An ENT is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). This medical specialty is officially called “otolaryngology”. An ENT can also be referred to as an “otolaryngologist”.
Northwest ENT and Allergy Center is a specialty group practice with multiple locations in the greater Atlanta area. As an otolaryngology practice, we have the training, experience, and tools to make the right diagnosis and offer the most effective treatment.
What is Otolaryngology?
Otolaryngology involves the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. This includes both non-surgical treatment as well as surgical solutions.
What does an Otolaryngologist Do?
Ear Conditions
ENT doctors treat a variety of ear-related issues, including hearing loss, ear infections, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance disorders. They can also help with more complex conditions like eustachian tube dysfunction or problems related to the inner ear. If ear infections are frequent or persistent, an ENT may recommend ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) to help drain fluid.
Nose Conditions
Common nose-related issues treated by an ENT include chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, allergies, and nasal polyps. ENTs can diagnose and treat both medical and structural problems with the nose, offering treatments such as medications, nasal sprays, or surgery to improve airflow, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort.
Nose Conditions
Common nose-related issues treated by an ENT include chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, allergies, and nasal polyps. ENTs can diagnose and treat both medical and structural problems with the nose, offering treatments such as medications, nasal sprays, or surgery to improve airflow, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort.
Throat & Neck Conditions
ENTs treat conditions such as voice disorders, swallowing difficulties, tonsil problems, and chronic laryngitis. If you experience a sore throat that won’t go away, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness, an ENT can evaluate the cause and provide treatment options.
ENT doctors also specialize in treating conditions affecting the head and neck, including tumors, infections, and structural issues. They can perform surgeries for conditions like throat cancer, neck masses, or salivary gland disorders. ENTs also provide diagnosis and treatment for thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Sleep-related Conditions
Snoring is sometimes caused by underlying ENT conditions, like deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids or certain anatomical abnormalities. Our ENTs can diagnose and treat these conditions to help you sleep better. We also provide various surgical treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What To Expect From Your ENT
What Does an ENT Do at the First Appointment?
During your first appointment, your ENT doctor will discuss your symptoms and medical history. They may perform a physical exam of your ears, nose, throat, and neck to assess for issues like infections, blockages, or structural abnormalities. Your doctor will then explain possible diagnoses or they might recommend additional testing. Before the appointment is over, the doctor will very likely recommend treatment. This could include medications, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgery. The doctor will discuss your options with you and give you recommendations based on your case.
Do ENT Doctors Do Surgery?
Yes, ENT doctors are trained to perform surgeries related to the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck. ENT surgeons handle a variety of procedures, ranging from minor ones like removing tonsils to more complex surgeries such as sinus surgeries, ear tube placements, or removing tumors.
ENTs also handle advanced minimally-invasive alternatives to surgery under general anesthesia, like radiofrequency ablation to treat thyroid nodules and balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis.
Types of Providers
Allergist vs ENT
An allergist is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, including food allergies, seasonal allergies, and asthma. They primarily focus on immune system responses. These doctors receive different training than ENTs. However, many ENTs do have extensive training diagnosing and treating inhalant allergies, since they are a common culprit behind ENT conditions.
Audiology vs ENT
Audiologists focus on diagnosing and treating hearing disorders, including conducting hearing tests and fitting hearing aids. An ENT doctor also diagnoses and treats hearing issues but has the added ability to perform surgeries for more complex problems, such as ear infections, hearing loss, or cochlear implants. While audiologists manage non-surgical aspects of hearing loss, ENTs can offer surgical interventions if necessary. That’s why the two often work together in clinics and hospitals.
Board Certified ENTs
A board-certified ENT doctor is a physician who has completed medical school followed by a residency in otolaryngology, and has met all the requisites set up by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS). Not all doctors who practice otolaryngology are certified. A physician can practice medicine (including ear, nose and throat care) if they are licensed by the state in which they practice. However, a board certification indicates that a certified physician meets or exceeds the standards of ENT as a medical specialty.
Accessing ENT Care
Do You Need a Referral to See an ENT?
In some cases, you may need a referral from your primary care doctor to see an ENT. This is often required by insurance companies to ensure coverage for specialist visits. However, depending on your insurance plan and the nature of your symptoms, you may be able to see an ENT without a referral, especially if you are seeking specialized care directly related to your condition. Always check with your insurance provider to confirm the requirements.
Does Insurance Cover ENT Visits?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover visits to an ENT. The extent of coverage will vary based on your specific insurance plan and the services needed, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, or procedures. To avoid unexpected costs, it’s recommended to contact your insurance provider before your visit to confirm the details of your coverage. Be sure to ask about co-pays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket expenses that may apply to your ENT care.
FAQs About ENT Specialists
Should I See an ENT or Gastroenterologist for GERD?
If you are experiencing symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), both an ENT and a gastroenterologist may be involved in your care. However, each specialist approaches the condition from a different angle. If GERD is affecting your throat, voice, or breathing, an ENT can help address complications such as laryngitis, voice changes, or aspiration. A gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the digestive system, including the esophagus and stomach.
Should I see an ENT or Endocrinologist for Thyroid Concerns?
If you are experiencing symptoms like a swollen neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing, an ENT may be the right specialist to evaluate and treat any anatomical issues with the thyroid, such as thyroid nodules or goiters. An endocrinologist, on the other hand, specializes in hormonal imbalances and would address thyroid conditions related to hormone levels, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If you're dealing with both structural and functional thyroid issues, both specialists may be involved in your care for comprehensive treatment.
Should I See an Audiologist or ENT First?
If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or balance problems, both an audiologist and an ENT can play important roles in your diagnosis and treatment. An audiologist specializes in testing and diagnosing hearing issues and may conduct hearing tests to determine the extent of any hearing loss. An ENT doctor focuses on diagnosing and treating underlying medical conditions that may affect hearing, such as infections, ear diseases, or structural issues. It’s usually a good idea to start with an ENT if you have symptoms beyond hearing loss, as they can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the right course of treatment.