Otolaryngology

The ENT outpatient clinic provides the evaluation and treatment of diseases affecting the ear, nose and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and salivary glands. This includes hearing problems, balance disorders, dizziness, voice disorders, as well as disturbances of smell and taste.

When should I consult an ENT specialist?

• Ear pain
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness, balance disorders
• Persistent nasal congestion or nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Snoring
• Suspected sleep apnea
• Persistent hoarseness, voice disorders
• Chronic cough
• Persistent painful swallowing, sore throat, or lump-in-the-throat sensation
• Disturbances of smell or taste
• Neck swelling, enlarged lymph nodes

What conditions are treated by an ENT specialist?

• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal)
• Sinusitis
• Nasal and paranasal sinus inflammation
• Nasal polyps
• Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Laryngitis and functional laryngeal disorders
• Salivary gland diseases

What is examined during an ENT consultation?

• Condition of the external auditory canal and eardrum
• Hearing function (tuning fork test, tympanometry, audiometry)
• Nasal septum, turbinates, and paranasal sinuses
• Assessment of airway narrowing related to snoring
• Condition of the tonsils and pharynx
• Laryngeal function (hoarseness, voice strain complaints)
• Salivary glands and cervical lymph nodes

How does an ENT examination proceed?

Appointment booking: Online or by phone.

Medical history (anamnesis): Previous illnesses, current complaints, duration of symptoms.

Physical examination:

• Ear: Inspection of the ear canal and eardrum; ear irrigation or suction if necessary; basic hearing assessment.
• Nose: Evaluation of the external nasal structure; percussion tenderness over the sinuses; examination of the nasal septum; inspection of the nasal cavity with a nasal speculum or endoscope; secretion sampling if needed.
• Throat: Detailed examination of the oral cavity, pharynx, and tonsils; secretion sampling if required.
• Larynx: Indirect or endoscopic laryngeal examination, with local anesthesia if necessary.
• Neck: Palpation of lymph nodes and salivary glands.

Imaging tests: Paranasal sinus X-ray; organization of CT or MRI if necessary.

Medical report and treatment plan: Medication, targeted therapy based on culture results, surgical consultation if needed.

Follow-up: Scheduling of control examination depending on the nature of the complaint.

When is an ENT follow-up necessary?

• If symptoms do not improve within 7–14 days
• If new symptoms appear (increasing pain, fever, hearing deterioration)
• When evaluating culture results
• For monitoring chronic conditions (e.g., chronic tonsillitis)
• Before or after ENT surgery

Related Examinations and Services

• Hearing tests (audiometry, tympanometry)
• Endoscopic ENT examinations
• Allergy testing (prick test, specific IgE), allergology consultation
• Pediatric ENT care
• ENT surgeries, sleep surgery, and preoperative consultation

FAQ – ENT Examination

How should I prepare for an ENT examination?
Please bring all previous medical records, including imaging studies and allergy test results.

Are ENT examinations painful?
Most examinations are painless. Laryngeal and pharyngeal examinations, as well as endoscopy, may cause temporary discomfort.

How long does it take to receive the results of an ENT examination?
The specialist’s report is prepared immediately; culture results are usually available within 48–72 hours.

Does the ENT specialist prescribe medication?
Yes, if medically indicated. Prescriptions can only be issued to our own patients following an examination.

When should I return for a follow-up visit?
In acute cases, usually within 1–2 weeks; for chronic conditions, at intervals determined by the physician.
 

This outpatient clinic description was prepared with the contribution of Prof. Dr. Imre Gerlinger, PhD, ENT specialist.