Ear, nose and throat care: Relief for your symptoms

ENT doctors, also known as otolaryngologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.  

Otolaryngologists are trained in both medical and surgical approaches, allowing them to treat a wide range of conditions.

Some issues that ENT doctors treat include:

• Dizziness
• Ear infections
• Head and neck cancers
• Hearing loss
  
• Hoarseness
• Meniere’s disease
• Nasal deformity
• Sinusitis
  
• Spasmodic dysphonia
• Swimmer’s ear
• Tinnitus
• Tonsilitis  

At your first ENT appointment, the doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and discussing your current health, the reason for the visit and your recent symptoms in detail. 

This is followed by a physical examination of your ears, nose, throat and neck using specialized tools like an otoscope or nasal scope. Your ENT may perform or schedule additional tests such as:

• Hearing evaluations
• Imaging studies
• Nasal endoscopy  

The goal of the visit is to identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, which may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Additional tests or procedures

Chronic sinusitis, or chronic rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or more, even with treatment. It blocks mucus drainage, causing nasal congestion, facial pressure and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Treatments focus on reducing inflammation and improving drainage through corticosteroids, saline rinses, antibiotics, allergy medications, biologic therapies or sinus surgery if needed.

Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Cough 
• Ear pain 
• Facial tenderness 
• Fatigue 
• Headache 
• Postnasal drip 
• Reduced sense of smell 
• Sore throat 
• Thick nasal discharge

The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is a hollow, tube-like structure located in the middle of the neck. It plays a crucial role in breathing, producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing. 

Disorders of the larynx can affect voice, breathing and swallowing, and may include conditions like: 

• Laryngitis
• Laryngeal cancer
• Vocal cord paralysis

You should see an ENT specialist for sinus problems when symptoms become chronic, severe or do not improve with standard treatments. 

If you've had sinus issues lasting more than 12 weeks, experience frequent infections or have persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, postnasal drip or loss of smell, an ENT can help identify the cause. 

An ENT may perform exams or imaging studies to assess your sinuses and recommend treatments such as:

• Allergy management
• Medications
• Sinus surgery if necessary  

Seeing an ENT helps ensure that you receive expert care for long-term relief and improved sinus health.

Yes, thyroid disorders can cause dizziness and balance problems. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect circulation, metabolism and the nervous system, which may affect the inner ear and vestibular system — key components in maintaining balance. 

If you experience symptoms of thyroid imbalances, it’s important to seek medical evaluation and thyroid function testing. These symptoms can include:

• Fatigue 
• General unsteadiness. 
• Heart palpitations 
• Lightheadedness
  
• Vertigo 
• Weight changes

Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears that aren't caused by an external sound. 

It’s a common condition and often a symptom of issues such as:

• Age-related hearing loss
• Earwax blockage
• Exposure to loud noise
• Ear injury
• Problems with the circulatory system

Tinnitus can also be linked to neurological disorders, vascular issues, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems or certain medications.

Tinnitus can improve with treatment of the underlying cause or through approaches that help manage its impact. 

Some treatments include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Hearing aids
• Lifestyle adjustments that reduce or mask the noise, making it less noticeable
• Sound therapy

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or feeling off balance. It can make you feel as if the world around you is moving even when you're standing still. 

It’s usually a symptom of a separate issue rather than a condition on its own, and it can last from a few seconds to several hours.

Vertigo is most often caused by problems in the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium particles shift within the ear canals. Other causes may include infections, Meniere’s disease or neurological conditions like a stroke or brain tumor. 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve:

• Medication
• Physical exercises 
• Therapy