Ear, Nose, Throat
What is ENT?
ENT, which stands for “ear, nose, and throat”, is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders and conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. In Singapore, you can visit a clinic or hospital for ENT-related services.
ENT vs Otorhinolaryngology
ENT and Otorhinolaryngology essentially refer to the same medical specialty. Of the two, ENT is the more commonly used and understood term, whereas otorhinolaryngology is the complete medical term for the specialty. Otorhinolaryngology encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
Both terms represent a medical field that focuses on various issues, such as hearing and balance problems, sinus and nasal conditions, throat disorders, and head and neck cancers. Specialists in this field, often referred to as otolaryngologists, are skilled in employing medical and surgical approaches to provide comprehensive care to patients dealing with a range of ear, nose, and throat ailments.
What can ENT treat?
ENT addresses issues ranging from common problems like ear infections, sinusitis, and allergies to more complex conditions such as hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus. Otolaryngologists also manage disorders of the voice and vocal cords, including conditions like laryngitis and voice disorders. Additionally, they play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating head and neck cancers, as well as performing various surgical procedures to alleviate or resolve these health issues.
In summary, ENT specialists can effectively treat a diverse range of ailments affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck, utilising both medical and surgical approaches to provide comprehensive care and improve patients’ overall quality of life.
Types of ENT
ENT covers a broad spectrum of conditions and symptoms. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Dizziness
- Severe allergies
- Hearing loss
- Chronic cough
- Vertigo (dizziness caused by a false sense of spinning).
- Persistent sore throat.
- Continuous hoarseness or wheezing
- Severe snoring
- Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing
- Sleep apnea (suddenly stop breathing while asleep).
- A lump on your face or neck.
- Runny nose that doesn’t ease up.
- Chronic sinus pressure (inflammation of membranes in your nasal passages) or nasal congestion (blocked nose).
- Frequent ear infections.
- Chronic tonsillitis (when your tonsils get infected).
Ear Conditions
Here are some ear conditions that ENT specialists treat.
- Otitis Media, an inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
- Hearing Loss, which can range from mild to severe.
- Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears.
- Ménière’s disease, a rare inner ear disorder that affects your hearing and sense of balance.
- Dizziness, a feeling of unbalance which often results from inner ear disorders.
- Vertigo. Different from dizziness, vertigo is when you have a sensation that your surroundings are spinning.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction, when the tubes that connect your middle ears to your upper throat become blocked.
- Otosclerosis, or abnormal bone growth in your middle ear.
- Ear Tumours, or abnormal growths or masses that develop within the ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear.
- Acoustic Neuroma, a benign, slow-growing tumour that develops on the vestibular nerve, responsible for balance and hearing.
Nose Conditions
Common nose conditions that otolaryngologists treat include:
- Nasal and paranasal tumours, which may or may not be cancerous. Paranasal tumors begin in the air-filled chambers located around your nose.
- Nasal polyps (noncancerous growths common in people with chronic allergies, asthma or sinus infections).
- Rhinitis, when the mucus membranes which line your nose become inflamed.
- Deviated septum, whereby your septum (the cartilage that separates your nasal cavity) is not situated centrally inside your nose, as it should be.
- Postnasal drip, which happens when too much mucus accumulates and drips down the back of your throat.
- Nose Bleeds from a variety of factors, including trauma, infections or allergies.
- Chronic Sinusitis, which is inflammation or infection of your sinuses (air passages around your nose and forehead that drain mucus).
- Allergies, which may become triggered by pollen, pet dander or other environmental irritants.
- Nasal Obstruction, a common medical issue characterized by the partial or complete blockage of the nasal passages.
- Headaches.
- Turbinate Hypertrophy, the enlargement of the nasal turbinates.
Throat Conditions
You can also see an otolaryngologist for throat conditions, including:
- Tonsillitis, or infection of your tonsils.
- Sore Throat, which may be brought on by certain irritants, allergies or infections.
- Laryngitis, or swelling of your voice box.
- Vocal cord conditions: vocal nodules, vocal cord dysfunction, vocal cord paralysis and more.
- Swallowing issues. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) may be traced back to a condition in your mouth, throat or esophagus.
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), where stomach acid flows back into the larynx and pharynx.
- Professional Singers, facing unique challenges related to vocal strain, overuse, and performance demands.
Sleep Disorders
Otolaryngologists also specialize in sleep-related issues such as sleep apnea and other sleep disorders that can impact overall health. Moreover, they address concerns related to snoring, which can be a symptom of underlying health problems.
- Obstructive sleep apnea. When tissues in your airway are relaxed, your airway may narrow or close off completely, causing you to temporarily stop breathing during sleep.
- Snoring. Severe snoring can occur when the soft tissues in your upper airway relax too much during sleep. Loud vibrations are created when air moves through these narrowed tissues.
Head and Neck Tumours (Cancer)
In the head and neck region, otolaryngologists manage various head and neck cancers.
- Laryngeal Cancer, which affects your voice box.
- Oropharyngeal Cancer, which affects the middle part of your throat.
- Hemangiomas, noncancerous growths that contain extra blood vessels.
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer, which affects your nasopharynx — the upper part of your
throat that connects your nose to the rest of your respiratory system. - Oral Cancer, the most common form of head and neck cancer. It can affect your lips,
inner cheeks, tongue and floor or roof of your mouth. - Salivary Gland Tumours, which may or may not be cancerous.
- Thyroid Cancer, which affects your thyroid gland (responsible for hormone
production).
Additionally, some otolaryngologists have expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, focusing on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to enhance facial aesthetics, correct deformities, or aid in recovery after trauma or cancer surgery. This multifaceted approach allows otolaryngologists to provide comprehensive care across various areas,improving the overall well-being of their patients.
ENT Symptoms
The symptoms related to Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) conditions are vast and varied, making it challenging to provide an exhaustive list. Patients experiencing any unusual or concerning symptoms related to their ears, nose, throat, or any area within the head and neck region should promptly consult their doctors. Some common ENT symptoms may include but are not limited to:
Ear Symptoms
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing.
- Ear pain or discomfort.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Ear drainage or discharge.
Nose Symptoms
- Nasal congestion or blockage.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Nosebleeds.
- Loss of smell or taste.
- Sinus pain or pressure.
Throat Symptoms
- Sore throat or irritation.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Hoarseness or changes in voice.
- Chronic cough or throat clearing.
ENT Treatments Available in Nuffield Medical
Nose Treatments
- Balloon Sinuplasty, a breakthrough surgical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis.
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), another option for treating chronic sinusitis.
Ear Treatments
- Tympanoplasty, a surgical procedure to repair the eardrum and the small bones in the middle ear.
- Hearing Loss Assessment, a screening method to check how mild or severe one’s hearing loss is and how to treat it.
- Hearing Aid Evaluations, a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of hearing loss.
- Hearing Restoration Surgery, a specialized field of medicine that focuses on restoring or improving a person’s hearing ability.
- Aural Rehabilitation, professional assistance to boost your communicative abilities.
- Audiometry Test, hearing function assessment.
- Cochlear Implant, a surgical procedure that involves placing a small electronic device in the inner ear to help people hear better.
- Bone Conduction, a device enables the sound to bypass the problem area by travelling through the skull bone to the inner ear.
Sleep Disorder Treatments
- Sleep Testing, studying sleep-patterns to help identify sleep-related disorders.
- Hypoglossal Stimulation Therapy, an innovative treatment that aims to restore unobstructed airflow during sleep.
Voice, Coughing, and Chronic Cough Treatments
- Swallowing Therapy, a specialized area of healthcare dedicated to helping individuals with swallowing difficulties.
Neck and Throat Treatments
- Parotidectomy Surgery, a complex procedure involving the removal of the parotid gland.
- Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery, a surgical approach to treating tonsil and adenoid issues.
- Post-Op Tonsillectomy / Adenoidectomy, the post-operative phase and aftercare
- Tongue-Tie Release, corrects tongue-tie problems that restrict tongue movements.
How much does ENT cost in Singapore
The cost of ENT services in Singapore can vary based on multiple factors such as the specific service needed, the complexity of the condition, the hospital or clinic, the doctor’s experience, and whether it involves consultations, diagnostics, procedures, or surgeries. Here’s a general range of the market rates for various ENT services:
Consultation:
Consultation with an ENT specialist: SGD 100 to SGD 300 per visit.
Ear
Hearing test or audiometry: SGD 80 to SGD 300.
Earwax removal: SGD 50 to SGD 200.
Nose
Sinus endoscopy: SGD 200 to SGD 800.
Rhinoscopy (nasal examination): SGD 150 to SGD 500.
Throat
Throat endoscopy (laryngoscopy): SGD 200 to SGD 800.
Tonsillectomy: SGD 3,000 to SGD 6,000.
Head and Neck
Head and neck cancer consultations and diagnostics: SGD 500 to SGD 2,000.
Neck lymph node biopsy: SGD 1,500 to SGD 5,000.
Sleep and Snoring
Sleep study (polysomnography): SGD 1,000 to SGD 3,000.
Sleep apnea treatment: SGD 2,000 to SGD 8,000 (varies based on the type of treatment).
Facial Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery): SGD 7,000 to SGD 20,000.
Facelift: SGD 10,000 to SGD 25,000.
It’s important to note that these are approximate ranges and costs may vary. Patients are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional or an ear nose throat specialist in Singapore to get accurate information about their specific condition and the associated costs. Seeking professional medical advice and evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Why Get a Second Opinion from Another ENT Surgeon?
Received your diagnosis from an ENT surgeon, but still feeling unsure? Nuffield ENT is here to help. Due to the complex nature of certain medical conditions, a second opinion from another medical professional can be affirming, reassuring, and even save costs in some instances. Our doctors are able to address a wide range of ENT-related issues and provide you with a reliable second opinion on ENT surgery, assisting you in making an informed decision by exposing you to other treatment possibilities.
During the second opinion consultation, Dr Vyas or Dr Rebecca will perform an initial assessment of your condition and determine whether further diagnostic tests are needed, such as an ear, nose or throat screening for more specific conditions. Alternatively, you may choose to bring past medical reports, have our ENT surgeons review the results and accordingly suggest treatments that are more tailored, less invasive and/or have fewer side effects. We understand how overwhelming the process can be and will strive to make it easier for you. Rest assured that our surgeons have received training in the UK and successfully addressed many related cases over the years, so you’ll be in good hands. Drop us a message today.
Why Nuffield Medical ENT specialist?
Nuffield Medical is a well-regarded medical institution in Singapore known for its high standards of healthcare and specialised medical services. The following characteristics differentiate Nuffield Medical Singapore from other medical clinics:
Reputation and Expertise
Nuffield Medical is recognized for its reputation in providing high-quality healthcare services.At Nuffield Medical, you’ll be served by two experienced ENT surgeons, Dr Rebecca Heywood and Dr Vyas M N Prasad. Both doctors are highly qualified, experienced, and skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Comprehensive Care
Nuffield Medical offers comprehensive ENT care, covering various aspects such as ear,nose, throat, head, neck, sleep, snoring, and facial plastic surgery. Patients may benefit from a one-stop solution for their ENT healthcare needs.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The medical institution features modern and well-equipped facilities, allowing for advanced diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures, enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.
Patient-Centric Approach
Nuffield Medical is recognized for its reputation in providing high-quality healthcare services.At Nuffield Medical, you’ll be served by two experienced ENT surgeons, Dr Rebecca Heywood and Dr Vyas M N Prasad. Both doctors are highly qualified, experienced, and skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Access to Multidisciplinary Teams
Being a reputable medical centre, Nuffield Medical provides access to multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, enabling a collaborative approach to patient care,especially if the ENT condition requires coordination with other specialties.
It’s essential for individuals seeking ENT care to conduct thorough research, read patient reviews, and consult their primary care physician for recommendations. Ultimately, the choice of an ENT specialist at Nuffield Medical, or any other healthcare institution, should be based on the specific needs of the patient and their confidence in the specialist’s abilities to provide the best possible care. Nuffield is confident in our ability to satisfy your needs.
Ear Nose Throat (ENT) Treatment in Singapore
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can use their Medisave, a portion of their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings, to pay for certain ENT treatments and surgeries. The specific coverage and conditions for using Medisave funds may vary based on the type of procedure and its complexity
CHAS provides eligible Singaporeans with subsidised medical and dental care at
participating general practitioner (GP) and dental clinics. Tiered based on household income,
these subsidies can help offset costs related to ENT consultations and treatments.
Public healthcare institutions in Singapore often provide subsidies for medical consultations,
diagnostics, and treatments, including those related to ENT conditions. The level of subsidy
is determined by factors like income and eligibility criteria.
In Singapore, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and educational institutions often provide healthcare coverage for their personnel and students, respectively. The coverage may extend to ENT services depending on the specific policy or plan.
It’s crucial to check with relevant healthcare providers, insurance companies, educational institutions, and government websites to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding subsidies, Medisave usage, CHAS benefits, and other forms of financial assistance for ENT services in Singapore. Understanding the available options can help individuals effectively manage the costs of ENT healthcare.