An ENT, or ear, nose, and throat doctor, is a healthcare specialist who treats conditions affecting the head, neck, ears, nose, and throat. ENTs are also known as otolaryngologists, which is the medical term for this type of specialist. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from simple to severe, for all persons, at all stages of life. Some of the conditions that ENTs treat include:
- Chronic throat, ear, or sinus issues
- Ear infections
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Sleep apnea
- Allergies
- Swallowing issues
- Vocal problems
- Sinus issues
- Head and neck cancer
- Skin disorders
- Balance problems
- Reconstructive surgery
- Cosmetic surgery
ENTs must first get an undergraduate degree, which can be in any subject, but topics like biology or chemistry are useful for medical school. Next, they must attend medical school for 4 years, followed by a 5-year residency. During this program, they learn everything about otolaryngology from more experienced doctors. Finally, ENTs must pass the exam for their state to become a fully licensed doctor. Some ENTs have 1 to 2 years of training to specialize further in areas like neurology, sleep medicine, pediatrics, allergies, cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, balance problems, and cancers of the head and neck.
