An otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT specialist, is an expert at treating any conditions or disorders that are related to your ears, nose and throat. Be it a sore throat, potential hearing loss or a blocked nose; an ENT doctor can help you out.

But when do you really need to see an ENT as opposed to a regular doctor? In this article, we're going to discuss just that.

1.  You want to get to the root of a problem

ENT doctors know a lot more about the ears, nose and throat than a regular family doctor. This is because it's their field of expertise, so if you want to get to the bottom of a problem and find out why you're getting headaches or why your neck is hurting, then you're in luck. Am ENT doctor should know everything there is to know about your problem, and after a few questions and a bit of research, your ENT should be able to tell you exactly what's wrong.

2. You have a sore throat that's making it difficult to eat

One of the most annoying things about a sore throat is the fact that it's difficult to eat. It will hurt whenever you swallow, which makes chewing food and drinking water a chore. If it's reducing your quality of life, then we would definitely recommend seeing an ENT specialist to ensure that you're getting the right diagnosis from an expert.

3. Sinus pain making your life difficult

Another common reason to see an ENT specialist is if your nose is clogged, and it's becoming painful. Whether it's because of allergies or due to environmental issues, sinus pain can be frustrating to get rid of and will start getting seriously annoying when you're outdoors. If you feel pressure around your nose and you feel pain around your face or teeth, then it's worth speaking to an ENT in order to get a proper diagnosis of the issue.

4. Hearing loss reducing your quality of life

Most people don't realize that they have hearing loss until they visit a doctor or an ENT specialist. This is because hearing loss is actually very hard to detect without having previously tried a test. If you feel like you're suffering hearing loss because you're constantly asking people to repeat themselves, then you may want to speak to an ENT specialist in order to receive a correct diagnosis.

5. Congestion in the nose

A stuffed nose is common, especially if you're in the colder half of the year. The blockages can quickly mix with environmental irritants or hay fever, meaning it will cause a viral or bacterial infection that can leave you bedridden if you're not careful. If your nose is congested, then simply blowing it won't do and it's best to seek an ENT specialist to help you out.