What is Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery?
To some, it is the surgical specialty that deals with problems of the ear, nose and throat
(ENT). However, the specialty of ENT (also Otolaryngology, Otorhinolaryngology) is now
officially called Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Otolaryngologists are specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of traditional ENT
problems, such as hoarseness, hearing loss, vertigo, nosebleeds and sinusitis. In addition,
today’s head and neck surgeon is trained to deal with problems of the entire head and neck
region, including trauma, tumors, infections, congenital abnormalities and the aging
process. The head and neck surgeon deals with virtually all diseases and lesions above the
clavicle, except for visual eye-related disorders, which fall within the realm of
ophthalmology, and lesions of the brain which fall under neurosurgery and neurology.
Insight into ear, nose, and throat specialists
Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in
the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical
management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat
(ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT
physicians.
The training required to become a practicing otolaryngologist is both competitive and
extensive. It requires a college degree, four years of medical school, one year of
surgical internship, and at least four additional years of specialty training in the
field of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. A well-trained otolaryngologist has
both the knowledge and experience to provide medical treatment of head and neck disorders
and, when necessary, perform a variety of surgical procedures.
Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice
box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck
and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well
as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
“What Do Otolaryngologists Treat?”
The Ears: Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of
otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical
and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus),
nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital
(birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
The Nose About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the
most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of
the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies
and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of
otolaryngologists’ expertise.
The Throat Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital
area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx
(voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing
disorders.
The Head and Neck This center of the body includes the important nerves that control
sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are
trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors,
facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and
reconstructive surgery.
Training and Patient Care
Otolaryngologists are ready to start practicing after completing up to 15 years of college
and post-graduate training. To qualify for certification by the American Board of
Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college, medical school (usually four
years), and at least five years of specialty training. Next, the physician must pass the
American Board of Otolaryngology examination. In addition, some otolaryngologists pursue
a one- or two- year fellowship for more extensive training in one of seven subspecialty
areas.
These subspeciality areas are pediatric otolaryngology (children), otology/neurotology
(ears, balance, and tinnitus), allergy, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head
and neck, laryngology (throat), and rhinology (nose). Some otolaryngologists limit their
practices to one of these seven areas.
“What makes otolaryngologists the most appropriate physicians to treat
disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck?”
These specialists differ from many physicians in that they are trained in both medicine and
surgery. Otolaryngologists do not need to refer patients to other physicians when ear, nose,
throat, or head/neck surgery is needed and, therefore, can offer the most appropriate care
for each individual patient.
Diagnosis and Treatment in Seven Areas of Expertise
Otology/Neurotology: diseases of the ear, including trauma (injury), cancer, and nerve
pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance.
Examples: ear infection; swimmer’s ear; hearing loss; ear, face, or neck
pain; dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Pediatric Otolaryngology: diseases in children with special ENT problems including birth
defects in the head and neck and developmental delays.
Examples: ear infection (otitis media), tonsil and adenoid infection, airway
problems, Down’s syndrome, asthma and allergy/sinus disease.
Head and Neck: cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the head and neck, including the
thyroid and parathyroid.
Examples: lump in the neck or thyroid, cancer of the voice box.
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive
surgical treatment of abnormalities of the face and neck.
Examples: deviated septum, rhinoplasty (nose), face lift, cleft palate, drooping eyelids,
hair loss.
Rhinology: disorders of the nose and sinuses.
Examples: sinus disorder, nose bleed, stuffy nose, loss of smell.
Laryngology:disorders of the throat, including voice and swallowing problems.
Examples: sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD).
Allergy: treatment by medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or avoidance of
pollen, dust, mold, food, and other sensitivities that affect the ear, nose, and throat.
Examples: hay fever, seasonal and perennial rhinitis, chronic sinusitis,laryngitis, sore throat, otitis media, dizziness.
For general information click on the web link for the American Academy of Otolaryngology Web Site or
about Otolaryngology and see the section on patient information.