Otolaryngology is a branch of medicine that deals with the ears, nose, and throat. Otolaryngology head and neck surgery is another name for it since specialists who practice it are trained in both medicine and surgery. Another name for an otolaryngologist is an ENT, or ear, nose, and throat doctor.
When doctors began to understand that the head and neck had numerous interconnected systems in the 19th century, this specialty of medicine was born. Doctors devised numerous techniques and tools to identify and treat head and neck disorders, which eventually led to the development of a medical specialty. The first medical specialty in the country, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Otolaryngologists are educated to perform a variety of procedures on the delicate and complex tissues of the head and neck, in contrast to many other medical professionals.
What do Otolaryngologists Treat?
- Ear: Otolaryngologists are educated to diagnose and treat a variety of medical and surgical ailments, including hearing loss, ear infections, balance problems, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and diseases of the face and cranial nerves. They also treat problems of the outer and inner ear that are congenital (born).
- The Nose: One of the main subspecialties of otolaryngologists is the treatment of the sinuses and nasal cavities. The nasal blockage brought on by polyps, allergies, sinusitis, and odor issues is diagnosed, treated, and managed by otolaryngologists. They can also make the nose look better (rhinoplasty surgery).
- Throat: Otolaryngologists specialize in treating disorders of the larynx (voice box), upper aero-digestive tract, or esophagus, as well as abnormalities of the voice and swallowing.
- Head and Neck: Infections, benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial traumas, and facial deformities in the head and neck region can all be treated by otolaryngologists. Both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery is performed by them.
How are Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons Trained?
An otolaryngologist is qualified to start working after up to 15 years of undergraduate and graduate training. Before requesting the American Board of Otolaryngology certification, candidates must first complete their undergraduate degrees, medical school, and at least five years of specialized training. The physician must then pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination. During a one- or two-year fellowship, some continue to get additional training in a specific area. All of the full-time professors at Columbia University have completed fellowship training in their respective fields of expertise.