An otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat doctor, is a specially trained specialist in the field of ear, nose and throat medicine. He can set up his own practice or work in a clinic.
What is an otolaryngologist?
An otolaryngologist treats injuries, deformities, diseases and other health limitations and disorders of the nose, ears, mouth, throat, neck, larynx and esophagus. The ENT physician treats injuries, malformations, diseases, and other health limitations and disorders of the nose, ears, mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus. To be licensed as an otolaryngologist, one must first complete regular medical school, with a standard period of study of six years and three months. This is followed by five years of continuing education to become a specialist in otolaryngology. During this training period, the physician must perform a certain number of examinations, treatments and operations. The first three years of residency are devoted to the basic topics of otolaryngology, and the last two years are spent learning skills and knowledge about specific medical cases. The work of an otolaryngologist often overlaps with other medical specialties such as aesthetic surgery (cosmetic surgery), oral and maxillofacial surgery, dermatology (diseases of the skin), or neurology (nerve diseases).
Treatments
The otolaryngologist specializes in diseases, injuries and malformations of the head. He is responsible for complaints of the nose and sinuses, such as rhinitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), disorders of nasal breathing or sinusitis. Here, cooperation with a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon may also be necessary, since an inflammation of the sinuses can also spread to the maxillary sinus. Furthermore, the ENT physician treats all diseases that affect the ear and the auricle. These include tinnitus, hearing loss or hearing impairment, infections of the ear, middle ear infection or damage to the eardrum. He is also responsible for the organ of balance within the ear, as well as neuralgias (nerve disorders) in the head. In the case of the latter, a neurologist may also be involved. Injuries and diseases of the mouth, throat and esophagus are also part of the ENT physician’s treatment spectrum. He treats inflammations, injuries or secondary disorders of injuries, deformities, swallowing problems or tumor diseases in this area. Skull fractures, nose and jaw fractures can also be treated by an otolaryngologist and, depending on the specialization, he is also the contact for cosmetic surgical procedures on the ear, mouth and nose.
Diagnostic and examination methods
The otolaryngologist uses various medical devices to make a diagnosis or for treatment. The inside of the ear is examined using a funnel, illuminated with a headlamp for better visibility. For a more detailed examination, the otolaryngologist uses the ear microscope. If the ear is clogged with earwax, he performs an ear cleaning using a special device for ear irrigation. Rhinoscopy (nasal endoscopy) is used to examine the inside of the nose. During this procedure, the ENT physician can look at the nasal mucosa, as well as detect any accumulations of secretions, blood or pus, and discover tumors or malformations. A distinction is made between anterior, middle and posterior rhinoscopy. For anterior rhinoscopy, similar to ear examination, a funnel is placed at the nostril and a headlamp is used to illuminate the interior. Middle rhinoscopy uses a nasal endoscope (tiny camera with a light source on a flexible cable) to provide images of the nasal passages and sinus outlets. Posterior rhinoscopy is performed by the otolaryngologist using a mirror that is inserted into the posterior nasal region through the oral cavity and pharynx. Other examination methods include imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CTG). To examine the larynx, the ENT physician uses a stroboscope to visualize the vibrations of the vocal folds. He checks the air permeability of the nose with a nasal function test and the hearing ability with a hearing test.Some ENT physicians have a sleep laboratory where they can perform specialized tests regarding the causes of snoring or breathing cessations during sleep.
What should the patient look for?
To find the right ENT doctor for his needs, one should pay attention to the specializations of the doctor. The field of otolaryngology is a very comprehensive field and individual medical practices and clinics often specialize in certain subject areas. For example, not every ENT physician in private practice will have a sleep laboratory or perform procedures from the field of aesthetic surgery. As a rule, however, the practices work together with colleagues from the various specialties, so that you as a patient will be competently cared for in any case.
