Otolaryngology

What do Otolaryngologist Treat?

The Ears. The ear is made up of three different sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. These all work together to hear and process sounds as well as help to keep balance. The outer ear is called the pinna or auricle. This is the part of the ear that is visible externally. The pinna collects sound as well as produces earwax. Cerumen (ear wax) helps fight off infections by helping prevent bacteria from entering the ear canal, and it also traps dirt. Sound waves funnel down the pinna, which opens into the ear canal, where the waves travel to the middle ear. The tympanic membrane (eardrum) separates the ear canal from the middle ear. The job of the middle ear is to take these waves and convert them into vibrations (the malleus, incus, and stapes, which are small middle ear bones, are responsible for this transition) that are delivered to the inner ear. Nerve signals are created here and travel to the brain, which processes these signals as sound. Also, in the inner ear, there are three small loops called semicircular canals, which are responsible for balance. At times, a patient may have inflammation of the inner ear, which can cause severe problems with balance and a sensation of the room spinning (vertigo).

The incidence of hearing loss in 2030 is estimated to be 78 Americans million, up from 28 million currently. One possible explanation is the popularity of objects that place speakers close to the ears, such as portable music listening devices and cell phone earpieces. Otolaryngologists excel in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such disorders. Their training ranges from medical and surgical treatment of hearing problems, ear infections, balance disorders, ringing ears (tinnitus), nerve pain, facial and cranial nerve disorders as well as congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

The Nose. A consultation with an otolaryngologist may be sought in cases of chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus lining membrane), which affects nearly 35 million Americans yearly. If the clinical scenario is severe enough, they may perform sinus surgery if medical intervention has been unsuccessful. They also manage and treat other conditions ranging from allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane) to breathing defects or even nasal cosmetic concerns, depending on their subspecialty.

The Throat. Some historians argue that if George Washington had been treated by an experienced ENT back in December of 1799, he would have survived what turned out to be fatal “inflammatory quinsy.” President Washington was bled approximately four separate times, equaling a total loss of five pints of blood (as was the accepted treatment of the time). Today's otolaryngologist would be well trained in diagnosing and managing what was most likely a Streptococcus infection leading to tonsillitis. Other diseases of the throat involve communicating (talking, singing, etc.), swallowing, esophageal and upper airway disorders.

...