Otolaryngology or ENT (ear, nose and throat) is a branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with the ear, nose, and throat of a person. Doctors who practice this branch of medicine are called otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons. 

ENT surgeons focus exclusively on the head, face, and neck region, including functional, reconstructive, as well as esthetic surgery.

Conditions ENT surgeons treat

• nasal and sinus conditions
• snoring and breathing problems
• Tonsilitis
• Cancer of the throat
• Voice problems
• Plastic surgery of the nose and face
• Hearing difficulties and deafness
• Tumours of the head, neck and ears

ENT surgeons in Australia complete a training program supervised by The Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (ASOHNS), the New Zealand Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Meanwhile, surgeons who were trained in foreign countries need to apply for an assessment by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Medical Council. 

How to choose your ENT surgeons

• The background and training of the surgeon is very important in determining if he or she is qualified to perform the procedure. 
• Make sure that the surgeon is certified by the ASOHNS and have gone through all the necessary training programs and adhere to a strict code of medical ethics.
• Research if the surgeon as sufficient skills and experiences to perform the surgery. 
• The surgeon must be honest and realistic with you and must make you feel comfortable about asking questions. 
• The surgeon must take care of you and provide you with the necessary support in the event of a complication or an unforeseen occurrences. 
• Make sure that the facilities are accredited and the support staff experienced in handling cases and assisting the surgeon.