Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat is an Otolaryngist?Conditions TreatedGetting a ReferralTraining and Certification
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What is an Otolaryngist?
Conditions Treated
Getting a Referral
Training and Certification
An otolaryngologist is an ear, nose, and throat doctor, also referred to as anENT. This type of doctor performs medical and surgical treatment of parts of the body above your shoulders, except for your eyes and brain.You might see an otolaryngologist forear pain,sinus issues,trouble swallowing, ordizziness.
Continue reading to learn more about otolaryngologists, and when you might make to see this type of doctor.
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Otolaryngology: Who Are These Specialists?
An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, head and neck.They can help you if you have trouble tasting, experience chronic ear infections, or find yourself with vertigo. Since otolaryngologists are surgeons, they can also perform specialized procedures when necessary.
There’s a lot that can go wrong within the head and neck. In fact, about half of people will need treatment from an otolaryngologist at some point.Because so much can happen within the head and neck, otolaryngologists can study certain subspecialties, including:
Otolaryngologists vs. AudiologistsOtolaryngologists are different from audiologists.Audiologistsspecialize in treating hearing loss and some balance problems. Otolaryngologists have more training, including surgical skills. Some people with hearing loss might need both an otolaryngologist and an audiologist.
Otolaryngologists vs. Audiologists
Otolaryngologists are different from audiologists.Audiologistsspecialize in treating hearing loss and some balance problems. Otolaryngologists have more training, including surgical skills. Some people with hearing loss might need both an otolaryngologist and an audiologist.
Conditions Otolaryngology Teams Treat
Although otolaryngologists are also called ear, nose, and throat doctors, they treat much more than just those body parts. You may need to see an otolaryngologist if you’re experiencing any of the following:
These are just a bit of what an otolaryngologist can treat. Since it’s such a broad field, it’s best to discuss your concerns with your primary care provider first to determine if an ENT is the right type of healthcare provider to treat you.
How to Get an Otolaryngology Referral
If you’re having chronic health issues in your head, face, or neck, it’s likely time to see an otolaryngologist. Request a referral from your primary care doctor. In some cases, depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to visit an otolaryngologist without a referral.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology maintains a database of otolaryngologists, which you can findhere. The database can help you locate an otolaryngologist in your area.
Otolaryngology Training and Certification
To become a board-certified otolaryngologist, a person must first earn an undergraduate degree before applying to and attending medical school. After medical school, they will undergo at least five additional years of training in an accredited residency program.
Summary
An otolaryngologist is an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT. They specialize in treating problems of the ears and structures of the head and neck, ranging from recurrent ear and sinus infections to thyroid concerns to sleep apnea, and more. If you have ongoing health issues in your head or neck, your primary care provider might suggest visiting an otolaryngologist.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Torres C.Otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat doctor, otorhinolaryngologist, and ENTs - dissecting the differences.University of Medicine and Health Sciences. January 25, 2021.American College of Surgeons.Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).What’s an ENT?
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Torres C.Otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat doctor, otorhinolaryngologist, and ENTs - dissecting the differences.University of Medicine and Health Sciences. January 25, 2021.American College of Surgeons.Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).What’s an ENT?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Torres C.Otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat doctor, otorhinolaryngologist, and ENTs - dissecting the differences.University of Medicine and Health Sciences. January 25, 2021.American College of Surgeons.Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).What’s an ENT?
Torres C.Otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat doctor, otorhinolaryngologist, and ENTs - dissecting the differences.University of Medicine and Health Sciences. January 25, 2021.
American College of Surgeons.Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).What’s an ENT?
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