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Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor Information

An ear, nose and throat doctor is a called an otolaryngologist, or more commonly referred to as an ENT. An ENT provides care for conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, these doctors can spend as many as 15 years in training to provide treatment in this specialty areas.

  1. Area of Expertise

    • ENTs have special training and skills for diagnosing and treating conditions of the larynx, oral cavity, upper pharynx (mouth and throat), sinuses and structures of the face and neck. They also perform a variety of surgeries related to these areas. After completing their college program, they have four years of medical school and at least an additional five years in training for their specialty. Before they practice, they have to pass the American Board of Otolaryngology exam. If they decide to pursue one of seven sub-specialities, they have an additional one or two years of fellowship for training.

    Ears

    • ENTs treat disorders of the ears including ear infections, hearing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), balance problems (such as vertigo), nerve pain and nerve disorders that affect the face or the skull. They receive training in medical treatment and surgical procedures for these conditions. They also provide care in cases of congenital disorders related to the inner and outer ear.

    Throat

    • Your throat is essential to communication and eating. ENTs have expertise in diseases of the larynx and the esophagus as they relate to voices and swallowing problems. They treat sore throats, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hoarseness and laryngitis. When your child needs his tonsils or adenoids removed, an ENT makes that recommendation and performs the surgery.

    Nose

    • An ENT treats conditions related to your nose and sinuses, including deviated septum, hay fever, seasonal and chronic rhinitis, stuffy nose, nose bleeds and loss of smell. He may prescribe medications, administer allergy shots or perform surgery to your nose (rhinoplasty).

    Head/Neck

    • Your head and neck have nerves that are essential to sight, hearing, smell and your face. ENTs treat conditions of the head and neck area including facial trauma, facial deformities, infectious diseases and tumors (benign and malignant). ENTs will perform surgeries to correct birth defects, such as cleft palate. They also do cosmetic surgery such as face lifts and repair drooping eyelids.

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    Salary

    • According to U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for physicians and surgeons in private practices is close to $194,000. For physicians and surgeons employed in a hospital setting, the average estimate is considerably lower at approximately $114,000. Employment in universities, colleges and professional schools is even less at about $99,000 annually. Salaries for working in outpatient care centers is comparable to a private practice.

    Interesting Facts

    • According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the ENT is the earliest medical specialty in the history of the United States. In 1546, the first tracheotomy (surgically opening the windpipe) was documented, and in 1898 the first hearing aid was produced. The otolaryngology specialty board was formed in 1924.

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