The Ear, Nose & Throat specialty focuses upon the diagnosis and nonsurgical / surgical treatment of the ear, nose, throat and related anatomy of the head and neck.
Treatments and Procedures | About Otolaryngologists
Treatments and Procedures:
- Septoplasty
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Computerized Image-guided surgery
- Nasal Fracture repair
- Rhinoplasty
- Septal perforation repair
- Cancer surgery
- Eardrum repair (Tympanoplasty)
- Mastoid surgery
- Otoplasty
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
- Snoreplasty
- Sleep apnea surgery (UPPP)
- Laryngoscopy
- Phonosurgery
- Thyroidectomy
- Parathyroidectomy
- Salivary gland surgery
- Cancer surgery and management
- Skin cancer surgery and facial reconstructive surgery
- Lymph node removal
What Conditions do Otolaryngologists Treat?
Diseases treated by Otolaryngologists can be grouped into four major practice areas:
The Nose
Sinus infections are among the most common chronic health conditions in the United States, with nearly 35 million people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis annually. Other common nasal problems include deviated septum, chronic allergies, olfactory (smell) disorders, as well as growth and polyps within the nasal cavity.
The Ears
Nearly 10 percent of all Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Otolaryngologists are uniquely trained to identify, diagnose, and treat diseases that are localized to the ear, including chronic ear infections, tinnitus, equilibrium management (balance disorders), as well as cranial nerve disorders.
The Throat
The throat is a vital part of our anatomy, assisting in speech and communication, as well as eating and drinking. Otolaryngologists specialize in treating and managing diseases of the throat, upper digestive tract, esophagus, and larynx.
The Head & Neck
The head and neck are home to many of our vital functions and senses, including hearing, sight, and smell. Beyond localized diseases, Otolaryngologists are trained in treating general infection, facial trauma, facial deformities, as well as both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors.
Training and Education for Otolaryngologists
Otolaryngologists are required to complete rigorous education and post-graduate training that can take more than 15 years. The American Board of Otolaryngology requires applicants to have completed four years of college education, four years of medical school education, and at least five years of specialty training in Otolaryngology. After meeting these requirements, applicants must also pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination. Some specialists choose to further their training by pursuing a fellowship that allows them to train in one of seven Otolaryngology subspecialties.
What are the Areas of Expertise (Subspecialties) of Otolaryngology?
There are seven subspecialties that an Otolaryngologist may choose to pursue:
- Allergy - Treatment of allergic reactions to pollens, dusts, molds, foods, and other irritants that affect the ear, nose, and throat.
- Facial Reconstructive Surgery - Surgical treatment of face and neck abnormalities for cosmetic, functional, or reconstructive reasons.
- Head and Neck - Benign and Malignant tumors in the head and neck, including thyroid and larynx.
- Laryngology - Throat disorders, including problems with voice/speaking or ingesting food/ drink.
- Otology/Neurotology - Ear diseases including infection, trauma, tumors, and nerve disorders that can affect balance equilibrium and hearing.
- Pediatric Otolaryngology - Ear tubes and diseases in children such as tonsilitis, as well as birth defects localized to the head and neck, or developmental issues.
- Rhinology - Diseases localized to the nose and sinuses, including sinusitis, deviated septum, and chronic nosebleeds.