What Is an ENT Doctor?

An ENT doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a physician and surgeon who specializes in conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. To become an ENT doctor, physicians complete four years of medical school followed by five years of specialized residency training in otolaryngology. During this time, they learn how to diagnose and treat a wide range of head and neck disorders.

Some ENT doctors pursue additional fellowship training after residency to further specialize in areas such as pediatric ENT, sinus disease, voice disorders, hearing and balance, head and neck cancer, or facial reconstructive surgery.

What Do ENT Doctors Treat?

ENT doctors diagnose and treat conditions involving the ears, nose, and throat, as well as related areas of the head and neck (excluding the eyes). Treatment may involve medical management, in-office procedures, or surgery, depending on the condition.

Common areas of care include ear disorders, sinus and nasal conditions, voice and swallowing issues, allergies, pediatric ENT concerns, sleep apnea and snoring, hearing and balance disorders, and head and neck conditions.

Do I Need a Referral to See an ENT Specialist?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see an ENT specialist. Many patients schedule appointments directly with an ENT doctor. Sometimes another healthcare provider may recommend seeing an ENT for further evaluation, but a referral is still often not required.

However, some insurance plans do require a referral for specialist visits. If this applies to you, your primary care provider can submit the necessary referral.

When Should I See an ENT Doctor?

There are many reasons to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist. Below are some of the most common symptoms and situations that indicate it may be time to see an ENT at ENT & Allergy Associates.

Ear-Related Symptoms

Persistent ear pain - Ear pain can range from mild discomfort to sharp or throbbing pain and may be caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, earwax impaction, or pressure changes. Persistent or worsening ear pain should be evaluated by an ENT to determine the underlying cause and prevent complications.
Hearing loss lasting more than one to two weeks - If you’ve been experiencing problems with your hearing for more than a week or two, then it’s time to see your ear, nose and throat doctor. Temporary hearing loss can happen from time to time - if you listen to loud music for longer than recommended, for example. But, when the problem persists, it may be a sign of permanent damage to your ear, and you need to have it looked at.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) - Ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ears—known as tinnitus—can be constant or intermittent. Tinnitus may be linked to hearing loss, ear infections, noise exposure, or other medical conditions. An ENT evaluation can help identify potential causes and management options.
Dizziness or balance issues - Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems may be related to inner ear disorders that affect how your body senses movement and position. Because balance issues can significantly impact safety and quality of life, persistent symptoms should be assessed by an ENT specialist.
Drainage from the ear - Fluid or discharge coming from the ear may indicate an ear infection, eardrum perforation, or chronic ear condition. Drainage should not be ignored, especially if accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or fever.
Pressure or fullness in the ear - A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears can be caused by fluid buildup, sinus issues, allergies, or Eustachian tube dysfunction. An ENT can determine whether the issue is related to the middle ear, sinuses, or nasal passages.
Recurrent ear infections - Frequent ear infections in children or adults may signal underlying problems such as fluid retention, allergies, or anatomical issues. ENT evaluation can help prevent repeated infections and reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage.
Speech delays in children - Speech and language delays in children can sometimes be linked to hearing loss or chronic ear infections. An ENT can assess hearing and ear health to determine whether these issues are contributing to delayed speech development.
Ear itching - Persistent ear itching may be caused by skin conditions, allergies, infections, or irritation from hearing devices or earbuds. An ENT can identify the cause and recommend treatments to relieve irritation and prevent infection.
Earwax Buildup - Excess earwax can block the ear canal and cause hearing loss, discomfort, or ringing in the ears. ENT specialists safely remove earwax using medical instruments rather than at-home methods that can worsen the problem.

Nose and Sinus Symptoms

Chronic nasal congestion or blocked nasal passages - Do you constantly wake up with a blocked nose? Are you finding it hard to breathe because your nasal passage just feels clogged up all the time? If so, then you should look for an ear, nose and throat doctor. Continuous nasal congestion is not normal and is usually a sign of a persistent issue. By seeing a specialist, you will figure out the cause of this and receive a solution right away. Common causes include airborne allergies, infections, or a deviated septum.
Nasal drainage (clear or discolored) - Persistent nasal drainage—whether clear or discolored—can indicate allergies, sinus infections, or chronic inflammation. Ongoing drainage may also contribute to cough or throat irritation and should be evaluated by an ENT.
Post-nasal drip - Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus drains down the back of the throat, often causing throat clearing, coughing, or irritation. Common causes of post-nasal drip include allergies, sinus infections, and reflux, all of which an ENT can help diagnose and manage.
Sinus pain or facial pressure - Your sinuses take up a large portion of your face and can become inflamed and very sore when problems are present. As such, if you experience sinus pain that lasts for a few days, then you should see an ENT specialist. Sinus pain includes pain in your face, ear, upper teeth region, and nose. Go and see your ENT doctor and they will diagnose the source of your sinus pain and find the best treatment plan for you.
Frequent sinus infections - Sinus infections can cause facial pain, pressure, congestion, headaches, and nasal drainage. Recurrent or chronic sinus infections may require specialized ENT care to prevent long-term sinus damage.
Nosebleeds - Frequent or severe nosebleeds may result from dry nasal passages, allergies, infections, or blood vessel abnormalities. An ENT can identify the source of bleeding and provide treatment to reduce recurrence.
Loss of smell - A reduced or lost sense of smell can be caused by sinus disease, nasal obstruction, infections, or neurological conditions. Because smell plays an important role in safety and quality of life, persistent smell and taste changes should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
Allergies - Nasal allergies can cause congestion, sneezing, itching, and sinus pressure. ENT & Allergy Associates offers comprehensive allergy evaluation and treatment to help patients manage symptoms and improve daily comfort.

Your sinuses take up a large portion of your face and can become inflamed and very sore when problems are present. As such, if you experience sinus pain that lasts for a few days, then you should see an ENT specialist. Sinus pain includes pain in your face, ear, upper teeth region, and nose. Go and see your ENT doctor and they will diagnose the source of your sinus pain and find the best treatment plan for you.

Do you constantly wake up with a blocked nose? Are you finding it hard to breathe because your nasal passage just feels clogged up all the time? If so, then you should look for an ear, nose and throat doctor. Continuous nasal congestion is not normal and is usually a sign of a persistent issue. By seeing a specialist, you will figure out the cause of this and receive a solution right away. Common causes include airborne allergies, infections, or a deviated septum.

Throat and Neck Symptoms

Throat pain that is severe, recurrent, or persistent may be caused by infection, inflammation, reflux, or other conditions. An ENT can examine the throat to identify the cause and recommend treatment.

Persistent or severe sore throat - Sore throats are highly common, so don’t assume you should ring up an ENT specialist the moment you feel one developing. Instead, you should visit this specialist doctor if your sore throat is either so severe you can barely drink water or has been there for longer than a week. Both instances indicate that your problem is probably not a common sore throat. Book an appointment and you will have a thorough throat examination to see if the issue is something serious like tonsillitis, or maybe something less severe like GERD.
Difficulty swallowing - Trouble swallowing can feel like food is getting stuck or going down slowly. This symptom may be related to throat inflammation, structural issues, or nerve disorders and should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
Hoarseness or voice changes - Hoarseness or voice changes lasting longer than two weeks may be caused by vocal strain, reflux, infections, or vocal cord conditions. ENT doctors specialize in evaluating and treating voice disorders.
Feeling of a lump in the throat - A persistent feeling of a lump in the throat can be uncomfortable and concerning. This sensation may be caused by reflux, muscle tension, or inflammation and is commonly evaluated by ENT specialists.
Recurrent throat infections - Frequent throat infections, including tonsillitis, may interfere with daily activities and overall health. An ENT can determine whether medical management or surgical options are appropriate.
Snoring or symptoms of sleep apnea - Chronic snoring or symptoms of sleep apnea—such as daytime fatigue or breathing pauses during sleep—may be related to airway obstruction. ENT specialists evaluate the nose and throat to identify contributing factors and treatment options.
Lumps or masses in the neck - New or persistent lumps in the neck should always be evaluated. While many are benign, some may be related to infections, thyroid conditions, or head and neck cancers. ENT doctors are trained to assess and manage these concerns.

If a sore throat lasts longer than a week or is severe enough to interfere with eating or drinking, it should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

What Can I Expect at My ENT Appointment?

At your appointment with ENT & Allergy Associates, you will first discuss your symptoms and medical history with your ENT doctor. They will ask detailed questions related to your concerns and then perform a focused examination of your ears, nose, and throat.

Depending on your symptoms, your ENT may:

Examine your ears with specialized instruments or a microscope
Clean earwax if needed
Perform a hearing test
Use a small camera to examine your nasal passages or throat

After the examination, your ENT will review their findings with you and discuss recommended next steps, which may include treatment options, additional testing, or follow-up care.

Schedule an ENT Appointment with ENT & Allergy Associates

If you are experiencing ongoing ear, nose, or throat symptoms, early evaluation can help prevent complications and relieve discomfort sooner. The physicians at ENT & Allergy Associates provide expert care across a wide range of ENT conditions.

With multiple convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, it’s easy to find an ENT near you and schedule an appointment. Contact ENT & Allergy Associates today to take the next step toward better ear, nose, and throat health.