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Called otolaryngologists, these specialized physicians treat a wide range of conditions.If you struggled with acne, youd visit a dermatologist. If you had stomach issues, youd check in with a gastroenterologist. And if you developed an issue with your head or neck—including your ears, nose, sinuses, throat, voice box, thyroid and esophagus—youd take a trip to an otolaryngologist.An otolaryngologist, also called an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, specializes in the care and treatment of the area below the brain and above the lungs (except for the eyes). But what is it about this part of the body that requires a special doctor?Theres an abundance of critical nerves and blood vessels that connect the brain to the rest of the body, and those all go through the head and neck, says Adam J. Kimple, MD, PhD, a UNC Health Care otolaryngologist. All the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat goes through the head and neck.Otolaryngologists are trained in both medical and surgical management of diseases of the ears, nose and throat.What Does an ENT Do?Otolayrngologists, or ENTs, treat a wide range of head and neck conditions, including those related to:SinusesEars, including hearing loss and ear tubesTonsils and adenoidsVoice boxSwallowingSmell and taste disordersLesions or tumors in the mouth and throatCancers in the head and neckAt UNC, we see a lot of people who are referred by other ENTs for subspecialty care on complex problems, Dr. Kimple says. Either a persons primary problem is very complex, like a bad tumor or terrible sinus disease, or its a simple problem in a patient who is medically complex. For example, people who have had a heart or lung transplant will need a higher level of care.Dr. Kimple was attracted to the field because ENTs are involved with smell, taste and hearing, he says.Communication is critical to humans, and both speech and hearing fall uniquely within our specialtys domain. Additionally, humans assess their external environment and food through smell and taste, which uniquely falls into our realm as well.How Are ENTs Trained?The bulk of ENT training is learning how to be a surgeon and take care of patients, Dr. Kimple says.After medical school, those studying to be otolaryngologists will go through a year of experiences across the ENT, neurosurgery, critical care, anesthesia and general surgery fields.After that, its essentially four years of ENT training, Dr. Kimple says. In most programs, youll rotate through the different subspecialties. At the UNC School of Medicine, that includes work in the following specialties:Head and neck, which covers cancers of the head and neckLaryngology (voice and swallowing)Rhinology (sinuses)Neurotology (ear surgery), which includes interdisciplinary care with neurosurgeons to access tumors through and around the earPediatrics, which encompasses all specialties as they relate to childrenFacial plastic and reconstructive surgery What Makes Otolaryngology Different?The critical importance of the structures ENTs operate on and around makes the specialty different, Dr. Kimple says.We are always operating on high-value real estate that can affect hearing, speech, swallowing, breathing, the eyes, the brain or the cosmetics of the face, he says.From a career standpoint, ENTs can tailor the job to their personal interests. Many ENTs see people in the clinic half the time and operate half the time. However, it is possible to develop a practice that is nearly all surgery or all clinical.I think otolaryngology is still fairly unique in that aspect, Dr. Kimple says. In other fields, like cardiology, you may see a cardiothoracic surgeon for your bypass surgery, but then you manage your heart disease with a cardiologist. Frequently in ENT, you have both the medical management and surgeon in one person. Find an ENT specialist near you Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 25, 2021 What Does an ENT do? Education and Training Reasons to See an ENT An ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) specializes in everything having to do with those parts of the body. Theyre also called otolaryngologists.Some historians believe this to be one of the oldest medical specialties in the United States. It started in the 1800s when doctors realized that a persons ears, nose, and throat had delicately connected systems that required special knowledge. ENTs deal with anything that has to do with the head, neck, and ears in adults and children, including:ENTs must first get an undergraduate degree. It can be in any subject, but topics like biology or chemistry are useful for medical school. Next, they must attend medical school for 4 years. The first 2 years include primarily classroom instruction. Third- and fourth-year medical students do rotations in a variety of specialties to get a wide range of experience and learn what they would like to focus on after graduating. After graduating from medical school, ENT hopefuls do a 5-year residency. During this program, they learn everything about otolaryngology from more experienced doctors. Finally, ENTs must pass the exam for their state to become a fully licensed doctor.Some ENTs have 1 to 2 years of training to specialize further in areas like:You may want to see an ENT if you have:Long-term (chronic) throat, ear, or sinus issuesEar infections are one of the most common reasons why parents to take kids to the doctor. ENTs usually treat them with antibiotics, but if the infections keep coming back, they may recommend surgery.Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. Again, doctors often treat it with antibiotics, but if it persists, they may recommend that you get your tonsils taken out. Sinus problems that last more than 4 months are called chronic sinusitis. ENTs can help get to the bottom of the issue and treat the underlying problem.Hearing lossHearing loss is normal as you age. But sudden hearing problems can be a sign of something more serious. Either way, an otolaryngologist will be able to figure out whats going on and help you get any treatments you need to hear better. If you need hearing aids, your ENT may send you to an audiologist to get fitted for them. A lump in your neckA lump in the neck that lasts more than 2 weeks could be a sign of mouth, throat, thyroid, or blood cancer. Cancers that start in these areas often spread to the lymph nodes in your throat first. A lump is different from swollen lymph nodes, which can also be a sign of a serious illness but often happen due to common conditions like strep throat or an ear infection. A child who is a heavy snorerSnoring is common in adults but unusual in children. It may not be a sign of a serious problem, but its best to talk to your pediatrician about whether they recommend seeing an ENT. It may be a sign of sleep apnea, which can lead to a problem with bones in the face, or bedwetting. © 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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