What is an ENT Specialist?

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a doctor trained in the medical and surgical treatment
of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ear, nose and nasal passages, sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face.
 
Dr P Desmarais
Dr P Desmarais
 
 
The Ear
This is the unique domain of the ear, nose, and throat specialist. This includes medical and
surgical treatment of hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial
nerve disorders, as well as management of congenital birth disorders.
 
 
The Nose
Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of the ENT specialist.
Management of disorders of the nasal cavity; paranasal sinuses, allergies, sense of smell, and
nasal respiration (breathing), as well as the external appearance of the nose are part of the ENT's
area of expertise.
 
 
The Throat
Also specific to the ENT speciality is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box)
and the upper aerodigestive tract or oesophagus, including disorders of the voice, respiration
(breathing), and swallowing.
 
 
The Head and Neck
In the head and neck area, and ENT specialist is trained to treat infectious diseases, tumours
(both benign and malignant), facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

An ENT specialist may work with a team of doctors in other medical and surgical specialties.
Common ground is shared with neurosurgery in treating skull base disorders; plastic surgery in
correcting cosmetic and traumatic deformities; ophtalmology in treating structural abnormalities
near the eye; oral surgery in treating jaw and dental trauma; allergy in managing sinus disease;
dermatology in caring for skin cancers; oncology in managing head and neck cancers; and
paediatrics and family practice in caring for common infectious, congenital, traumatic, and
malignant (cancerous) diseases and disorders in the paediatric and general population.

This is the unique domain of the ear, nose, and throat specialist. This includes medical and
surgical treatment of hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial
nerve disorders, as well as management of congenital birth disorders.