When should you consult an ENT specialist?
We often experience discomfort in our throat, ears, or nose. Cold weather, the flu, or other seasonal factors may trigger this. While this feeling usually disappears soon, some conditions may persist for a long time. In such cases, you should consider seeking a consultation with a practicing ENT specialist.
Here are a few symptoms to look out for in case you feel discomfort in your nose, throat, or ears:
- Persisting hearing loss: Temporary hearing loss is not uncommon. However, if you experience hearing loss for more than two weeks, it's time to visit an ENT specialist. It might even be a sign of permanent damage to the ear. You should consider booking an appointment right away.
- Sinus pain: Sinuses are hollow regions in your face, including areas close to the forehead, nose, and upper teeth region. Pain in such areas may be a sign of infection (sinusitis), especially if it lasts a few days. Depending on the severity, your ENT doctor may prescribe medication or recommend surgery.
- Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion usually occurs in winter when exposed to cold wind. However, some people experience congestion throughout the year, or breathing becomes difficult. It might be because of an underlying condition, such as polyps or a Deflected Nasal Septum (DNS), that should be checked and treated. In some cases, allergies may be a cause.
- Sore throat: A sore throat may involve pain or itching in the throat and is very common (and usually harmless). But if the pain keeps increasing with time and makes it difficult to drink, eat, or even talk, it is advisable to get it treated by an ENT specialist. A sore throat may be a symptom of tonsillitis.
- Ringing ears: The condition is known as tinnitus if you experience constant ringing inside your ear. If the condition persists long, consult a specialist, as tinnitus can lead to hearing loss.
What are the educational qualifications of an ENT doctor?
Also called otolaryngologists, ENT specialists are licensed medical doctors, i.e., they earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) title. Individuals must undergo painstaking education and training to become a practicing ENT specialist. This includes four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. ENT doctors require five to eight years of intensive, post-graduate training to receive residency and surgical training after finishing medical school. Some ENT doctors choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Further, some may also take an additional one or two years of subspecialty training. Common subspecialty areas include- allergy, facial and reconstructive surgery, pediatric ENT, laryngology, and head and neck surgery.
Are ENT doctors different from audiologists?
Both ENT doctors and audiologists can diagnose and treat hearing loss. However, both health professionals receive different education and training. Further, the kind of treatment offered and the scope of practice also differ.
Audiologists typically manage and treat conditions that affect hearing and balance. They screen for hearing loss and can diagnose conditions like tinnitus and vertigo. Audiologists offer hearing aids and other assistive devices. Audiologists need to earn a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree to practice. Some may also receive a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (ScD) degree in hearing and balance. Audiologists must have a license to practice. Patients may visit an audiologist if they experience asymmetrical hearing, a roaring or ringing sound in their ears, sudden hearing loss, and if they are younger than 18 and need hearing aids.
On the other hand, ENT specialists or otolaryngologists are medical doctors with a broader scope of practice. In addition to treating multiple conditions of the ear with the help of surgical treatments and medications, they also treat diseases affecting the nose and throat. Some ENT doctors specialize in ear conditions. They are called otologists or neurotologists. These specialists treat complex ear diseases, hearing loss, acoustic neuromas (tumors in the ear), chronic ear infections, and vertigo that does not improve. They typically complete an additional two-year fellowship program after residency and are experts in diagnosing hard-to-treat or recurrent middle ear problems. They are also trained to perform complicated ear surgeries.
Neurotologists treat neurological-related and inner-ear concerns, such as skull base tumors, implantable hearing devices like cochlear implants, and bone conduction hearing aids. If you experience pain or discomfort in one or both ears, sudden hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss), pulsating tinnitus, or active fluid from one or both ears, consult an ENT doctor.
If you are still unsure which health professional to see for your symptoms, consider visiting your primary care provider first. The provider can then direct you to the right specialist.
What is throat cancer, and how do ENT doctors treat it?
Throat cancer (also known as laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer) is a rare type of cancer. However, it can prove deadly. There are several types of throat cancers, including:
- Pharyngeal cancer—This type of throat cancer develops in the pharynx, the hollow tube behind the nose that connects to the windpipe.
- Laryngeal cancer— Laryngeal cancer impacts the voice box (the "larynx").
Visiting an ear, nose, and throat doctor near you can help determine whether your symptoms indicate throat cancer or another ENT disorder. A few early signs of throat cancer are:
- Change in voice
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
- Hoarseness in voice
- Pain in the ear(s)
- Recurring cough
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Swelling of lymph nodes
Common reasons for the development of cancer include smoking, alcohol use, lack of adequate nutrition, obesity, HPV infection, and the lack of oral hygiene. As a result, people who are addicted to smoking are at a relatively higher risk than those who don't. HPV vaccines may help decrease the risk of HPV infection.
However, throat cancer can be prevented by following a few lifestyle changes:
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing the consumption of alcohol
- Consuming a healthy diet and including fresh fruits and vegetables
- Being physically active
Doctors perform a range of surgical procedures to treat throat cancers, such as:
- Endoscopic surgery: The doctor inserts an endoscope and passes the surgical instrument to treat cancer; doctors prefer this type of treatment for early-stage throat cancers.
- Cordectomy: The vocal cord is removed in this procedure.
- Laryngectomy: Every part of the voice box is removed depending on the cancer's severity. Following the surgery, patients usually require speech training.
- Pharyngectomy: This procedure removes the parts of the throat to eliminate cancerous tissues.
- Neck dissection: In case of throat cancer spreads to the neck, the doctor may perform neck dissection and remove the lymph nodes.
Speech therapy often focuses on restraining patients to learn to speak without (parts of) their voice box. In addition, many other complications may also take some time to heal, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing; sometimes, patients also observe a change in the appearance of the neck or face.
Common ear, nose & throat disorders and their prevention
ENT disorders are pretty common but can be contained via preventive measures. Below, we discuss several prevalent ENT disorders alongside tips on how to avoid them:
Swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear happens in the outer ear canal. This ear infection typically develops when water gets trapped in the ear canal after swimming.
You can prevent it by wearing earplugs or a swim cap. This would keep water out of your ears while swimming. It is also advisable to avoid swimming where the water has a high bacterial count and dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, ensuring no moisture is left inside.
Middle ear infections
Middle ear infections result from inflammation of the eustachian tubes, the passageways connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. When these tubes become inflamed and obstructed, fluid accumulates in the ear, creating an ideal habitat for bacteria to flourish, resulting in an infection.
You can manage middle ear infections by avoiding known allergens, using antihistamines, or undergoing immunotherapy. Furthermore, maintaining excellent hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with ill people can help prevent upper respiratory infections, which frequently lead to middle ear infections.
Sinus infections
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when the sinuses, the air-filled cavities in the face, become inflamed, and mucus gets trapped. In some cases, bacteria can grow in the trapped mucus, leading to infection.
If you have a cold, using a saline nasal spray or rinse can help clear the sinuses and prevent infection. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid flying if you are ill, as changes in air pressure during a flight can worsen sinus issues.
Noise-induced hearing loss
The condition can be caused by extended or brief exposure to moderately loud noise. Over time, this exposure can harm the sensitive structures in the ear that control hearing.
Wearing hearing protection is necessary if you are exposed to sounds higher than 85 decibels (dB), roughly the noise level of passing highway traffic, to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Find a top-rated ENT doctor near you in Atlanta, GA
Finding the right specialist can be challenging. You should choose an ENT practitioner who is conveniently located and accepts your insurance. Additionally, you should avoid long wait times and queues when booking appointments.
You can search for an ear, nose, and throat doctor near you based on your insurance plan to explore the best options for your needs. If your health plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload an image of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the photo and identify your most likely plan for easier access to care.
Please be aware that this service is only accessible for medical insurance cards; dental and vision plans are not included. If you have problems uploading your card, do not hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team. For more insurance information, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Zocdoc is a one-stop solution to all such problems. Type a condition, specialty, or procedure in the search bar — and our powerful algorithms will find you the top-rated specialists nearby. Not only that, but Zocdoc also promotes transparency by displaying all the information about the specialist, such as their qualification, experience, certifications, licenses, etc.
You can also learn more about the languages the specialist speaks or their cultural competency. To search among in-network ENT doctors near you, just enter your insurance carrier's name.
All bookings are safe, secure, and free.
ENT statistics for Atlanta, GA
According to the American Cancer Society, 12.8% of the adult population in Atlanta has suffered from oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. Adding to the numbers, 3.6% of the adult population reported larynx cancer in a year.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 21.8% of people aged 12 years or above smoke regularly, and 20.9% of the population has engaged in binge drinking.
Sources
Healthline[1]
American Cancer Society
American College of Surgeons
Cleveland Clinic
ENT Health
American College of Surgeons
Healthline[2]
American Academy of Audiology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Duke Health
ENT & Allergy Specialists
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Cleveland Clinic[4]
Cleveland Clinic[5]
Cleveland Clinic[6]
Cleveland Clinic[7]
Cleveland Clinic[8]
