equipped to perform detailed tests, handle delicate tissues of the nose, ears, throat, head, and neck, deal with complex cases, and provide targeted treatments.

Their education takes about 15 years, including 4 years to attain a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, and at least 5 years of specialty training. This advanced training prepares them for highly specialized care and delicate surgeries. 

Upon completing residency, otolaryngologists must also pass both oral and written exams to become board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Board certification demonstrates their expertise and dedication to the highest level of care, lifelong learning, and evaluation. 

What Do Otolaryngologists Do?

Otolaryngologists perform exams using specialized equipment and tools to accurately diagnose conditions and disorders of the throat, ears, nose, head, and neck. Based on your symptoms, they can perform allergy, hearing, and balance testing.

They may also order further testing, such as a swallow study, bloodwork, or a sleep study. Once they determine the cause of your symptoms, they can prescribe non-surgical or surgical treatment to bring you relief and improve your health. 

When Should You See an Otolaryngologist?

If you have any of the symptoms below linked to your neck, head, ears, nose, or throat, it could be time to see an otolaryngologist:

  • Chronic cough
  • Severe allergies
  • Stubborn sore throat
  • Dizziness 
  • Trouble swallowing 
  • Lingering runny nose
  • Hearing loss
  • Vertigo
  • Severe snoring
  • Chronic tonsillitis
  • Ongoing wheezing 
  • Persistent sinus pressure 
  • Repeated ear infections
  • Sleep apnea 
  • Nasal congestion that doesn’t go away
  • Hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks  
  • A neck or face lump

These could be signs of conditions that need specialized care. Your primary care doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist if you present with one or more of these symptoms.

What Conditions Do Otolaryngologists Treat?

Otolaryngologists treat a broad range of conditions, including: 

Nose Conditions 

Otolaryngologists can treat various nasal issues, such as: 

  • Allergies, which may be caused by dust mites, mold, pollen, certain foods, latex, some medicines, pet dander, and other allergens
  • Sinus infections or sinusitis, which is inflammation or infection of the sinuses
  • Nosebleeds, which can happen due to injury, infection, dry air, or allergies
  • A deviated septum, which occurs when the bone and cartilage that divide the nose into the left and right sides is bent or off-center 
  • Rhinitis, or inflammation and swelling of the mucus membrane of the nose 
  • Polyps, which are painless, non-cancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses

Ear Conditions

An otolaryngologist addresses different ear conditions, from common to more complex issues, including:

  • Dizziness or feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady
  • Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus
  • Outer, middle, and inner ear infections
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction, which happens when the passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the upper throat becomes blocked
  • Vertigo or a sensation like you or the environment around you is moving or spinning even though it’s not 
  • Perforated eardrum, which is a tear or hole in the tissue that separates the middle ear and ear canal. 
  • Hearing loss, which can range from mild to severe 

Throat Conditions

Common throat conditions requiring an otolaryngologist may include: 

  • Tonsillitis, an infection and inflammation of the tonsils 
  • Dysphagia or swallowing difficulties that can be due to a narrowed esophagus, chronic acid reflux, or brain and nervous system disorders
  • Vocal cord disorders, which can affect your voice or ability to speak and sing, including laryngitis, vocal polyps, vocal nodules, and vocal cord paralysis
  • Sore throat, which could be caused by irritants, muscle strain, dryness, allergies, or sinus infections

Sleep Disorders

Otolaryngologists can address sleep-related conditions such as:

  • Snoring that occurs when air can’t flow easily through the nose
  • Sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly while sleeping 

Tumors of the Neck and Head

Otolaryngologists can also treat non-cancerous and cancerous neck and head tumors, such as:

  • Oral cancer or cancer that affects the inside of the mouth
  • Laryngeal cancer, or cancer of the larynx 
  • Salivary gland tumor, which is the growth of abnormal cells in the salivary glands
  • Hemangioma, a non-cancerous tumor that forms due to abnormal growth of blood vessels. 
  • Thyroid cancer, which starts in the thyroid, the gland in the neck that produces and secretes hormones
  • Oropharyngeal cancer, that forms in the oropharynx, which includes the back of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, side walls, and back of the throat
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer, which occurs in the nasopharynx that sits above the back of the throat and behind the nose

Board-Certified Otolaryngologists

At Maryland ENT, our board-certified otolaryngologists treat a wide range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. We combine evidence-based practices and the latest technological advances to provide the most effective treatment plan for every patient.

Are you looking for a specialist for your ear, nose, or throat issues? Schedule your appointment at Maryland ENT in Baltimore, MD, today to get the quality care you deserve!