What an ENT Can Do for Your Ears

An ENT (otolaryngologist) is the doctor to see if you are having a problem with your ears. From swimmer’s ear to ringing in the ears and problems with balance, an ENT is your specialist in all things ears.

ENT training

In addition to graduating medical school and performing a general internship, an ENT must also undergo an additional five years of medical training and then pass a certification exam. Unlike other specialists, ENTs are trained not only to diagnose and treat conditions; they are trained to perform surgery as well. Even after all of this training, some ENTs do additional training to further specialize in pediatric otolaryngology, allergy, facial and reconstructive surgery and audiology.

Ear conditions treated by ENTs

ENTs treat conditions of the nose and throat as well as ear conditions. Common ear conditions treated by ENTs include:

Congenital Defects: ENTs treat deformities and other birth defects that occur while a child is developing in the womb. These include malformations in the outer ear as well as defects in the parts of the ear concerned with hearing.

Ear Infections: Chronic ear infections are diagnosed, treated, and prevented under the diligent care of the ENT. While an occasional ear infection is not a problem, persistent and chronic infections are a danger to your health and your hearing. An ENT will determine the underlying cause of the infections and recommend a course of treatment.

Tinnitus: This is a constant “ringing” noise that does not have an external cause. Tinnitus may be described as ringing, buzzing or humming. No matter how it is described, it is perception of a noise that is not produced in the external environment. Tinnitus that is chronic needs diligent management to avoid a decrease in quality of life. An ENT is just the specialist to help you with tinnitus.

Balance Problems: Issues in the ears cause many problems with balance. An ENT is uniquely qualified to help determine the cause of your balance problems, dizziness or vertigo and prescribe a course of treatment.