Otolaryngology FAQs – Ear, Nose & Throat Care (ENT) 

An Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT) is the same thing as an Otolaryngologist. ENT is a patient-friendly term for the title, while Otolaryngologist is the more formal name for the role.

An Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical provider with unique training in the medical and surgical management of disorders relating to the ear, nose, and throat. They can diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck region. Some ENTs have specialized training in a subspecialty of their overall training, including ear, nose, pediatric otolaryngology, throat, head and neck (thyroid), sleep, audiology, and more.

Unlike a general practitioner of medicine, ENTs have unique, specialized training that makes them adept at diagnosis and treatment of disorders, injuries, and conditions relating to the ear, nose, and throat region of the body. While a primary care provider (PCP) may be instrumental in providing necessary referrals, an ENT specialist has a better understanding of the ear, nose, and throat structures of the body.

ENTs treat a range of conditions relating to the ear, nose, and throat, including but not limited to:

• Allergies
• Hearing Loss
• Chronic sinus issues
• Head and neck masses, cancers, and tumors
• Pediatric ENT issues
• Thyroid and parathyroid disorders
• Vestibular disorders
• Tinnitus

There are many reasons that may prompt you to see an ENT. Oftentimes, a primary care provider (PCP) will be able to refer you to an otolaryngologist for symptoms that indicate a condition or injury relating to the ear, nose, and throat, such as:

• Sore throat
• Persistent runny nose, sinus pressure, or congestion
• Dizziness/vertigo
• Chronic cough
• Frequent ear infection
• Hearing loss
• Tonsillitis
• Sleep apnea
• Masses on the neck or face
• Difficulty swallowing

If you develop any of the above symptoms, contact a TPMG Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist today or reach out to your TPMG primary care provider regarding referral.

Nasal Polyps are small, non-cancerous growths that develop in the sinuses and cause symptoms including a runny/stuffy nose, mucus running down the throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, tooth pain, snoring, and pressure over the face. While nasal polyps may not always cause symptoms, they can lead to significant sensory loss, breathing difficulty, and infection if left unaddressed. If you experience symptoms of nasal polyps for more than 10 days or experience worsened symptoms, contact a trusted medical provider.

No, you do not need a referral to see a TPMG Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist; however, some primary care providers do offer referrals to patients who require ENT services.

A persistent sore throat isn’t always a sign you need your tonsils removed. Conditions like tonsillitis may require tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), but there are other forms of treatment that may be a better fit. Tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils become inflamed with infection (strep throat, influenza, mono, etc.). The best way to learn if you require a tonsillectomy or other forms of treatment is to talk to a TPMG ENT specialist about your symptoms.

At TPMG, our ENT specialists work alongside patients to deliver exceptional and compassionate care. With highly specialized training, precision, and attention to detail, we can better treat disorders of the ear, nose, and throat—vital areas that aid everyday bodily functions such as speech, voice, hearing, taste, and breathing.

For more information regarding TPMG’s ENT services, visit our information page here.