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While you may be used to calling your clinician an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, they are more accurately otolaryngologists. “Otolaryngologist” reflects the more comprehensive care these clinicians provide – for the ears, nose, throat and much more. These clinicians are specialists who offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for many conditions of the head and neck.
What conditions do otolaryngologists treat?
Otolaryngologists care for a wide range of disorders that affect your ability to breathe, smell or speak. Our specialists diagnose, manage and treat routine and complex conditions including:
- Ear: ear infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, earwax blockage
- Nose: sinusitis, nasal congestion, allergies, deviated septum
- Throat: sore throat, tonsil issues, swallowing difficulties
- Voice and airway: hoarseness, voice disorders, breathing problems
- Balance: dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders
When to see an otolaryngologist
Sometimes, ENT symptoms are not easily recognized. Issues such as difficulty swallowing or a persistent cough could be signs of something that requires attention. Therefore, your primary care clinician may refer you to an otolaryngologist or you can self-refer if you have:
- Persistent ear, nose or throat symptoms
- Hearing or balance changes
- Chronic sinus or allergy issues
- Recurrent infections
What to expect at your appointment
Your otolaryngologist will conduct diagnostic evaluations to help determine the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the issue, you may undergo a nasal endoscopy and laryngoscopy (in-office procedures for examining the interior of the nasal passages and openings to the sinuses), hearing and balance testing or allergy evaluation and management.
Some minor conditions can be treated in the office such as ear cleaning, nasal cauterization and some biopsies.
When surgery is needed
Our multidisciplinary approach brings together various specialties to offer you the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Many of our surgeons at Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, part of Jefferson Health, have trained at the nation’s best academic institutions and perform more surgeries than those at other centers in the region. You can be assured our otolaryngology team has decades of experience in head and neck problems including head and neck cancers.
Why choose us?
When you are experiencing ENT, head and neck issues, you want to be assured of excellence in all the aspects of otolaryngology diagnosis and treatment. When you choose us, you will receive highly skilled care combined with the compassion you expect from the best health care practitioners. That includes:
- Board-certified ENT doctors and otolaryngologists
- Comprehensive on-site testing
- Allergy and audiology services integrated into care
- Coordinated care across multiple specialties
- Access to advanced technology
Get a second opinion for ENT services
We offer leading-edge medical and surgical treatments for a variety of disorders, both rare and routine. By obtaining a second opinion from our skilled treatment team, you’ll receive the peace of mind you need to make an informed decision.
We'll meet with you to:
- Confirm a diagnosis
- Explore all treatment options, including treatments or procedures that may not be widely available
- Discuss whether a treatment or care plan is the best fit for you
- Ensure you're confident in the approach and expertise of your care team
