Ear, Nose & Throat
Ear, nose and throat (ENT, or otolaryngology) care treats disorders of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, and head and neck — including hearing loss, chronic sinusitis, tonsil and adenoid problems, balance disorders, snoring and sleep apnea, and head and neck cancers. Treatment ranges from medication to endoscopic and reconstructive surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The ear, nose and throat are closely connected and affect essential functions including hearing, balance, breathing, smell, taste, voice and swallowing. ENT conditions are very common across all ages — from childhood ear infections and tonsillitis to adult sinus disease, hearing loss and voice problems.
Modern ENT surgery is often minimally invasive: endoscopic sinus surgery, for example, treats chronic sinusitis through the nostrils without external incisions. Hearing can be restored or improved with surgery, hearing aids or implantable devices, while head and neck cancers are managed by multidisciplinary teams combining surgery, radiotherapy and reconstruction.
For patients travelling for ENT surgery, sending imaging and reports beforehand helps confirm the diagnosis and the recommended procedure, and clarifies the expected recovery and any voice or hearing rehabilitation.
Common conditions we treat
Vertigo & balance disorders
Dizziness arising from the inner ear, diagnosed and managed by ENT and balance specialists.
Head & neck cancers
Cancers of the throat, larynx, mouth and related structures, treated by multidisciplinary teams with surgery and radiotherapy.
Voice & swallowing disorders
Problems affecting the voice box and swallowing, assessed by endoscopy and treated medically or surgically.
Symptoms
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Persistent nasal congestion or facial pressure
- Recurrent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness, vertigo or balance problems
- Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
- Loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
- A lump in the neck
- Recurrent ear infections or ear pain
- Reduced sense of smell
When to seek care
Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, sudden hearing loss, severe sudden vertigo, heavy nosebleeds that will not stop, or a neck lump that persists for more than two to three weeks.
How we diagnose
- ENT examination and nasal endoscopy
- Hearing tests (audiometry)
- CT of the sinuses and temporal bones
- Laryngoscopy of the voice box and throat
- Balance and vestibular testing
- Biopsy for suspected head and neck cancer
How we treat it
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis. Explore the procedures we offer for this area:
Where you'll be treated
Care for this area is led by our Ear, Nose & Throat.
Learn more
Plain-language, provider-reviewed articles on tests, procedures and symptoms in our Health Library.
Ear, Nose & Throat — frequently asked questions
Removal is usually considered for frequently recurring throat infections, or when enlarged tonsils or adenoids obstruct breathing or cause sleep apnea, particularly in children. The decision weighs how often infections occur and how much daily life and sleep are affected.
Chronic sinusitis is first treated with medication such as nasal sprays, rinses and, where appropriate, antibiotics. When symptoms persist despite this, endoscopic sinus surgery — performed through the nostrils without external incisions — can open the blocked sinuses and improve drainage.
Many forms of hearing loss can be treated or improved. Depending on the cause, options include medication, surgery, hearing aids, or implantable devices such as cochlear implants for severe loss. A hearing assessment identifies the type and degree of loss and guides the best approach.
Vertigo — a spinning sensation — often arises from the inner ear, for example from displaced inner-ear crystals or inflammation. Management depends on the cause and may include specific repositioning maneuvers, medication, balance rehabilitation, or treatment of an underlying condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea is repeated interruption of breathing during sleep, causing snoring, poor sleep and daytime tiredness, and raising health risks if untreated. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and breathing devices (such as CPAP) to surgery, depending on the cause and severity.
Yes. By sharing your imaging, hearing tests and reports, specialists can provide an independent opinion remotely on the diagnosis and recommended treatment, and outline the expected recovery, before you decide to travel.
Related areas of care
Concerned about ear, nose & throat?
Share your reports for a free, no-obligation second opinion and a transparent cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.