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Who is an otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor?

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists treat all medical conditions affecting these three body parts. They also treat some areas of the head and neck and can perform surgical procedures if necessary. An ENT specialist cares for patients of all ages, including children and adults.  

ENT doctors undergo extensive training that begins with acquiring a 4-year undergraduate degree in any related science subject, such as chemistry or biology, followed by a 4-year medical degree. After that, they complete a 5-year residency program in otolaryngology and train under experienced ENT specialists. Lastly, they clear a few exams to get a practice license and the American Board of Otolaryngology certification. 

Some doctors may choose to specialize for an additional 1-2 years in a particular area within their field of practice, such as: 

• Otology/neurotology/audiology (treatment of ear and related diseases)
• Rhinology (treatment of conditions of the nose and sinus cavity)
• Laryngology (treatment of disorders of the larynx or voice box)
• Head and neck surgery (treatment of cancers and other conditions of the head and neck)
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (deals with the appearance of the face and neck)
• Pediatric otolaryngology (medical and surgical treatment of ENT diseases in children)

What common conditions does an ENT doctor treat? 

An ENT specialist can diagnose and treat many chronic disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related parts of the head and neck. The treatments can range from medications and different therapies to surgeries. 

Common ear conditions that can affect your hearing and balance include deafness, earache, ear infection, ear drainage, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in ears), and vertigo (dizziness). ENT doctors also treat congenital ear conditions in which the ears of the newborn may be absent, deformed, or incompletely developed.

Common nose conditions that affect breathing and smelling sensation include chronic sinusitis, nasal fractures, nose bleeds, seasonal allergies, a deviated septum, sinus headaches, migraines, sleep apnea, and nasal and skull-base tumors. 

Common throat conditions can affect eating, swallowing, talking, and digestion. These include sore throat, hoarseness, acid reflux, infections, tonsil inflammation, throat tumors, laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box), and other vocal cord disorders. 

Head and neck conditions that cause trouble eating, swallowing, and breathing include thyroid disorders, head and neck cancers, pinched nerves, jaw issues, and chronic throat or face pain. ENT specialists also perform head and neck reconstructive surgeries to treat aesthetic and functional problems of the face, skull, jaws, throat, mouth, and ears and benign and malignant tumors. 

What are some common ENT surgeries? 

Some ear, nose, and throat conditions may not improve with medications, advanced treatments, and lifestyle changes. In that case, surgical interventions become necessary. Some of the common ones include: 

• Tonsillectomy: It is a procedure to remove both glands at the back of your throat, known as tonsils. ENT doctors recommend it for children with frequent sore throats, tonsil infections, sleep apnea, and difficulty swallowing. However, adults may benefit from it too. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and typically lasts about 30 minutes to 1 hour.  
• Myringotomy: Myringotomy is a 15-20-minute procedure that drains fluid from the middle ear. Children may need this surgery if they experience frequent ear infections, ear bleeding, balance problems, hearing loss, and speech delays. However, doctors may also perform this procedure on adults with ear damage due to air pressure changes (barotrauma). 
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: This minimally invasive procedure helps treat problems in the sinuses with the help of an endoscope and other specialized instruments. People with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasal blockages, and nasal tumors can find relief after this surgery. 
• Septoplasty: Those with a severely deviated septum will probably need this surgery to avoid complications such as chronic sinusitis, sleep apnea, snoring, congestion, breathing difficulties, or nosebleeds. The procedure aims to straighten the septum and may take about 60-90 minutes under anesthesia.

When should you see an ENT doctor? 

Suppose any of the following ear, nose, or throat symptoms persist even after following a treatment plan given by your primary care provider. In that case, you probably need to consult an ENT doctor near you: 

• persistent hearing loss
• ringing in the ears 
• lasting nasal congestion
• runny nose
• coughing and sneezing 
• hoarseness or frequent throat-clearing
• sore throat 
• heavy snoring
• nose bleeding
• balance problems 
• dizziness
• headaches
• nasal or ear discharge 
• injury of the ear, nose, or throat 
• recurring sinus, ear, or throat infections
• difficulty breathing, eating, swallowing, smelling, or sleeping
• inflammation and pain in the face, ear, upper teeth region, and nose (sinus pain) 
• a persistent lump in your throat or face 

How do you prepare for your first ENT appointment?

If you are going to visit an ear, nose & throat doctor near you for the first time, you should know what to expect and how to prepare for the appointment. Here are some tips to help you have a successful consultation: 

• Document all your symptoms related to your ear, nose, and throat areas.
• Gather your past and current medical records, including medical history, family history, diagnostic test results, prescriptions, and surgeries.
• List down all the questions you want to ask your doctor about your condition, its treatment, management, and long-term prognosis. 
• Ask a family member to accompany you so that they can take down notes during the appointment and offer emotional support.

What should you expect at your first ENT visit?

After completing the necessary paperwork at the front desk, you'll meet with your ENT specialist in a private examination room. This initial discussion focuses on your medical history, including current health concerns, symptoms, and the purpose of your visit. The conversation helps the doctor gather important details to understand your condition better.

Next, the ENT will conduct a physical examination tailored to your symptoms and the reason for the visit. Depending on the affected area, this typically involves examining the ears, nose, or throat. For example, if you have hearing issues, the doctor may use an otoscope to inspect your outer ear and may also perform a hearing test. The instruments used during the examination are entirely safe and designed to provide a clear view of areas that are otherwise hard to examine.

Depending upon the findings from the physical examination, the ENT may provide an immediate diagnosis and discuss the next steps for treatment. This might involve additional tests, medications, or specific treatments to address the condition. ENTs typically start with the least invasive options, such as prescribing medications or suggesting lifestyle changes.

If these initial recommendations aren't effective, a follow-up visit may be required to explore alternative approaches. In some cases, minor surgeries can even be performed in the office. For more complex procedures or conditions, the ENT may refer you to a specialist while continuing to manage your overall care.

Throughout your treatment, the ENT will ensure you receive quality care tailored to your needs, guiding you through the process and coordinating with other experts if necessary.

How can you prevent ENT disorders from getting worse? 

After diagnosing your condition, your ENT doctor may start you on a minimally invasive treatment plan comprising medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. The goal of the treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent them from worsening. However, it is crucial to remember that ENT doctors can treat some conditions only with surgeries.

Regarding common prevention tips, firstly, quit smoking and prevent yourself from exposure to secondhand smoke. You must also avoid outdoor travel if the air quality is poor. It will help to adopt healthy hygiene habits such as covering your mouth while coughing, washing your hands frequently, and not touching your face. This way, you can protect yourself from contracting contagious respiratory infections. If you struggle with sinus infections, use saline nasal sprays for clear sinuses. Lastly, get enough exercise and rest to improve your immune system and maintain healthy body weight.

What is a swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear, also termed otitis externa, extends beyond its stereotypical association with beach vacations. It is an ailment that can manifest anywhere, even on dry land. This condition involves an infection within the ear canal, distinct from the typical middle ear infections, experienced particularly by children after colds. Unlike middle ear infections, which occur more profoundly in the ear, behind the eardrum, swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal.

Primarily caused by bacteria, although viruses or fungi can also be contributing factors, swimmer's ear presents a range of symptoms. These include itchiness, pain (which can escalate to severe levels), impaired hearing, and fluid or pus draining from the ear. 

Why do people get swimmer's ear?

Understanding the factors contributing to a swimmer's ear is essential for prevention. Generally, the ear's natural defenses, such as earwax, serve as barriers against infections. However, any compromise in this defense mechanism, such as scratches to the skin, can facilitate the entry of germs. Activities like cleaning the ears with cotton swabs or earbuds can inadvertently remove earwax, leaving the ear canal vulnerable to infection. Moreover, moisture retention plays a crucial role. Water retained in the ear canal after swimming or bathing and in humid conditions can soften the skin and remove earwax, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Multiple factors contribute to an individual's susceptibility to swimmer's ear. Children and teenagers with narrower ear canals that don't drain as effectively are particularly prone to this condition. Skin sensitivities or underlying conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can also exacerbate vulnerability. Even seemingly harmless activities like using hair products or wearing certain types of jewelry can increase the risk of irritation and infection.

In essence, a swimmer's ear is more than just a consequence of engaging in water activities; it underscores the intricate interplay between hygiene practices, environmental factors, and individual predispositions. Recognizing its symptoms and implementing preventive measures are crucial to maintaining auditory health and well-being.

Where can you find an experienced ENT doctor in Hinsdale, IL? 

If left untreated, ear, nose, and throat problems can have many serious consequences. You can face issues related to daily activities, such as hearing, talking, smelling, eating, swallowing, breathing, or sleeping, significantly affecting your quality of life. However, treating, managing, or reversing ENT conditions with the help of an ear, nose & throat doctor near you is possible. 

If you are looking for an ENT doctor in Hinsdale, Illinois, Zocdoc can help you find one in minutes. To start, go to the website's search box and enter the required specialty and location details. You can add your preferred consultation date and insurance plan to find in-network ENT doctors. Zocdoc allows you to add medical, dental, and vision coverage to your account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, you can only search for and book appointments using one insurance plan at a time. To include a secondary insurance plan, you can mention it in the provider notes during the final step of the booking process. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you'll have the option to add secondary insurance details when completing the forms online. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center. 

Moreover, you can enhance your search results by applying Zocdoc filters such as the expert's gender, fluent languages, your preferred appointment times, and travel distance. In case of emergencies or travel restrictions, you can consult the ENT specialist online. To find experts who offer online consultations, browse the video visits section. 

Once your search results are per your requirements, you can view individual expert profiles to get relevant information about their educational background, board certifications, professional memberships, and recognitions. You can even read patient reviews to understand the ENT doctor's wait times, bedside manners, and professional conduct. 

When you find a qualified ear, nose & throat doctor near you, you can book your appointment by following the directions on the screen. Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free. 

Prevalence of ENT conditions in Illinois and America

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 16.3% of Illinois adults had hearing loss between 2014 and 2016. Another report released by the CDC in 2020 revealed that about 6% of adults in the state had hearing disabilities, including deafness or severe hearing difficulty. Thus, in over 5-6 years, there was a significant drop in the number of Illinois adults facing hearing loss. 

Based on a summary report on the National Health Interview Survey (2018) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 11.2%, meaning 28,949 American adults, had chronic sinusitis. More females (about 13.3%) had sinusitis than males (about 9%). It was most prevalent among the age groups 65-74 (about 14.8%) and 45-64 (about 14.5%). Around 12.5% of sinusitis patients were aged 75 and older, while 8.5% were aged 18-44. 

The American Cancer Society regularly releases data on cancer incidence and death rates. Between 2014 and 2018, the incidence rate of oral cavity and pharynx cancer cases in Illinois was 12.2%, of which nearly 18.3% were males and 6.8% were females. The incidence rates of esophagus and larynx cancers were about 4.7% and 3.6%, respectively. Both cancers were more common in males than females. 

Additionally, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, there will be 2100 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancers, about 820 cases of esophagus cancer, and about 510 cases of larynx cancer. The source predicts nearly 650 deaths from esophagus cancer, 470 deaths from oral cavity and pharynx cancers, and 170 deaths from larynx cancer.

Sources 

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Everyday Health 

MedicineNet

Verywell Health

Pinehurst Surgical Clinic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]

Cancer Statistics Center

Breathe Clear Institute

ENT Physicians Inc

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.