ENT Specialist

Conditions Treated

• •Chronic Sinusitis — Long-term inflammation of the sinuses causing congestion, facial pain, and post-nasal drip.
• •Tonsillitis — Infection and inflammation of the tonsils, very common in children.
• •Hearing Loss — Partial or complete inability to hear, caused by age, noise exposure, infection, or structural problems.
• •Deviated Nasal Septum — The wall between nostrils is off-centre, causing one-sided nasal obstruction.
• •Allergic Rhinitis — Nasal inflammation triggered by allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander.
• •Vertigo & Balance Disorders — Sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by inner ear problems.

Health Tips

• •Never insert cotton buds or objects into your ears
• •Use noise-cancelling headphones instead of earbuds at high volume
• •Stay hydrated to keep nasal passages moist
• •Practice steam inhalation for sinus congestion
• •Don't ignore persistent hoarseness beyond 3 weeks
• •Manage allergies proactively

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Note when symptoms started and any triggers (dust, cold weather, etc.)
• •Bring any previous audiograms, CT scans, or ENT reports
• •List all medications including nasal sprays and allergy medicines
• •If experiencing vertigo, have someone accompany you for safety
• •Avoid putting anything in your ears (earbuds, cotton buds) before the visit
• •The ENT will examine ears, nose, and throat with a headlight and instruments
• •Endoscopy (thin camera through nose) may be done — slightly uncomfortable but painless
• •An audiogram (hearing test) may be conducted in a soundproof booth
• •Be specific about which ear, which nostril, or which side of throat is affected
• •Mention if you work in a noisy environment or use earphones frequently
• •Use nasal sprays and ear drops exactly as instructed — technique matters
• •Avoid loud noise exposure if diagnosed with hearing problems
• •Complete the full course of antibiotics for infections
• •Follow up if symptoms don't improve within the prescribed timeframe
• •Red flags: sudden hearing loss, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or worsening vertigo

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Is my hearing loss permanent or reversible?
• •Do I need surgery, or can medication resolve this?
• •Could my snoring be sleep apnea?
• •What is causing my recurring sinus infections?
• •Should I get an audiogram or hearing test?
• •Are there exercises or therapies that can help my condition?

When to See a Specialist

An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, also called an Otolaryngologist, treats conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. Consult an ENT when symptoms in these areas persist beyond what a GP can manage.

• •Hearing loss or ringing in ears (tinnitus) lasting more than a week
• •Ear pain or ear discharge
• •Chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis (more than 12 weeks)
• •Frequent nosebleeds
• •Sore throat lasting more than 2 weeks
• •Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than 3 weeks
• •Difficulty swallowing
• •Snoring with breathing pauses during sleep (sleep apnea)
• •Lump or swelling in the neck

Seek emergency care for sudden total hearing loss, foreign object stuck in ear/nose/throat, severe bleeding from nose that won't stop after 20 minutes, or difficulty breathing due to throat swelling.