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Ear, nose and throat doctor appointment

An otorhinolaryngologist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats diseases of the head and neck region, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment. Acute illnesses are usually first treated by a family doctor or general practitioner (such as acute ear infections, rhinitis, and sore throats).

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Risto Vaikjärv

Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Ear infections 
  • Hearing loss 
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction 
  • Chronic cough 
  • Rhinosinusitis 
  • Allergic rhinitis 
  • Nosebleeds 
  • Postnasal drip 
  • Deviated nasal septum 
  • Turbinate hypertrophy 
  • Nasal polyps (chronic rhinosinusitis) 
  • Tonsillitis 
  • Adenoid hypertrophy 
  • Voice and vocal cord changes 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Laryngitis 
  • Snoring 
  • Sleep apnea

Common symptoms

  • Adenoid enlargement

    Enlargement of the pharyngeal tonsil in children, causing breathing difficulties, snoring, and recurrent ear infections (adenoidectomy).

  • Chronic tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)

    Recurrent tonsil infections that require tonsil removal (tonsillectomy).

  • Difficulty swallowing

    Difficulty swallowing or keeping food in the mouth may indicate swallowing dysfunction.

  • Earache

    Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the ear. In children, the symptom may present as frequent touching or rubbing of the ear.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring your ID card or other identification document. 
  • Write down or think through your main complaints and questions you want to address during the appointment. 
  • Recall your medical history, previous illnesses, and surgeries, especially those related to the ear, nose, and throat area. 
  • Write down information about medications you are using and any allergies. 
  • Avoid using nasal sprays or drops before the visit, unless otherwise advised by the doctor, so that the doctor can assess the condition of the nasal mucous membrane.

What to expect during your appointment

Discussion

We will discuss the reasons for your visit, your complaints, expectations, and health background.

Examinations

We will perform an examination of the ear, nose, and throat area with specialized instruments. If necessary, additional examinations will be carried out (e.g., audiometry, tympanometry, endoscopy).

Diagnosis and explanation of the treatment plan 

We will find a suitable diagnosis for your complaints and create an individualized treatment plan, which may include medications, procedures, operations, or lifestyle recommendations.

Recommendations and follow-up actions

We will provide recommendations for preventing the disease and avoiding recurrence. If necessary, we will plan further appointments or refer you to other specialists.

Specialists providing this service

Clinics offering this service

Related services

  • Adenoidectomy
    Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove adenoids located in the nasopharynx to alleviate breathing difficulties and recurrent infections.

  • Audiometry
    Pure-tone audiometry is a hearing test that measures a person’s hearing threshold, which is the sound level they can hear at different frequencies.

  • CELON
    Turbinate reduction is a surgical procedure that improves nasal breathing by removing mucosal and bone tissue.

  • Ear irrigation
    Ear irrigation is a quick and safe procedure that helps remove excess earwax from the ear canal.

  • Ear shunting
    Ear shunting is a procedure in which a ventilation tube is inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid.

  • Ear, nose and throat operations
    ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) surgeries offer surgical treatment for hearing, breathing, and swallowing problems, restoring quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a referral needed for an ENT specialist appointment? 

You can come to a paid ENT specialist appointment without a referral, on your own initiative. In Tartu, it is possible to come for appointments covered by the Health Insurance Fund, where a referral is required.

When should I see an ENT specialist?

Consult if you have long-term or recurrent complaints in the ear, nose, or throat area, such as hearing loss, chronic rhinitis, sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

Does an ENT specialist also treat allergic rhinitis?

Yes, an ENT specialist diagnoses and treats allergic rhinitis and provides recommendations for symptom relief.

What happens during the first visit?

The first visit involves a discussion about your complaints, a thorough examination, and, if necessary, additional tests to clarify the diagnosis. 

Does an ENT specialist also perform surgeries?

Yes, ENT specialists also perform surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, or nasal septum surgeries.