A medical doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat is known as an otolaryngologist. An otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT, or ear, nose, and throat specialist, is a medical specialist who specializes in the head and neck areas. Otolaryngology is their medical specialty.
An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical conditions that affect the sinuses, larynx, pharynx, ears, and other head and neck structures. They can treat everything from hearing loss to chronic ear infections to sinusitis, and they can even perform facial reconstructive surgery to correct birth deformities. In addition to benign and malignant tumors of the face and neck, otolaryngologists can perform cochlear implants, treat sleep disorders, and treat a variety of other conditions.
Medical school and post-graduate training, as well as internships, are all part of the process of becoming an otolaryngologist. It can take up to 15 years for a physician to be ready to practice independently. Many otolaryngologists in the United States seek certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology, which necessitates completion of college, medical school, and a minimum of five years of specialized training, as well as passing a board exam.
An otolaryngologist can specialize in a variety of areas within this medical specialty, including pediatric ENT, otology and neurology, head and neck surgery, and facial plastic surgery. An otolaryngologist is trained in both medicine and surgery, and depending on their sub-specialty, they may have additional surgical training.
This specialized area of medicine is the oldest in the United States, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. It was first recognized as a medical specialty in 1896. The first documented tracheotomy was performed in 1546, and the first hearing aid of any kind was manufactured in 1898, according to otolaryngology history.
A licensed otolaryngologist can work in a hospital setting as well as in a private or group practice. Patients are referred to them by primary care physicians or pediatricians, and they treat both children and adults. To treat certain conditions, otolaryngologists may collaborate with other specialists such as respiratory or audiology specialists. Some people see an ENT on a regular basis, while others may only see an otolaryngologist once or twice in their lives.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery website has more information for those interested in this medical specialty or patients looking for board certified otolaryngologists.