Otolaryngology FAQs and Fact Sheet

What is an Otolaryngologist?

We're usually called "ear, nose, throat" doctors and we specialize in treating and operating on the ears, nose, throat and related areas of the head and neck. If your otolaryngologist is board-certified, she or he has completed five or more years of training after medical school.

Does a pediatric otolaryngologists have extra training?

Yes. Because of the differences in children and adults, pediatric otolaryngologists receive specialized medical training in treating children with these disorders. The American Academy of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) currently recognizes fewer than 200 specialists in the United States.

What are the most common disorders treated in otolaryngology?

• Cosmetic tumors on the head, neck and face
• Ear disease, including ear infections and ear tubes
• Hearing impairment, including hearing loss
• Sinus, thyroid and larynx problems (throat and voicebox)

We offer special expertise in pediatric airway disease, sinusitis, all types of pediatric otologic and hearing conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, and tumors (both benign and malignant) of the head and neck:

• Laryngology: laryngomalacia, subglottic hemangiomas, subglottic stenosis, vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal webs, laryngeal cysts, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; croup, stridor, chronic cough, hoarseness.
• Bronchoesophagology: gastroesophageal reflux, treatment of other breathing and swallowing disorders, and foreign body removal.
• Rhinology: Medical and surgical management of allergic rhinitis, chronic and recurrent sinusitis.
• Otology/Neurotology: congenital and acquired hearing loss, cholesteatoma, tympanic membrane perforations, otosclerosis, congenital aural atresia, balance disorders, facial paralysis, and cochlear implantation.
• Communication Disorders: speech and language problems, velopharyngeal insufficiency.