Most people see primary care physicians and dentists annually. Unless you’ve got a chronic condition, ENT appointments may be much more infrequent. Because these specialists are trained to identify specific ENT-related conditions, these visits can be more involved than the GP visit that resulted in your referral. If you want to know what to expect during your first ENT visit, you’re not alone.
Why Visit an ENT
The ENT—ear, nose and throat—system is complex and interconnected. ENTs specialize in this zone, as well as other related structures in the head and neck, so these are the medical professionals you want to visit if you have any conditions in this area. This could include:
- Chronic ear infections
- Chronic sinus infections
- Tonsillitis
- Frequent hoarseness
- Hearing impairment
- Sleep disorder
- Earwax impaction
- Balance issues
If you have a condition that warrants an ENT’s attention, most first appointments follow the same structure.
A Review of Your Medical History
To begin, your ENT will have an in-depth conversation about your medical history, including your current health, lifestyle, current medications, recent operations or treatments and past medical conditions, before discussing your relevant symptoms and when they started. This helps your doctor get the full picture of your health before diving in.
A Physical Examination
What exactly happens at this stage will depend on what your symptoms are and what you discussed about your medical history, but generally speaking, the ENT will carefully examine your ears, nose and/or throat using noninvasive tools (such as an otoscope for the ears) or their hands (such as feeling for swelling, tenderness or lumps).
Possible Diagnostic Testing
In certain cases, a more in-depth examination with a diagnostic tool may be necessary. Some examples include:
- Nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and sinus cavity
- CT (computed tomography) scan to get a detailed view of the sinuses, like an advanced X-ray
- Laryngoscopy to examine the throat and vocal cords (larynx)
- Hearing test
- Comprehensive balance evaluation
Building and Discussing a Treatment Plan
After all tests are completed and the ENT is confident they know what the issue is, the ENT will lead a discussion on their findings, their conclusions, their diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan. This could include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications, either over-the-counter or prescription
- Non-invasive procedures
- Surgery
If further testing is needed on a different day or at a different facility (many ENTs are affiliated with a local hospital as well as a clinic for their surgeries), that will also be discussed and referred or scheduled at this time. We usually begin with the least invasive treatment options, but if surgery is needed, your ENT will explain the procedure’s details, risks, benefits and recovery with you in detail. We are here to be your partner in ENT health. If you’re ready to find solutions to your ear, nose or throat-related symptoms, call South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan today to schedule your initial appointment.