The doctor will take a complete medical history. Depending on the reason for the visit, the ENT will perform a physical and visual examination. This may include looking in your ears, your nose and your throat.
Your neck, throat, cheekbones and other areas of your face and head may be palpitated. The ENT may use a special instrument called an otoscope to peer into your ears. A simple speculum may be used to see inside your nasal passages. The ENT examination may feel overwhelming because of the instruments used to peer, poke and
prod, but none of these procedures should cause you physical discomfort. If having your nose, ears or other body parts touched causes you anxiety, let the ENT know before the examination begins. The role of the ENT is to provide relief, not add to your discomfort.
Depending on the reason for your visit, various hearing tests may be performed. Scans or images may be ordered to get more information. Balance tests may be performed if you have had problems with your ears or dizziness.