Otolaryngologie

Otolaryngologie, also known as otolaryngology or ENT, is a medical specialty that focuses on disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. In French-speaking contexts the field is commonly referred to as oto-rhino-laryngologie or ORL. Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat both medical and surgical conditions across pediatric and adult patients. The field encompasses hearing and balance disorders, sinus and nasal disease, voice and swallowing problems, sleep-disordered breathing, tumors of the head and neck, and congenital or acquired airway issues.

Key areas include otology and neurotology (ears and hearing), rhinology and sinus disease (nose and sinuses), laryngology (throat, voice, and swallowing), and head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery. Subspecialists may focus on pediatric otolaryngology, skull base surgery, cochlear implants, or allergy.

Common diagnostic tools are audiometry, tympanometry, endoscopy, imaging such as CT or MRI, and laryngoscopy. Treatments range from medications and allergy management to endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, ear microsurgery, cochlear implants, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, nasal valve procedures, and thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Otolaryngologists often collaborate with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and oncologists.

Training involves completion of a medical degree followed by a residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Many physicians undertake fellowships in subspecialties. The specialty operates worldwide with professional associations that publish guidelines and support research and continuing education.