What do ENT specialists do?
ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, also called otolaryngologists, specialize in treating, diagnosing, and prescribing medication for conditions of the ears, nose, and throat, such as earaches, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sleep disorders, etc.
Here are a few conditions that come under the jurisdiction of an ENT specialist:
- Tinnitus: As per the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, over 50 million US citizens have reported a high or low-pitched ringing sound in their ears called tinnitus, which may be caused by reduced hearing or a change in the way the eardrum vibrates due to excessive ear wax. There isn't any specific cure for tinnitus. However, once your ENT doctor completes the physical assessment of your ears, they may treat the condition by removing ear wax or hair to eliminate the noise and treat the middle ear fluid.
- Vertigo or dizziness: Meniere's Disease is caused by inner ear disturbances and is characterized by a loss of balance, instability, or the false sensation of spinning (vertigo).
- Swallowing problems: Also known as dysphagia, swallowing difficulties commonly occur with age, but in rare cases, they may occur due to a tumor or nervous system disorder. Your ENT doctor may insert a laryngoscope (a flexible tube) through the nose to diagnose the condition and examine the throat.
- Head and neck cancers: As per the National Cancer Institute, nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States are head and neck cancers. These cancers are commonly found in the mucosal lining of the throat, mouth, and voice box. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, change in voice, or a lump in the throat may be signs of a cancerous tumor and must be examined by an ENT doctor as soon as possible. A cancer diagnosis may require radiation therapy or the removal of cancer.
- Rhinitis: Sneezing, nasal blockage, and a stuffy or itchy nose could be the signs of rhinitis in adults or children. Your ENT doctor will examine whether your rhinitis symptoms occur due to allergens such as pollen, chemicals, molds, or foods (allergic rhinitis) or non-allergic agents such as infections, weather changes, or hormonal changes (non-allergic rhinitis). Rhinitis treatments generally depend on the patient's diagnosis and recurring symptoms. Common rhinitis treatments include nasal sprays, antihistamines, and allergen immunotherapy.
- Tonsil or adenoid infection: Tonsils and adenoids are immune system cells that collect viruses and bacteria entering the body through the nose and mouth but are prone to recurring infections.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when acids in the stomach and other digestive tract contents ascend into the esophagus. The sphincter is a circular muscle ring at the bottom of the esophagus that usually prevents stomach contents from moving upwards. This sphincter may be abnormal in people with GERD, resulting in chest pains, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.
- Hearing loss: It can happen to men, women, and children of all ages for various reasons. Aging, loud noise exposure, viruses, stroke, heart conditions, head injuries, and tumors can all cause gradual hearing loss.
- Cleft lip and palate: A split in the mouth caused by the lip, palate, or both failing to develop fully during fetal development. Clefts can range in size from minor to severe and may interfere with eating, speaking, and breathing.
- Voice disorders: Various conditions, including vocal cord injury, viruses, cancer, and recurrent chronic acid reflux, can cause voice disorders. As a result of these diseases, you may experience hoarseness, a lower pitch, fatigue, or loss of voice altogether.
- Deviated nasal septum: The septum is the barrier that separates the nasal cavity. A deviated septum shifts significantly from the midline, causing breathing difficulties and chronic sinusitis. It can be congenital or result from a nasal injury later in life.
- Tracheostomy: ENT doctors may perform tracheostomy to detect several health issues, including severe laryngeal disease and cancer of the neck. The procedure involves creating an opening into the windpipe through the neck. A tube is inserted into the opening to remove lung secretions or provide an airway.
- Surgical procedures for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Various surgical options exist to treat snoring or OSA. Some examples include removing excess soft palate tissue to clear the airway, such as with radiofrequency thermal ablation to reduce tissue bulk. Alternatively, they may make the palate stiffer by inserting stiffening rods to reduce vibration and risk of collapse.
How does an ENT specialist train?
Otolaryngologists complete up to 15 years of education, including an undergraduate degree in science. They then attend four years of medical school and five years of specialized training. After passing the American Board of Otolaryngology exam, they are certified by the board and can practice as ENT doctors.
Some ENT specialists train further for one to two years in subspecialties such as pediatric otolaryngology, neurotology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, rhinology, endocrine surgery, and sleep surgery.
What are some common ENT subspecialties?
Rhinologists: Rhinologists are otolaryngologists who specialize in rhinology. These doctors treat nose and sinus problems. A rhinologist can help with:
- Conditions involving the skull base
- Complicated sinus diseases following multiple surgical revisions
- Nasal masses
- Cases jointly treated with neurosurgeons.
Audiologists: An audiologist specializes in hearing and balance disorders. They can provide the following services:
- Screening for hearing loss and other hearing conditions
- Assessing and diagnosing hearing and balance disorders such as tinnitus and vertigo
- Assisting in the selection and installation of hearing aids and other assistive devices
- Devising strategies to aid in the prevention of hearing loss
Although it may sound similar, audiology is not the same as otolaryngology. Most audiologists earn a doctorate in audiology, known as an AuD. National and state organizations also accredit them. Some otolaryngologists or neurotologists may specialize in ear problems.
Laryngologists: Laryngology, like rhinology, is a subspecialty of otolaryngology. A laryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the larynx (voice box), pharynx (back of the throat), and surrounding tissues. They can perform tests to detect hearing loss and treat tinnitus and vertigo.
What standard tests do ENT specialists perform?
When you visit an ENT doctor near you, depending on your symptoms, they may conduct several screening tests to accurately diagnose the cause of your concerns. Some standard screening tests include:
- Tympanometry: ENT specialists or audiologists perform this test to diagnose middle-ear conditions. A device is inserted into the ear to check for any pressure changes. Abnormalities in the test could reveal a tumor, fluid buildup in the middle ear or perforated eardrum.
- Laryngoscopy: If you have throat issues, your ENT doctor may perform a laryngoscopy to examine your throat in greater detail. Direct laryngoscopy entails the insertion of a flexible tube through the nose or throat. This test could detect potential cancerous tumors, polyps, or acid reflux in the throat.
- Nasal endoscopy: Infection or inflammation due to bacteria in the sinuses (spaces behind the nasal bones) can be detected by conducting a nasal endoscopy, where an ENT specialist inserts a flexible tube into the nasal cavity.
When should you see an ENT doctor?
Patients are generally referred to an ENT doctor by their primary care physician. However, you can also directly visit them if you're experiencing conditions related to the ears, nose, or throat.
You may see an ENT doctor near you for the following reasons:
- Sudden changes in hearing or hearing loss
- Recurring or chronic infections, such as sinus infections, strep throat, and ear infections
- Changes in voice or hoarseness for longer than two weeks
- Colds, runny nose, sinus pressure, or nasal congestion happen frequently
- Snoring or sleep apnea affects your ability to sleep
- Frequent cases of vertigo or dizziness
- Lumps, bumps, masses, or soft tissue infections in the neck or face area that do not get better with antibiotics
- Facial numbness, vomiting, seizures, confusion, numbness or paralysis in the legs or arms, chest pain, and difficulty breathing accompany dizziness.
- Shortness of breath accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fainting, chest pain, or is part of an underlying issue like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
Tips for selecting the right ear, nose, and throat doctor
Choosing the right specialist can be essential for maintaining good health. Here are seven key considerations you should bear in mind when selecting an ear, nose, & throat doctor near you:
1. Check insurance coverage: Start by confirming that the doctor accepts your insurance plan. Not all practices accept all insurance types; some may accept specific plans from a provider but not others. Contact the practice or your insurance company to clarify if you are uncertain about the accepted plans.
2. Read patient reviews: Online health review platforms can provide valuable input into other patients' experiences with specific ENTs. Since everyone has different preferences, think about what matters most to you. For instance, finding an ENT with a gentle approach might be necessary if you or your child feels anxious about doctor visits. On the other hand, if you value quick and efficient care, you may prioritize reviews mentioning shorter wait times.
3. Evaluate credentials and experience: While some review sites include information about a doctor's education and certifications, you can also check resources like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which lists doctors with top credentials. This step ensures your ENT specialist has the qualifications to provide expert care.
4. Consider specialties: ENTs treat many conditions, and many specialize in certain areas. If you have a specific concern, such as pediatric hearing issues or chronic sinus problems, choosing an ear, nose, & throat doctor near you with expertise in that field is beneficial. Feel free to contact the office to ask which doctors specialize in your condition.
5. Assess convenience: Location and accessibility are essential when choosing a doctor. You'll want a doctor close enough for regular visits. If you need surgery, check which hospital the doctor is affiliated with. Consider their office hours and whether they offer virtual appointments if that's something you prefer.
6. Think about age and gender: Some people feel more comfortable with a doctor of a particular age or gender. This information is usually available on the practice's website or review platforms, so if these factors are important to you, include them in your decision-making process.
7. Seek referrals: Ask friends, family, or online communities for suggestions and recommendations. Additionally, personal experiences from your close ones can be beneficial when choosing a specialist.
Evaluating these factors can help you find the right ear, nose, & throat doctor near you for your specific health needs.
Find the right ENT doctor near you in Phoenix, AZ
Finding the right ENT specialist can be quite a challenging task. However, platforms like Zocdoc make it easy for individuals to book appointments without hassles. Zocdoc has a repository of top-rated and certified medical professionals, including ENT specialists in Phoenix, AZ. Enter your city, condition, insurance carrier plan, and the date you wish to book an appointment. You'll be shown a list of all the verified ENT specialists in your area, their ratings, patient reviews, and available time slots. You can also book same-day video appointments or visit your preferred ENT doctor for further evaluation. To help you make an informed decision, Zocdoc provides each specialist's medical education, certifications, and experience.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer to keep your insurance and plan to pay before using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Booking an appointment on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
ENT statistics in Arizona
Head and neck cancer statistics
According to a report published by the University of Arizona, nearly 55,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with head and neck cancers, out of which over 1,200 new cases reside in Arizona. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, the rate of new cancer cases reported in Arizona was about 336.8 per 100,000 people, i.e., 32,171 cases were reported.
Hearing Loss Statistics
According to the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), an estimated 17% of Arizona experience hearing loss, over 1.1 million people have reduced hearing, and nearly 20,000 people are culturally deaf. It was also reported that around 2.2 out of 1000 babies born in Arizona have hearing loss.
Sleep Disorder Statistics
Data collated by the CDC in 2020 reports that nearly 35.3% of adults in Arizona sleep less than 7 hours in 24 hours. This is likely due to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, long work hours, or certain medications.
Sources
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Healthline
National Library of Medicine
Medical News Today
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Intermountain Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
University of Arizona Cancer Center
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
University of Utah Health
Riverside Health System
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