What does an ENT specialist do?
An ENT specialist primarily diagnoses and treats disorders of the ears (such as hearing loss), nose, and throat. They treat chronic ear disease, hearing and balance-related conditions, sleep apnea, sinusitis, tinnitus, tonsillitis, acid reflux, head and neck tumors, dizziness, hoarseness, snoring, allergies, etc. Known as otolaryngologists professionally, these doctors also manage and treat complicated head and neck conditions.
What kind of education and training does a psychotherapist receive?
An otolaryngologist must go through 15 years of undergraduate and postgraduate training. To be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngologists, an ENT specialist must complete medical school, an additional five years of specialized training, and finally pass an examination conducted by the board. In addition, they can opt to complete a fellowship of 1 or 2 years in any sub-specialty.
Conditions treated by ENT Specialist
Below are a few disorders and conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, neck, and head.
Ears:
- Hearing loss
- Acoustic neuroma
- Chronic ear infections
- Meniere's disease
- Congenital disorders of the ear
- Vertigo or balance disorders
Nose:
- Nosebleeds
- Nasal Polyps or growth which require a biopsy
- Nasal fractures
- Rhinitis - sinus inflammation caused by allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
- Issues caused by a deviated septum, a thin wall in your nasal passage
- Inverting papilloma – benign tumors of the nose
- Nasal masses and tumors
Throat:
- Diseases of the vocal cord
- Tonsillitis
- Bronchitis
- Prolonged sore throat
- Vocal cord diseases
- Laryngitis
- Cancer of the throat
- Croup – throat inflammation primarily seen in children
- Swallowing issues or disorders in the esophagus
Head and Neck:
- Facial deformities
- Facial trauma
- Oral cancer
- Cancer of the salivary glands
If your symptoms cause discomfort, it can indicate an underlying medical disorder or disease. You must visit the emergency room immediately in case you experience symptoms such as those mentioned below:
- You feel pain or itching in your ears, hear buzzing sounds, or have any trouble hearing
- You face difficulty in breathing, accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.
- You feel a lump/growth or a swelling in your neck or any part of your face
- Numbness in the face or limbs
- A runny or stuffy nose or cough do not subside even after a long period
- You have frequent headaches
- Pain while swallowing solids or liquids
- Seizures, nausea, feeling dizzy
What is a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomies are a prevalent medical procedure for children. Tonsils and adenoids, part of the lymphatic system, act as the first line of defense against diseases in the mouth and nose. While they play a crucial role, they can become inflamed, causing frequent illnesses, strep throat, ear infections, snoring, and sleep apnea.
Complications may lead to a recommended tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Despite conflicting opinions on the long-term infection risks after removal, it is almost impossible to entirely remove tonsil tissue in the back of the nose and throat.
Children who experience recurrent strep throat may undergo surgery if they meet specific criteria: seven infections in a year, five infections a year for two consecutive years, or three infections a year for three straight years. Nearly 80% of the tonsillectomies are performed due to pediatric sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common causes in these situations. Children with sleep apnea may display behavioral issues, including daytime fatigue and difficulty paying attention.
While children may experience reduced strep infections after tonsillectomy, the procedure's benefits for recurrent or persistent non-strep sore throats are unclear. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can cause sleep apnea in children. In adults, obesity, asthma, and low muscle tone are more common causes. Adenoids, unlike tonsils, often require an X-ray or nasal camera exam for evaluation during surgery.
When should one see a primary care doctor instead of an ENT specialist?
When addressing concerns related to your ears, nose, or throat, determining the necessity of consulting an ENT doctor nearby is crucial. Not all conditions demand the expertise of an ENT specialist. While ENT specialists provide essential care for complex problems, your primary care physician (PCP) can effectively treat many common ENT concerns.
Consider seeing your PCP for:
- Acute, non-recurring conditions: This includes sore throats, sinus infections, nasal congestion, hoarseness, and mouth lesions
- Coughs and colds: PCPs are well-equipped to handle these common ailments
- Allergies: They can diagnose and manage allergies affecting your ears, nose, and throat
- Dizziness without ear symptoms: If ear issues don't accompany your dizziness, your PCP can likely help
- Ear pain without hearing loss: A PCP can address issues like mild ear pain without hearing loss
However, if your symptoms are severe, chronic, or require specialized procedures, an ENT specialist is the best choice. The symptoms include:
- Recurring or chronic infections: Persistent ear, sinus, or strep throat infections warrant an ENT consultation
- Persistent hoarseness: Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by an ENT specialist
- Long-lasting infections: Ear infections lasting over three weeks require ENT expertise
What should I expect during the first appointment with an ENT specialist?
The first appointment generally reviews your medical history and discusses your current symptoms or conditions. The ENT doctor will physically evaluate your ear, nose, throat, head, face, and neck to locate the leading cause of the symptoms. Ensure you disclose any ongoing medication or tests prescribed to you (including supplements, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
The ENT specialist may prescribe further testing or other diagnostic procedures like a biopsy or endoscopy to gain more information on the issue. Depending upon the diagnosis of the problem, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medication, surgical options, intervention, etc.
Finding ENT specialists in New York City
Searching for ENT doctors near you in New York City can be tiresome. Zocdoc provides a quick and easy solution to these challenges. You can schedule appointments from your own home with a laptop or mobile device.
Zocdoc presents you with a list of trusted healthcare professionals based on your area of residence, symptoms, insurance carrier, and mode of appointment (online/ in-person). To choose the best care for you and your family, you can check the educational background, licensure, expertise, testimonials, ratings, and experience of various ENTs near you.
You can also check which ENT specialist accepts your insurance.
With Zocdoc's user-friendly platform, you can book appointments with ENT doctors near you in just a few clicks. Booking appointments with Zocdoc is secure, easy, and free!
ENT Statistics in New York, US
According to data from the National Council on Aging, nearly 12.6% of the population in New York has a prevalence of hearing loss. It affects about 60.7 million Americans aged 12 and older. About 15.5% (44.1 million) of American adults aged 20 and older have some level of hearing loss. Of people aged 65 and older, 31.1% experience hearing loss, while 40.3% of adults aged 75 and older experience hearing loss.
Studies show that nearly 28.8 million adults in the US could significantly benefit from wearing a hearing aid. Research conducted by the National Library of Medicine estimates that hearing loss is on the rise in the United States and is expected to almost double by the year 2060.
Sources
MedlinePlus
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
University of Utah Health[1]
University of Utah Health[2]
National Institutes of Health
American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation
National Council on Aging
National Library of Medicine
