Each year, nearly 27 million people in the U.S. visit these specialists for conditions ranging from chronic sinus infections to hoarseness and hearing problems. Let’s take a look at what to expect from your first ENT appointment to help you set expectations.
Checking In
When you arrive at the ENT office, you’ll start by checking in at the front desk and completing some paperwork. If you’re a new patient, you’ll provide details like your personal information (name, address, workplace and emergency contact), health insurance, medical history and symptoms.
This information helps your provider understand your background and tailor the evaluation to your needs.
During Your ENT Exam
Once you’re in the exam room, your ENT specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination, which may include:
- Ears. Using an otoscope, your specialist will examine your ears for things like infections, wax buildup and eardrum damage.
- Nose. Your specialist will use a small light or a thin camera to look for blockages, swelling or structural abnormalities in your nasal passages.
- Throat. Your specialist will visually inspect your mouth and throat to identify infections, swollen tonsils or other concerns. This may include a neck exam to check for swollen lymph nodes.
Additional Tests
If your symptoms indicate the need for further evaluation, your ENT specialist may recommend additional tests, including but not limited to:
- Hearing tests to assess how well you hear different frequencies and sounds.
- Tympanogram to measure how well your eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure.
- Throat culture to look for strep throat.
- Nasal endoscopy to examine deeper parts of your nasal passages and sinuses.
- Allergy testing to identify whether allergies could be causing symptoms like nasal congestion, red eyes or throat irritation.
Finding the Right Treatment
After determining the cause behind your symptoms, your ENT specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, this could include medications, lifestyle adjustments or procedures.
If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ENT specialists.