Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology, often referred to as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) medicine, is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

An otolaryngologist, or ENT specialist, is a physician and surgeon who treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx (voice box), mouth, and structures of the neck. These specialists are skilled in managing both medical and surgical treatment options for a wide range of disorders. Common conditions treated by otolaryngologists include chronic sinusitis, ear infections, hearing loss, tonsillitis, voice and swallowing disorders, thyroid and parathyroid diseases, nasal congestion and allergies, sleep apnea, facial trauma, and head and neck cancers.

Otolaryngologists undergo extensive training, starting with four years of medical school followed by a five-year residency program focused on ENT specialties. Many otolaryngologists pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as pediatric otolaryngology, otology/neurotology (ear diseases and surgery), rhinology (nose and sinus disorders), head and neck surgery, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.