Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ENT)—also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat medicine—is a surgical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the head and neck, particularly the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and related structures.

Core Subspecialties of ENT

1. Otology / Neurotology

• Focuses on ear disorders, including:

  • Hearing loss

  • Ear infections

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • Balance disorders (e.g., vertigo)

  • Cochlear implants

  • Skull base surgery

2. Rhinology

• Deals with nose and sinus conditions:

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • Nasal polyps

  • Allergic rhinitis

  • Deviated nasal septum

  • Endoscopic sinus surgery

3. Laryngology

• Focuses on throat and voice box disorders:

  • Hoarseness

  • Vocal cord nodules or paralysis

  • Laryngitis

  • Swallowing difficulties

4. Head and Neck Surgery

• Manages tumors, cancers, and trauma in the head and neck region:

  • Thyroid and parathyroid surgery

  • Salivary gland disorders

  • Neck masses

  • Reconstructive surgery

5. Pediatric ENT

• Specializes in ENT conditions in children:

  • Tonsillitis

  • Adenoid hypertrophy

  • Ear infections

  • Airway anomalies

6. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

• Includes cosmetic and reconstructive procedures:

  • Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)

  • Otoplasty (ear correction)

  • Facial trauma repair

7. Sleep Medicine

• Addresses sleep-related breathing disorders:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Snoring

  • Surgical interventions like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Common Diagnostic Tools & Procedures

• Otoscope, nasal endoscope, laryngoscope

• Audiometry and tympanometry

• CT/MRI for sinus and ear evaluation

• Allergy testing

• Sleep studies