By: Naomi Toubian
An Otolaryngologist is a doctor that specialises in the ears, nose and throat. These doctors can be known from various names including, ENT, which stands for ear nose and throat, as well as their full name otorhinolaryngology, which comes from the Greek words, oto-ear, rhino-nose, and larynx-throat.
Over the past years the practice of otolaryngologist has been expanded from ears, nose, and throat, to face head and neck as well, including everything except for the eyes and brain. Doing physical and hands-on examinations, as well as often using special equipment, Otolaryngologists diagnose diseases and disorders of the head and neck. Depending on the patient's symptoms the Otolaryngologist may do additional testing, like blood work, sleep tests, or swallowing tests to help discover the issue of the patient. They also have the ability to do allergy testing, comprehensive hearing, and balance testing at their office, similar to dermatologists and allergists.
Otolaryngologists have the ability of both doing surgical procedures such as removal of the thyroid gland, repair of eardrum perforations and sinus surgery, among hundreds of other common surgeries as well as prescribing medications. Otolaryngologist treat a very abundant variety of diseases concerning, cancer, tonsils, chronic reflux, thyroid, nerve, swallowing, and sleep disorders. As well as doing medical related surgeries, they also perform reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery.
With certain issues the Otolaryngologist can refer the patient to a different physician to further help with the issue, for example, when dealing with a balancing disease, which often has to do with the patient's ears, the Otolaryngologist can refer the patient to a vestibular therapist who can help solve the issue.
An Otolaryngologist education is extremely extensive and takes at least 13 years to complete. Their education includes a four year college degree, four year medical degree, and if chosen five years of specialty training, this is then followed by a strenuous, written and oral examination to become a board certified Otolaryngologist. Although it takes a lot of time and work to become an Otolaryngologist at the end of the day, the result you get from helping people hear again, or stand up without falling, is worth all the work that goes into it, and more.
Citations:
“What Is an Otolaryngologist? What They Do, the Conditions They Treat, and When to
See One.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-otolaryngologist
McIntosh, James. “Otolaryngologists: Qualifications, Procedures, and Conditions.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 3 Dec. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287230. 3wess4xdr5cf t6