Specialty4 min read
Otolaryngology (ENT)
An ENT physician is trained in the medical and surgical management of diseases of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck, in children and adults.
According to AAO-HNS: doctors trained in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck, who diagnose and treat the disorders of the specialty and many primary care problems in children and adults. MedlinePlus describes the specialty as concerned with disorders of the ear, nose and throat.
FREIDA states that they treat disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the salivary glands, hearing and balance problems, diseases of the nose and sinuses, voice and swallowing disorders, head and neck tumours, children's conditions and sleep disorders, and use cochlear implants, endoscopes, robotic surgery and lasers. The two professional references (Grade 4) are descriptive and do not set treatment protocols.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- The medical and surgical specialty of diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.
- Who is usually affected?
- Children and adults with hearing, sinus, voice or swallowing problems.
- Acute or chronic?
- Varies according to the condition.
- Main symptoms
- Ear pain, hearing loss, nasal blockage, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing.
- Red flags?
- Yes: sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing, or sudden hearing loss, is an emergency.
- Preventable?
- Depends on the condition.
What is it?
"Doctors trained in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck" (AAO-HNS), who treat "the disorders of the specialty and many primary care problems in children and adults". MedlinePlus describes it: "disorders of the ear, nose and throat".
Conditions it covers
According to AAO-HNS: hearing and balance disorders, sinus diseases, conditions of the larynx (voice box), the oral cavity and pharynx, structures of the neck and face, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. FREIDA adds the salivary glands, the thyroid, tumours, children's conditions and sleep disorders.
Related pages on this site: the ear, the respiratory system and gastro-oesophageal reflux (NIDDK lists hoarseness, chronic cough and laryngitis among its extra-oesophageal effects), and paediatrics is connected to them.
Common tests and procedures
FREIDA lists among the techniques: cochlear implants, endoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive laser, and head and neck reconstruction with microvascular flaps where needed, and they deal with critical structures such as the great vessels, the facial nerve, the airway and the organs of hearing.
When to see one
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus). This page does not cover specific referral criteria.
When do you need urgent help?
Call emergency services now 998
- Sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing, or sudden hearing loss, or a nosebleed that will not stop: seek emergency care. (A general warning that is no substitute for assessment.)1
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.
Common questions
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need a hearing test or a nasal or laryngeal endoscopy?
- Are my symptoms medical or do they need surgery?
- How is reflux related to my hoarse voice?
- What are the risks of surgery, and its alternatives?
References
- 1AAO-HNS. About otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. www.entnet.org/about-us/Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2AMA FREIDA. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery — specialty description. freida.ama-assn.org/specialty/otolaryngology-head-and-neck-surgeryEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 4NIDDK / NIH. Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults — Definition & Facts. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-factsHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.