Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties in the US. Every year, millions of Americans visit otolaryngologists. You may not have heard this word before, but you must be familiar with an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist.
ENT doctors manage and diagnose disorders and diseases related to ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. They can treat ordinary conditions that you frequently encounter like clogged ears, a stuffy nose, or a sore throat. Additionally, they can treat severe disorders including tumors and cancers. Otolaryngologists treat diseases with medical and surgical skills both –depending on the intensity of the condition.
What to Look For in an ENT?
Ear, nose, and throat are crucial to the proper functioning of the rest of the body. You can’t afford to take any risk for treating disorders related to them. No one wants to compromise on health, and surely you won’t either. Before booking an appointment with an ENT, make sure to consider some important facts.
1. Credentials
ENT doctors have to complete 15 years of education and training to qualify as an expert in Otolaryngology. The journey starts from a four-year undergraduate degree followed by another four-years in the medical school.
A doctor has to finish a residency program of five years. He/she needs to dedicate time to general surgeries, critical care, and anesthesia. The next step is to undergo an evaluation and get certified. For this, the trainee otolaryngologist has to pass a written and oral examination. The American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) administers this exam.
There are various online sources that you can visit to check the credentials of your ENT; National Committee for Quality Assurance is one of them.
2. Specialized Area
Though most of the ENT physicians are professionally ready to treat otolaryngological diseases, some pursue additional training in one of the subspecialty. The specialized areas include
- Allergies: allergy sensitivities using medicines or immunotherapy
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: cosmetic, reconstructive, or trauma surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery: For removal of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Laryngology: throat diseases and disorders
- Otology/ Neurotology: ear problems including infections, traumas and nerve pathway disorders
- Pediatric otolaryngology: treatment of children and infants with a congenital disability
- Rhinology: nasal disorders and sinuses
- Sleep Disorders: ENT disorders affecting sleep
So, if you have an enlarged thyroid problem, make sure you are not contacting an ENT specialized in allergies.
3. Age Matters
Not talking about your physician’s age; your age matters. If your infant is suffering from any disease or disorder, you would prefer to visit an ENT trained in Pediatric otolaryngology. Some ENTs treating may not have specialized in the field but may have a vast experience.
Hearing loss is common in people in the US aging between 65 and 75. If you are one of them, you will look for an ENT who is abreast on the hearing issues. Age does come into play while choosing an otolaryngologist.
4. Location
Nose, ear, and throat diseases are so common that people often don’t seek medical help –especially if the clinic is at a far distance. Driving through a long route to see a doctor is not pleasing, especially when you have nasal congestion or an ear infection.
So, keep your feasibility in mind. Make a list of the best ENTs practicing within your area or adjacent to it. Also, check if the visiting hours suit you or not.
Bottom Line
Your primary physician can manage some of your nose, throat, or ear problems. But, you may require an expert’s help in certain disorders and diseases. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor in NYC.
Michael C. Burnett, MD
115 East 57th Street
Suite 600
Between Park + Lexington Avenues
212-867-4813
