ENT FAQs

What is an Otolaryngologist?

• An Otolaryngologist is also known as an ear nose throat surgeon or ENT specialist
• ENT specialists manage patient with disorders of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck

Common conditions managed by ENT specialists

The ear

• Hearing impairment is one of the commonest disabilities worldwide
• One in six Australians has some form of hearing impairment
• Ear Nose Throat Specialists have unique expertise in the treatment of ear disorders
• ENT Specialists are experienced in both the medical and surgical treatment of ear diseases

Common ear problems Ear Nose and Throat Specialists manage include:

• Children’s and adult ear problems
• Ear infection and glue ear
• Children’s hearing problems
• Adult hearing loss
• Ear drum perforation
• Balance disorders
• Ear ringing (tinnitus)
• Sore or blocked ears
• Ear pain
• Facial nerve palsy
• Cranial nerve disorders

The nose

Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies and chronic sinusitis in the world – care of the nose, nasal cavity and sinuses (Rhinology) are an area of foremost expertise for an Ear Nose Throat Specialist.
An Ear Nose Throat Specialist’s expertise includes management of nose and sinuses conditions including:

• Allergy
• Taste and smell
• Breathing
• Nose reshaping

ENT specialists manage:

• Blocked nose
• Broken noses
• Sinus
• Nose bleed
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Nasal deformity

• Nose operations ENT specialists commonly perform include
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Septoplasty
  • Turbinate reduction
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery
  • Otolaryngologists are experienced in rhinoplasty (nose job or nose reshaping) and are able to treat both concerns regarding function (blocked nose) and aesthetics (appearance)

Throat Surgery

• Specific to an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist’s expertise is experience in managing diseases of speech, singing, eating and drinking all involve this vital area
  • The larynx (voice box)
  • the pharynx (throat)
  • The gullet (oesophagus)

• ENT Specialists manage problems with
  • Speech
  • Singing
  • Eating and drinking

• Commonly managed conditions include
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Voice change
  • Vocal cord nodules
  • Vocal cord polyps
  • Vocal cord cysts
  • Acid reflux – laryngopharyngeal reflux
  • Throat cancer

• Commonly performed throat surgery includes
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Laser microlaryngeal surgery

Thyroid, Head and Neck Surgery

In the head and neck area, Otolaryngologists specialise in the management of:

• Infectious diseases
• Head and neck infections
• Facial trauma
• Deformities of the face

Thyroid disorders

• Goitre
• Thyroid cysts
• Thyroid lumps
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid gland tumours
• Thyroid problems

Parathyroid disorders

• Hyperparathyroidism
• Parathyroid gland problems
• Parathyroid adenoma
• Parathyroid tumours

Salivary gland disease

• Parotid gland
• Submandibular gland

Benign and malignant tumours and skin cancer including:

• BCC
• SCC
• Melanoma

What can an ENT Specialist offer for patients with disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck?

• An ENT specialist can receive up to 15 years of university and post-graduate training in surgery, concentrating on ear, nose and throat procedures
• ENT Specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck
• Ear Nose Throat Specialists are experienced and skilled in open surgery, endoscopic surgery, microsurgery, rhinoplasty and thyroid surgery
• We offer comprehensive patient care for men and women, adults and children
• Because they study the complex anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the entire head and neck, ENT specialists are uniquely qualified to perform the procedures that affect the ear, nose and throat