What is Otolaryngology?

Otorhinolaryngology (or otolaryngology, as it is commonly known), is the study of ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions. It is one of the oldest medical specialties in the world and forms a significant part of both community, as well as hospital, practice.

The head and neck contain a number of our sense organs and as an ENT surgeon you will deal with problems affecting hearing, balance, taste and smell. Parts of the head and neck also form an interface between the external world and our internal environment and can often be affected by infections and inflammatory conditions.

Since the head/face/neck forms a visible portion of our bodies, as an ENT surgeon you must be cognisant of the cosmetic aspects of their interventions. For the same reason, procedures such as the nose and ear reshaping may also form a part of your workload. Otolaryngologists also treat children with a range of problems, such as tonsillitis, glue ear and airway abnormalities, while adult patients are often treated for sinus infections, age-related hearing loss and, occasionally, cancers of the head and neck.