An otolaryngologist-head
and neck surgeon is a Doctor of Medicine
who specializes in disorders of the head
and neck, particularly those disorders related
to the ears, nose and throat. The word "oto-rhino-laryngology"
comes from the Greek words - "oto" for ear,
"rhino" for nose and "laryn" for throat.
Over the years, otolaryngology has expanded
its area of expertise from the ears, nose
and throat to a "regional" specialty of
the head and neck and includes subspecialization
in otology, neurotology, rhinology, sinus
disease, laryngology, plastic surgery of
the head and neck, tumour and cancer surgery
of the head and neck, pediatric otolaryngology
and allergic disorders of the upper respiratory
system.
What Does it Take to Become One?
An otolaryngologist has approximately 13
years or more of university training. To
receive a fellowship from the Royal College
of Physicians and Surgeons, they must complete
university, four years of medical school
and five or more years of specialty training.
At the end of this time, he or she must
pass a certification examination to receive
designation as an otolaryngologist. In addition,
some individuals pursue a further one or
two years of subspecialty training.
What Do they Do?
Otolaryngologists perform a great variety of surgical procedures in the daily treatment of the ear, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, neck, thyroid, salivary glands, bronchial tubes and esophagus, as well as cosmetic surgery of the head and neck region.
Those specialty trained in ear work are well equipped to restore hearing through modern micro-surgery. Surgical techniques can also cure disease and infection, and repair deformities present in the ear since birth.
With their extensive knowledge of the head and neck, many otolaryngologists are proficient in facial plastic surgery. This technique is important in reconstructing the nose, ears, jaws and facial area to restore function and appearance. Grafts, flaps and man-made materials are used to solve many problems that could not be handled by conventional surgical methods. Techniques are also used for cosmetic facial plastic surgery such as face and brow lifts, improving the shape and size of the nose or ear, chin augmentation, wrinkle removal, scar camouflaging and hair
transplantation.
Otolaryngologists' training include planning and carrying out the surgery and treatment of benign tumours as well as cancer of the head and neck and the reconstructive techniques necessary to restore function and form in these patients.
Otolaryngologists routinely handle cases such as adenoidectomies, tonsillectomies, nose bleeds, infected mastoids and sinus disease. Most otolaryngologists can test hearing and diagnose the cause of hearing loss. Many also treat speech and communicative disorders. Others have special interest in neurotology and various problems of balance and allergic disorders of the upper respiratory system.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons are
trained in the surgical and medical treatment
of a range of conditions, including:
The ears
Hearing loss
Ear infections
Balance disorders
Ear noise (tinnitus).
The nose
Injuries to the nose
Deformities of the nose
Cosmetic surgery of the nose ("nose jobs")
Adenoidectomy
Sinus infections
Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
Tumors of the nose and sinuses.
The throat
Inflammations of the throat (tonsillectomy)
Laryngitis
Snoring
Voice and swallowing disorders
Tumors of the throat and larynx.
Head and neck
Swelling of the neck
Cysts
Thyroid disorders and tumors (cancerous
and non-cancerous)
of lymph and salivary glands.
