It’s the little pleasures of life, such as laughing, hearing, smelling, and tasting, that make it all the more enjoyable.
Specialists in the field of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments ranging from hearing and balance to swallowing and speech to breathing and sleep troubles to allergies and sinuses. They ensure that your pleasures in life stay strong and healthy.
What is an ENT?
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that an ENT specializes in. Head and neck diseases are diagnosed, managed, and treated by otolaryngologists. The ears, nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx are all examined by an ENT practitioner.
A medical degree is not required to become an otolaryngologist, but they must complete a rigorous training program thereafter. By completing additional medical seminars and attending medical conferences, ENTs keep up their certifications in otolaryngology.
Just some of the areas specific to otolaryngology are:
● Allergies
● Pediatric otolaryngology
● Facial and plastic surgeries
● Rhinology focused on nose and sinus cavity issues
● Laryngology focused on swallowing, voice, throat problems
● Otology, neurotology and audiology specializing in ears, balance and tinnitus
These are issues related to an ENT but what are they best at treating?
What do ENT treat?
ENTs are known for addressing disorders of the head and neck, such as those associated with:
● Ears, including loss of hearing and issues related to the ear tubes
● Sinuses
● Voice box problems
● Tonsils
● Difficulty swallowing
● Taste and smell disorders
● Tumors in the mouth or the throat
● Cancers of the neck and head
However, one of the biggest reasons people seek out ENTs isn’t on that list, which leads to a major question.
Do ENTs Treat Vertigo?
Yes, ENTs are known to conduct a thorough examination of a patient’s symptoms if they believe they are suffering from vertigo. The first thing they want to know is whether it is in the ear or not. It’s not always possible to treat vertigo since it’s dizziness that doesn’t originate in the ear. You may be sent to another doctor if the problem is not in your ear.
If you are looking for a doctor in your area, it can be overwhelming to find them on your own, especially if you want one who accepts Medicaid.
Top 10 ENTs in Pennsylvania who Take Medicaid
1. Dr. Michael J Ruckenstein
3400 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1910
(215) 662-2777
2. Dr. Erica Thaler
3400 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 662-2777
3. Dr. Joel R Perloff
2112 Providence Ave
Chester, Pennsylvania 19013
(610) 874-5366
4. Dr. Robert Norman Lindholm
“1098 W Baltimore Pike Suite 3307
Media, Pennsylvania 19063”
(610) 892-0801
5. Dr. Frances E Marchant
830 Old Lancaster Rd Suite 209
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
(610) 527-1436
6. Joseph Scott Greene
100 N Academy Ave
Danville, Pennsylvania 17822
(570) 271-6429
7. Dr. Eric S Holender
217 Franklin Ave Ste 1
Palmerton, Pennsylvania 18071
(610) 824-5050
8. Dr. Brian J Broker
“826 Main St Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460”
(610) 415-1100
9. Dr. Stephen P. Gadomski
“1020 N Kings Hwy Suite 201
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034”
(856) 667-1575
10. Dr. Mark Richard Klingensmith
522 W Newton St Suite 200
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
(724) 834-8113
What Else Do ENTs Do?
ENT experts are not only physicians who can cure your sinus pain, sleep apnea, or swimmer’s ear. As surgeons, they have the ability to execute delicate surgeries to restore middle ear hearing and to remove cancerous tumors from the throat as well as to repair these vital organs. Additional training beyond medical school is required for this, which may take anywhere from five to eight years.
Now that you know what ENTs do, you’re probably wondering at which point you should make an appointment to see one.
When Should You See an ENT?
There are many reasons why you should visit your local ENT. Sometimes the problems that are just nagging but not debilitating are the ones that could lead to serious problems.
For example, there are several causes of hoarseness, including the common cold, bronchitis, or an evening of excessive karaoke. In the event that hoarseness persists for more than six weeks, you should see an ENT at your allergy clinic, since this might indicate a more severe medical condition, such as cancer of the larynx or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
An ENT specialist may also be needed if an issue recurs. Adults and children alike are susceptible to tonsillitis, which is rather frequent. Tonsillitis or a severe sore throat might need the removal of your tonsils. If you’re having trouble swallowing and breathing, or if you’re experiencing discomfort or a fever, you should visit an ENT to get a correct diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.
Additionally, if you notice hearing loss, you may need to consult an ENT. It’s possible to lose some hearing as you get older, but this isn’t always the case, and it may be an indication of more serious health issues. Your ENT will be able to identify the underlying reasons of abrupt hearing loss and provide a proper diagnosis. Meniere’s disease and other vascular inner ear disorders may be among them.
Once your appointment has been made, you may wonder what exactly you should expect when you walk through the doors.
What Happens at an ENT Appointment?
Typically upon arrival at the ENT office, a receptionist will ask for your name, address, and insurance information as soon as you arrive. After that, a medical assistant will fill out your medical history. In an exam room, they will take your vital signs, such as your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
The ENT will next do a physical examination by inspecting the ears, nose, and throat using specific instruments. They will check the ears under a microscope. If you have a problem with your nose or throat, we can rapidly assess it using cameras and scopes. An in-house CT scanner will be utilized to swiftly get images of the sinuses if you are experiencing sinus symptoms. Also on site is an Audiologist who can provide full ear examination, including checking for eardrum mobility and pressure, should the need arise.
Are there any important things you should make sure to do when you make your ENT appointment?
Make Sure to Ask Questions!
Asking questions when you’re uncertain is one of the best things you can do for both yourself and your doctor when you visit your ENT. When you call to make an appointment, be sure to inquire if there is anything you need to do in advance. Observe and adhere to any instructions or advice given to you by the staff person you talk with.
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