Finding an ENT Surgeon

An otolaryngologist or simply ENT is a medical doctor that seems to straddle the fence between medicine and surgery. An Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist or ENT surgeon specializes, perhaps obviously, in diseases affecting those three structures; however, ENT surgeons do quite a bit more. While much of their practice involves surgeries in an operating theater, a large portion of their work is done in a clinic setting. Procedures such as hearing tests and placing “tubes” in patient’s ears take place on an outpatient basis. The specialty is steeped in tradition and many otolaryngologists still use rather old fashioned instruments and supplies. This is not to say the ENT surgeons do not keep up with the latest medical and surgical science—they do! However, many of the tried and true devices still work perfectly well on patients of today. The surgical specialty has gone to great lengths to preserve this tradition and operates its own surgical residency program—unlike other surgery residencies which require general surgery training before specialization. Perhaps ENT surgeons evolved from a time when more family doctors performed limited surgical procedures right in the office. In any case, finding an ENT surgeon is unlike finding a general surgeon. They are almost a different breed of doctor.

 

 

ENT surgeons really do it all when it comes to head and neck surgery. It is important to realize that the ears, nose, mouth and throat are all connected in space. The nose and sinuses drain into the back of the throat and the ears are connected to the throat through the Eustachian tubes. Surgery in one area can have an impact on all of the areas. The scope of procedures can range from tonsillectomy after multiple infections to the placement of cochlear implants to bring hearing to those who are deaf. Despite operating on such a discrete area, there is subspecialization within the field. If you are in need of a more sophisticated procedure such as a cochlear implant, you should spend some time finding an ENT surgeon that has specialized training in neurotology and surgery of the inner ear. For more straightforward surgeries, any board-certified ENT surgeon should be able to help. ENT surgeons also diagnose and treat disorders related to balance and equilibrium which can be caused by disturbances of the structures of the inner ear. Speaking to your primary care physician is an important part of finding an ENT surgeon. Your doctor can help determine the scope of your issue, whether you need an ENT surgeon or ENT subspecialist and may also be able to refer you to a good ENT surgeon in your area.