Understanding the Role of an ENT Specialist

In Singapore, high humidity levels, seasonal haze, and constant air conditioning can aggravate existing ENT symptoms, particularly in individuals with existing conditions such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Yet, many people delay seeking medical attention, dismissing symptoms as minor inconveniences.

An ENT specialist, medically known as an otolaryngologist, is an accredited specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Today, modern otolaryngology also includes complex surgical procedures, cancer treatment, sleep medicine, and paediatric care.

Our ENT specialist in Singapore regularly diagnoses and treats a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures.

• Hearing Loss

  : Partial or total inability to hear sounds, whether present at birth or acquired later in life. There are three types: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss.

• Ear Infections

  : Chronic ear infections, such as otitis media, affect the middle ear space behind the eardrum, causing pain, fever, and temporary hearing loss.

• Tinnitus

  : A condition causing phantom sounds in the form of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking that only the patient can hear.

• Balance Disorders

  : Common balance disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Patients experience spinning sensations, unsteadiness, or feeling disconnected from their surroundings.

• Ear Injuries

  : More serious injuries affect the middle or inner ear structures, potentially causing permanent hearing loss or balance problems.

• Sinusitis

  : This condition causes facial pain, nasal congestion, and thick discharge. ENT specialists employ diagnostic techniques including nasal endoscopy and CT imaging.

• Allergic Rhinitis

  : Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Many patients also experience fatigue, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances.

• Deviated Septum

  : A deviated septum occurs when the wall separating the nasal passages shifts to one side, creating unequal airflow and chronic congestion.

• Nasal Polyps

  : These are soft, painless growths arising from inflamed nasal or sinus tissues. They can grow large enough to block nasal passages completely, causing severe congestion and loss of smell.

• Epistaxis

  : Commonly known as nosebleeds, they usually occur due to our climate extremes, from high outdoor humidity to dry air-conditioned environments. They are typically minor and resolve quickly, but can indicate underlying conditions.

• Tonsillitis

  : This involves inflammation of the tonsils. While common in children, adults can also develop this painful condition.

• Throat Infections

  : Severe throat infections can cause airway obstruction, particularly in children. ENT specialists must quickly identify and manage these emergencies to prevent life-threatening complications.

• Laryngitis

  : The inflammation of the voice box (larynx), this condition causes hoarseness, voice loss, and throat discomfort. ENT specialists provide specialised care, including voice therapy and technique modification to prevent recurrence.

• Hoarseness

  : This describes any voice change, from mild raspiness to complete voice loss. Common causes include voice overuse, gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, and vocal cord lesions.

• Reflux Laryngitis

  : This condition occurs when stomach acid backs up into the throat, causing inflammation and voice problems. Unlike typical heartburn, laryngeal reflux may not cause chest pain, making diagnosis challenging.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

  : This condition involves repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and serious health consequences. Treatment options for sleep apnoea range from lifestyle modifications and CPAP therapy to surgical interventions.

• Snoring

  : Although not all snoring indicates serious problems, loud, disruptive snoring often signals underlying breathing disorders requiring evaluation.

Children's developing anatomy and immature immune systems make them particularly vulnerable to ENT conditions, necessitating good-quality care from paediatric ENT specialists. Underlying ENT problems, such as hearing loss or chronic infections, often lead to issues like speech and language delays.