What is Otolaryngology?
(oh'-tow-lar-in-gol'-o-gee)
Otolaryngology is the study and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat.
What is an Otolaryngologist?
(oh'-tow-lar-in-gol'-o-gist)
An Otolaryngologist is:
A physician and surgeon specialist with extensive training in diseases of the ear, nose, throat and other structures of the head and neck who treats adults and children.
A surgical specialist performing facial cosmetic and head and neck reconstructive surgery.
Highly trained in both medical management and microscopic and laser surgery of ear, nose and throat problems.
An expert in a large range of illnesses from minor ear infections to nasal and sinus diseases to throat and voice disorders to complicated head and neck tumors.
A board certified otolaryngologist must have at least five years of specialized training following medical school.
Otolaryngologists are able to help patients in many ways including the use of advanced technology. Diagnosis can be made through use of microscopic and endoscopic examination, auditory and voice testing, and computerized balance evaluation.
Management of otolaryngologic problems has made tremendous strides especially with use of laser, endoscope, and microsurgery and the efficiency and miniaturization of hearing aids.
Otolaryngologists constantly seek to educate the public regarding life-style habits that are injurious to the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. They speak out against smokeless tobacco, which leads to cancer of the mouth and throat; noisy work environments and loud music which lead to hearing impairment; and cigarette smoking which causes throat as well as lung cancer and poses special health hazards to children.
What is a rhinologist?
(Rye-now-low-jist)
A rhinologist is a person specializing in disease of the nose and sinuses. A rhinologist may take care of allergy problems and treat nasal and sinus problems with medicine and/or surgery. Rhinologist all have special training in ear, nose and throat and are otolaryngologists.
Rhinologists will be a member of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) which is an education, research and patient advocacy society for physicians specializing in nose and sinus disorders.
How should I choose my Otolaryngologist?
In choosing your Otolaryngologist, you can be referred by your family physician or pediatrician or you can call your local medical society for a list of Board Certified otolaryngologists. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has a full listing of otolaryngologists. The American Rhinologic Society (ARS) has a full lisiting of members and specialists in nose and sinus problems. Of course, many people discuss these matters with their family and friends. Happy, healthy and satisfied patients are the best measure for selecting any physician.
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