Otolaryngology - Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Brown University Health’s ear, nose, and throat specialists provide comprehensive medical and surgical services covering all areas of otolaryngologic, and head and neck diseases for all age groups. Our specialists treat patients in convenient locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our specialists use the latest surgical techniques, such as thermal tissue sealing for removal of tonsils and adenoids, which reduces pain and shortens the recovery time.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Otolaryngology

What is an ENT?

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist , also known as an otolaryngologist, is a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck. ENTs care for a wide range of medical concerns, from common conditions such as sinus infections and ear problems to more complex disorders involving breathing, swallowing, balance, and voice. They also diagnose and manage sleep-related conditions, including sleep apnea, and provide surgical care for diseases of the head and neck, including cancer. 

Brown University Health’s ear, nose, and throat providers offer comprehensive ENT care at locations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our team includes physicians who specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents, ensuring patients of all ages receive expert, age-appropriate care.

What does an ear, nose, and throat specialist treat?

Ear, nose and throat specialists provide medical and surgical treatments for conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, as well as the head and neck. This includes disorders that affect hearing, balance, breathing, speech, and swallowing. ENT physicians commonly evaluate and treat:

• Ear conditions, including ear infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo 
• Nose and sinus conditions, such as chronic congestion, sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and trauma to the nose 
• Throat and voice disorders, including tonsil problems, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, and reflux-related symptoms 
• Head and neck conditions, including thyroid disease, salivary gland disorders, and head and neck cancers

Otolaryngology - Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Services

We provide comprehensive sinus and allergy evaluation and treatment, including allergy testing, immunotherapy (allergy shots), medical treatment and endoscopic surgical treatment of chronic sinus disease. Our services include:

• Comprehensive evaluations of patients with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Modern microsurgical and laser procedures for lesions of the vocal cords
• Surgery for chronically infected ears
• Facilitation of hearing aids
• Medical and surgical treatments for children with ear infections, as well as disorders of the tonsils and adenoids  
• Surgical treatment of throat and other head and neck cancers  

Complete upper airway evaluation is available for patients with snoring and sleep apnea to help determine the best treatment.