Specialities
Ear diseases are dealt with by otology, but its role is not limited to diagnosis and pharmacological treatment. It also includes otosurgery, i.e. surgical treatment of the ears. In contrast, otolaryngological surgery involves a wide range of activities-these are, often very complex, operations-tongue, larynx, sinuses (rhinosurgery), the base of the skull, salivary glands or jaw. The otolaryngologist also deals with head and neck cancers (laryngological oncology).
The head and neck are often associated with neurological problems, so there are cases when you need the intervention of a neurologist, and even a neurotoxic surgery. A neurologist can, for example, deal with inflammation of the atria or paralysis of the facial nerve.
However, we should go to the phoniatrist when we have problems with the speech organ. Patients in this medical specialty are often people who use the voice as a tool for work, for example, teachers.
When we have problems with hearing it may be helpful to visit an audiologist.
In laryngology, there is also a concept and specialty – a hearing prosthetist, that is, a specialist who, if necessary, will help us choose the right hearing aid. Thus, we see that the range of activities of laryngology (otolaryngology) is extremely wide. However, as is the case in other fields of Medicine, in addition to treatment, prevention, proper hygiene and preventive examinations are important.