7 Questions for your ENT Surgeon.
If you’ve been referred to an ENT surgeon then you may be curious about what’s involved in the process of consultation and treatment. ENT surgeons deal with the ears, nose, and throat and are specialists who can take care of everything, from ear infections to snoring. If you’re going to be seeing an ENT surgeon for the first time then these are some of the questions that you might want to consider asking.
Why do I need an ENT surgeon?
If you’ve been referred to an ENT surgeon then this is likely because you need investigations and/or treatment that a general practitioner can’t provide. ENT surgeons are specialists, trained in management of all the traumas, deformities and diseases that affect the head, neck and face. In addition to their special training they also have access to a range of specific investigative instruments to help them look in your ears, nose and throat.
How are you going to treat me?
This will depend on the condition that you have. However, an ENT surgeon is able to treat a very wide range of different conditions very effectively, from chronic sinusitis and tumours of the thyroid to gastrointestinal reflux, vertigo, headaches, tonsillitis and recurring ear aches.
How is this condition going to affect me in the long term?
An ENT surgeon will be able to walk you through the best options when it comes to treating the condition that is diagnosed. You’ll be able to get some insight into why you’re experiencing this, as well as what can be done to help through medication, surgery etc.
Are you going to handle the follow-up care?
Your ENT surgeon may keep the follow-up care in-house or you may be returned to your primary care provider for any aftercare that is necessary. You will get a clear diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan that will clearly set out the next steps.
How is this going to affect my broader health?
There are many ENT conditions that will also have an impact on your broader health. For example, if you have an ear infection then you may also struggle with dizziness and something like sinusitis can affect your sense of taste. Your ENT surgeon will help to create a treatment plan that takes all of this into account.
How will you determine the right treatment for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to problems that affect the ears, nose and throat. You may need to have a combination of treatments to deal with the specific issues that you have - your ENT surgeon will be able to explain what the options are, and why.
What’s your experience when it comes to these treatments?
An ENT surgeon will be able to give you information about the experience they have in treating your specific set of symptoms - it’s an important question to ask so that you know they understand what’s involved.
If you’re going to be working with an ENT surgeon these are some of the key questions that you’ll need to ask.
Harley Street is the UK's foremost private medical centre which is dedicated to providing high-quality care for your ear, nose, throat, head & neck, and balance-related disorders. Find out more information on how Harley Street ENT can help you here.
