Departments

ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) symptoms refer to signs or indications of various conditions affecting the head and neck, including the ears, nose, throat, and related structures. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek consultation with an ENT specialist for a thorough evaluation:

1. Hearing Loss:
   • Difficulty hearing sounds or experiencing a decrease in overall hearing capacity.
2. Tinnitus:
   • Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears that are not related to external stimuli.
3. Ear Pain or Discomfort:
   • Pain, pressure, or discomfort in one or both ears, which may be accompanied by other symptoms.
4. Vertigo or Dizziness:
   • Sensation of spinning or dizziness, often associated with balance issues.
5. Ear Infections:
   • Redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear, which may be indicative of an infection.
6. Nasal Congestion:
   • Blockage or obstruction of the nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose.
7. Runny Nose:
   • Excessive nasal discharge, often accompanied by sneezing, which may be a sign of allergies or infections.
8. Sinus Pain or Pressure:
   • Pain or pressure around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks, often associated with sinus congestion.
9. Throat Pain or Soreness:
   • Pain or discomfort in the throat, especially during swallowing.
10. Voice Changes:
    • Hoarseness, raspiness, or changes in the quality of the voice.
11. Difficulty Swallowing:
    • Feeling of obstruction or discomfort when swallowing food or liquids.
12. Coughing:
    • Persistent or chronic cough that may be associated with respiratory or throat issues.
13. Snoring:
    • Loud or disruptive snoring during sleep, which may be indicative of sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders.
14. Tonsil Infections:
    • Swelling, redness, or pain in the tonsils, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
15. Neck Mass or Lump:
    • Presence of an unusual lump or mass in the neck that may be felt or seen.

ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) diagnosis involves a systematic evaluation of symptoms and clinical assessments to identify and understand conditions affecting the head and neck. ENT specialists use various diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of ear, nose, and throat disorders. Here are common methods used in ENT diagnosis:

1. Clinical History and Physical Examination:
   • An in-depth discussion of the patient’s medical history and an examination of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures to identify visible abnormalities or signs of infection.
2. Audiometry:
   • Hearing tests, including pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry, to assess the patient’s hearing ability and identify any hearing loss.
3. Tympanometry:
   • Measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure, providing information about middle ear function.
4. Otoscopy:
   • Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to detect ear infections, blockages, or abnormalities.
5. Nasal Endoscopy:
   • Insertion of a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) into the nasal passages to visualize the nasal cavity and assess for issues such as nasal polyps, sinusitis, or structural abnormalities.
6. Laryngoscopy:
   • Examination of the throat and vocal cords using a laryngoscope, which may be done transnasally or transorally.
7. Imaging Studies:
   • CT (Computed Tomography) scans or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be used to obtain detailed images of the head and neck structures for a more comprehensive assessment.
8. Allergy Testing:
   • Skin prick tests or blood tests may be performed to identify specific allergens that could be contributing to nasal or respiratory symptoms.
9. Videostroboscopy:
   • A specialized assessment of vocal cord function using strobe light technology to observe vocal cord vibrations during speech.
10. Swallowing Studies:
    • Evaluates the function of the swallowing mechanism, often using fluoroscopy or endoscopy.
11. Sleep Studies:
    • Polysomnography or home sleep studies may be conducted to assess sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.
12. Biopsy:
    • Removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis, typically performed when there is a suspicion of tumors or abnormal growths.
13. Balance Testing:
    • Assessments such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) to evaluate balance and vestibular function.