Halsspecialists

Halsspecialists, also known as otolaryngologists or ENT physicians, are medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The specialty covers both medical and surgical management and spans pediatric and adult patients.

Training typically begins with medical school, followed by a residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Many practitioners pursue sub-specialty fellowships in areas such as pediatric ENT, rhinology (nose and sinuses), laryngology (voice and swallowing), skull base surgery, or head and neck oncology. Board certification is common in many countries.

Halsspecialists manage a broad range of conditions. Ears include hearing loss, balance disorders, tinnitus, and infections. Nose and sinuses involve allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal obstruction, and polyps. Throat and voice concerns cover tonsillitis, laryngitis, swallowing disorders, reflux, and voice changes. Neck problems include thyroid and parathyroid disease, salivary gland disorders, and cancers of the head and neck. The field also overlaps with sleep medicine for snoring and sleep apnea.

Diagnostics often rely on endoscopy, audiology testing, imaging such as CT or MRI, and sometimes biopsy. Treatments may be medical, such as medications or voice therapy, or surgical, including tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, cochlear implants, thyroidectomy, and various endoscopic procedures. Collaboration with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, oncologists, and other specialists is common.

When to seek care: persistent ear pain or hearing loss, recurrent throat infections, chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis, hoarseness or swallowing difficulties, a lump in the neck, or suspected sleep apnea. Early evaluation can aid in diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.