Otolaryngology, or ENT for short, is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the head and neck, from chronic sinus infections to more serious issues like throat cancer. Otolaryngology is the study and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Dr. Seth Willen, a board certified otolaryngologist at Western Reserve Hospital, describes his specialty as an area of medicine where one will "diagnose, treat, and manage all conditions of the head and neck...with the exception of the eyes or the brain or the teeth." Below we will explore some of the most common conditions treated by an ENT as well as what to expect when seeing an otolaryngologist for the first time.
Common ENT Conditions and Their Treatments
ENT specialists treat a wide variety of conditions, including everything from recurring ear infections to issues like sleep apnea. Some of the most common conditions they treat include:
- Chronic ear infections
- Hearing loss
- Head and neck cancer
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Chronic nasal obstruction
- Sinusitis
- Sleep apnea
- Voice disorders
- Swallowing problems
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Thyroid disorders
Chronic Ear Infections
Recurring ear infections are one of the most common reasons people visit an ENT specialist. These infections can cause pain, fever, and even hearing loss if left untreated. There are three main types of ear infections:
- Outer ear infections (swimmer's ear)
- Middle ear infections (otitis media)
- Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis)
Treatment for ear infections depends on the type and severity of the infection. A patient is typically referred to an ENT if ear infections become chronic. Dr. Willen explains that "fluid can remain in the middle ear space after an acute infection, which can cause hearing loss. If it becomes chronic, this may require placement of a myringotomy tube, which is a really basic procedure that we do sometimes in the office and sometimes in the operating room." This allows fluid to drain from the ear, allowing improvement in hearing.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is another common issue treated by ENT specialists. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging
- Exposure to loud noises
- Fluid from ear infections
- Genetics
- Certain medications
Treatment for hearing loss depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Willen describes that his role as an ENT is to "sort through the patient’s history, do a careful ear examination and hearing test in order to determine exactly what would be beneficial for an individual patient." Sometimes the root cause is fluid in the ears and hearing loss can be solved by a simple procedure. Other times hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other surgical procedures may be necessary to treat hearing loss.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where an anatomic obstruction in the head and neck may intermittently block the airway, resulting in pauses in breathing during sleep. This can be due to issues such as enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, or to excessive relaxation of the tongue during sleep, according to Dr. Willen. Official diagnosis of sleep apnea is made by performing a sleep study where a patient's oxygen saturation and airflow are monitored as they sleep. This data is evaluated by a sleep medicine doctor in order to determine how often breathing is interrupted during sleep and from there, an ENT can determine what treatment option is best.
Possible treatments for sleep apnea include:
- Positive pressure therapy using a CPAP or other machine during sleep
- Use of a dental appliance that can advance the jaw forward to open the airway
- Surgery if the issue stems from tongue obstruction, large tonsils or a severe septal deviation
Hyploglossal nerve stimulator therapy is a newer treatment option that Dr. Willen describes as an implanted device that senses when a patient is breathing and automatically stimulates the tongue to move forward. This is an option for patients with moderate to servere sleep apnea for whom other treatments have not been successful.
Nasal Polyps
Dr. Willen explains that nasal polyps are "inflammatory masses in the nasal cavity that are a form of chronic sinusitis." These polyps can can cause symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Facial pain
- Loss of smell
Treatment for nasal polyps requires your ENT to use a special camera called a nasal endoscope to determine how diffuse the polyps are. Usually a CT scan will be ordered to determine the extent of the polyps. At that point the doctor can recommend treatment which might include surgery to remove the polyps which often results in rapid improvement in symptoms. Recently, a new kind of medication called interleukin inhibitors are used to successfully treat patients whose nasal polyps have become more recurrent and chronic.
Neck Masses
Neck masses are lumps or swelling in the neck that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infections
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, it's important to have it evaluated by an ENT specialist. They can perform tests like a biopsy or imaging scans to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment for neck masses can range from antibiotics for a swollen gland that has become infected to surgical removal of an entire mass.
What to expect from your ENT
When it comes to the health of your ears, nose, and throat, ENT specialists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. ENT doctors help to tailor their approach to meet every single patient's unique needs. From the moment you walk into their office for your first visit, they're focused on understanding your unique needs and concerns. So, what can you expect during your initial consultation with an ENT specialist? Well, it all starts with a thorough evaluation process. Your ENT doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history and any symptoms you've been experiencing. They'll want to know how long you've been dealing with these issues, what makes them better or worse, and how they're impacting your daily life. Next, they'll perform a physical exam, which may include looking inside your ears, nose, and throat using specialized instruments. They may also order additional tests, such as hearing tests, sleep studies, or imaging scans, to get a more detailed picture of what's going on. The goal of this evaluation process is to gather all the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Otolaryngology as a Specialty
When asked why he chose Otolaryngology as a specialty, Dr. Willen illustrates that despite only working with the head and neck, an ENT actually covers a very broad range of issues. It is a very procedure-based and patient centered area of medicine, so it appeals to many doctors who really are fulfilled by being able to work with their hands. He also explains that "we get to see both children and younger people, as well as older people, so it's very broad in terms of variety, which keeps it interesting, and that's why I think we enjoy what we do."
Why Choose Dr. Willen and Western Reserve Hospital?
Western Reserve Hospital provides ENT services as a part of comprehensive treatment plans that come together to treat the whole patient. Dr. Willen is a board-certified otolaryngologist who has spent nearly two decades working to ensure that his patients receive the best possible care. Looking for an ENT to evaluate and treat your symptoms? Reach out to Dr. Willen today to set up a consultation.