You’ve probably heard of an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT. You may wonder what exactly an ENT is and whether you should go see one. If that’s you, read on to learn more.
What’s an ENT?
Actually, ENT is the informal name. An ENT is more properly known as an Otolaryngologist, and they’ve actually studied the oldest medical specialty we have here in America. They study and treat disorders and problems with the ears, nose, larynx, mouth, throat, sinuses, and the whole structure of the neck and face. That means they’re interested in the causes of sleep apnea, hearing aids, facelifts, snoring treatment, throat cancer treatment, facial surgery, ear infections, and anything else related to these areas of the body.
What do They do For Ears?
Other types of medical professionals may be involved with the nose, throat, head, and neck, but ENTs have a unique place in dealing with ear issues. They work with hearing loss, which affects one out of every ten people in America, and with ear infections and balance problems.
How do ENTs Help Sleep Apnea?
There are several possible causes of sleep apnea, and some of them are in the domain of the ENT to treat. Snoring is one issue closely associated with sleep apnea and is also something an ENT would help with. About 45% of adults snore occasionally, and 25% are constant snorers. About one out of every five people in America has mild sleep apnea that has not been diagnosed, but many of the causes of sleep apnea can be treated. Some of the causes of sleep apnea are a lack of muscle tone in the mouth, too much tissue in the throat, and obstructed sinuses and nasal airways. Since sleep apnea can cause serious health problems in the long-term, it’s important to find out the causes of sleep apnea in any person and figure out the best way to treat it.
How do ENTs Work With Facial Surgery?
There are many reasons someone might need surgery of the face or neck to improve their life. There are disorders and accidents that need to be fixed by plastic surgery. Sometimes problems in the nose and sinuses cause constant issues for a patient and need to be fixed with surgery. ENT specialists will often go through extensive extra training to be qualified for reconstructive or other facial surgery, such as rhinoplasty.
If you have pain in your ears, are wondering about the causes of sleep apnea, have sinus problems, breathing issues, trouble with your hearing, or anything else that affects your face, head, or neck, look for an ENT near you. Ask your primary care doctor if an ENT specialist could be able to help you.
