otolaryngologists

Otolaryngology, also called otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, is a medical specialty focusing on diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. It covers both medical and surgical management. Practitioners treat hearing and balance disorders, sinus and nasal problems, voice and swallowing disorders, and skull base conditions.

Training typically requires medical school followed by a residency in otolaryngology, lasting several years. In many countries, board certification is pursued after residency, and physicians may complete fellowships in subspecialties such as pediatric otolaryngology or neurotology. Otorhinolaryngologists must maintain licensure and often engage in continuing medical education.

Common conditions include chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, ear infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, sore throat, voice disorders, sleep apnea, nasal obstruction, and tumors of the head and neck. Procedures commonly performed include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, ear tube placement, tympanoplasty, nasal endoscopy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, cochlear implants, laryngeal surgery, and neck or skull base operations.

Subspecialties include pediatric otolaryngology, neurotology (ear and balance disorders), rhinology (nose and sinuses), laryngology (voice and swallowing), and head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery. Otolaryngologists may work in hospitals, academic centers, or private practice and often collaborate with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, oncologists, and speech therapists.