What is an ENT Specialist?

An ENT doctor (which stands for Ear, Nose and Throat and is also known as an otolaryngologist) is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck.  Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties.  Medical providers of this subspecialty are also skilled in handling complex surgeries such as tumor removal, reconstructive surgery, and procedures to improve breathing and sleep apnea. 

At Pikes Peak ENT, Allergy and Asthma, our ENT specialists cater to the Colorado Springs and Woodland Park regions, treating a diverse array of conditions to enhance your well-being, improve breathing, and enrich your quality of life.

What Does an ENT do? 

After obtaining a thorough history and physical exam, an ENT doctor may use a variety of additional methods such as endoscopy, imaging tests, audiometry, and allergy assessments to diagnose and treat your medical issues. They may use both medical and surgical options to help improve your symptoms.

Additionally, ENT medicine collaborates with speech therapists, audiologists, and allergists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

If you have concerns about your nose, ear or throat health an ENT physician can offer insights into your condition, develop a customized treatment plan, and provide the necessary care to improve your symptoms and overall health.

Reasons You Should See an ENT Specialist

There are many reasons why your primary care doctor would choose to send you to be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat doctor.  Some of the common reasons to see an otolaryngologist include:

1. Chronic sinusitis: This is a long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity, causing congestion, facial pain/pressure, and thick mucus. It can interfere with your quality of life and breathing and sometimes needs surgery to treat.
2. Ear infections: These are infections that occur in the ear, often causing ear pain, swelling, and sometimes fluid discharge. They are particularly common in children, who can suffer from chronic ear infections. Treatment may include placing ear tubes inside your ear to help drain fluid and prevent frequent ear infections 
3. Hearing loss: This is a partial or total inability to hear. It can be caused by many factors, including age, loud noises, infections, disorders of the ear or ear blockages.
4. Balance disorders (like vertigo): These are conditions that make you feel dizzy or unsteady. Vertigo, a common type, creates the sensation that you or the environment around you is spinning.
5. Nasal congestion and stuffy nose: This happens when the nasal passages are swollen or blocked, making it hard to breathe through your nose. It can be caused by colds, flu, or allergies.
6. Tonsillitis: This is an infection of the tonsils, located at the back of your throat. Symptoms include chronic sore throat, swollen tonsils, and difficulty swallowing.
7. Throat conditions including sore throats: This is pain or irritation in the back of the throat, which can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke.
8. Voice and swallowing disorders: These conditions affect how you speak and swallow, how your voice box works, and often due to issues with the vocal cords or throat muscles.
9. Sleep apnea and snoring: Sleep apnea is a serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Snoring is a common symptom.
10. Nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds can be caused by dry air, high blood pressure, or nasal injuries. They can range from minor to serious.
11. Ear ringing (tinnitus): This is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can be constant or intermittent and may be linked to hearing loss.
12. Blocked ears or inner ear problems: This can happen due to earwax build-up, fluid in the middle ear, or changes in air pressure. It often affects hearing and comfort.
13. Thyroid problems: These issues affect the thyroid gland in your neck, which controls metabolism. Problems can include an overactive or underactive thyroid.
14. Head and neck tumors: These can be cancerous or non-cancerous growths in areas such as the throat, larynx, nose, and sinuses. This can also include exam of lymph nodes and lymph nodes biopsy.  
15. Cosmetic issues:  This may include treating deviated septum, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), otoplasty (ear pinning or reshaping), chin augmentation, facial implants, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for both functional and aesthetic improvements in the head and neck area.

Otolaryngologist Education and Training

To become a board-certified otolaryngologist, individuals must first complete medical school and then undergo years of specialty training in otolaryngology head and neck surgery. This training covered the wide range of conditions listed above, including neck surgery, deviated septum, head and neck cancer, sinus infections, nasal polyps, and more. Otolaryngologists may also specialize in pediatric otolaryngology or trained to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face.

To ensure they are well-equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions, many otolaryngologists become board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Does your primary care need to refer you to an ENT?

A referral from your primary care physician is sometimes needed to see a specialist.  This is largely dependent on your insurance and your policy’s requirements for seeking specialty care.  It is best to contact your insurance carrier and ask if otolaryngology is a medical specialty that requires an authorization before you see this type of specialist.

Why Choose Pikes Peak ENT, Allergy and Asthma?

At Pikes Peak ENT, Allergy & Asthma in Colorado Springs, our doctors are here to help you feel better. We care about you and want to make sure you get the best treatments. 

We know these issues can be scary, but our team is experienced and uses the latest medical tools to take care of you. Our doctors will make a special plan just for you, so you get the care you need to feel healthy and happy again. At Pikes Peak ENT, Allergy & Asthma, we promise to treat you with kindness and do our best to help you breathe easier and enjoy life more.

Make an Appointment

If you feel you need to be evaluated by an ENT, schedule an appointment with our ENT specialists today