Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Ear, nose and throat diseases and disorders can occur in people of any age or sex. Most ear, nose and throat conditions can be diagnosed with a physical examination, which means that ENT specialists take a hands-on approach to patient care.

What does the ENT department deal with?

In addition to the organs mentioned, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist is also trained in disorders of the head and neck. The structures covered by the ENT department are the ear, nose, nasal passages, sinuses, larynx, mouth, upper pharynx, salivary glands and thyroid.

Ear Diseases

An ear, nose and throat doctor is trained in both the medical and the surgical treatment of ear disorders. These include hearing problems, ear infections, balance problems, disorders of the facial or cranial nerves, and problems of the outer and inner ear. Ear diseases include tinnitus, earwax, fluid build-up in the ear, inflammation of the outer ear canal, acute middle ear infection and hearing loss. An ENT specialist also deals with problems such as ear tumours, earache, ear discharge and bleeding from the ear.

Nose Diseases

An Ear, Nose and Throat specialist deals with issues such as runny nose and colds, nasal deformities, a crooked nose, nosebleeds, smell disorders, cosmetic nose surgery, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

Throat Diseases

Diseases of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts or the alimentary canal, and problems relating to the structure of the larynx, also fall within the field of the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. This includes disorders of the voice, breathing and swallowing. Throat diseases include sleep apnoea, pharyngitis, tonsil problems, snoring and tonsillitis. An ENT specialist also performs tonsil surgery.

Head and Neck Diseases

Ear, Nose and Throat specialists treat infections and tumours in the structures of the head and neck. They are also trained to treat facial trauma and facial deformities.