ENT specialists are doctors who are trained in Ear, Nose and Throat surgery. In the UK ENT doctors can either be seen directly or via referral from your GP.
These three anatomical areas both support and affect each other’s function which is why ENT consultants are experts in the whole field. This allows them to not only offer prompt and insightful diagnosis, but with their years of experience construct a management plan that treats the whole system.
Due to the technical equipment required, ENT clinics tend to be based in a hospital setting, where many specialists can discuss their findings and carry out scans and tests unique to your ear, nose and throat.
Below we give an idea of the diagnostic support and treatment available from an ear nose and throat special private consultation.
Your ENT appointment
Some patients will present with a clear-cut symptom, such as hearing loss. Others may have more vague symptoms, such as dizziness or vertigo.
Regardless of the apparent complexity, your doctor will want to take a full medical history and examine your head and neck area before proceeding further. After this initial line of inquiry, you will be advised on the best course of action, whether that be treatment or specialised tests to help further illuminate any medical concerns.
Will I Need Surgery?
Whilst ENT doctors are all surgeons, this does not mean that you will require surgical intervention to alleviate your symptoms. Often after proper investigation our consultants are able to offer medical or minimally invasive treatments rather than needing to resort to surgery.
Of course sometimes surgical intervention is the best option, but usually this choice is reserved when initial non-medical treatments have been exhausted or deemed inappropriate for your condition.
ENT Interventions
Your Ear, Nose and Throat along with the rest of your head and neck represent some of the most minute and complex anatomy in your body. Specialist clinics offer a wide range of services to keep your health in check.
These include interventions such as ear syringing which can help alleviate a range of symptoms including hearing loss. Remember that good health upkeep and disease prevention is the best way to stave off more serious and long-term complications.
There are too many minor ENT complications to list but below are a sample of concerns that should be investigated if they are either troubling or persist over a long period of time:
- Hearing Loss
- Loss of Balance
- Ear Pain
- Loss of Smell
- Difficulty in Nasal Breathing
- Change or loss of speech
- A Poor Swallow
ENT and Facial Aesthetics
Both congenital (from birth) and traumatic factors can change the form and function of your nose and ears. We have excellent communication between our ENT and plastic surgeons who together can restore your natural abilities and facial features harmoniously.