The ENT medical abbreviation means ear, nose and throat, and it names both a body region and the medical specialty that treats it. The formal medical term for ENT is otolaryngology, or more fully otolaryngology head and neck surgery, and the doctors are called otolaryngologists.
You will see ENT on referral letters, clinic signs and surgery schedules. It is closely related to HEENT, the exam heading that adds the head and eyes. Below are the word roots behind the long name, the conditions ENT doctors handle, and how to read ENT lines in a chart.
At a glance
Stands for
Ear, nose and throatMedical term
Otolaryngology; the doctor is an otolaryngologistWord roots
Oto (ear), rhino (nose), laryngo (larynx), logy (study of)Where you see it
Referrals, clinic names, surgery lists, consult notesDo not confuse with
HEENT, an exam heading that also covers head and eyesSpecialty
Surgical specialty of the head and neck
Word roots behind the ENT medical abbreviation
In ENT medical terminology, the older full name, otorhinolaryngology, breaks neatly into parts. Oto refers to the ear, rhino to the nose, laryngo to the larynx or voice box, and logy to the study of a subject. The shorter otolaryngology drops the nose root but still covers it. Because the words are long, most people, clinicians included, simply say ENT.
The specialty's current name adds head and neck surgery, which reflects how much of the work involves operations on the sinuses, throat, thyroid, salivary glands and neck.
What ENT doctors treat
ENT doctors care for people of all ages. Common reasons for a referral include:
- Repeated ear infections, ear tubes, hearing loss and ringing in the ears
- Dizziness linked to the inner ear, such as BPPV
- Chronic sinus infections, nasal blockage and nosebleeds
- Tonsil and adenoid problems
- Hoarseness and voice problems
- Snoring and OSA, obstructive sleep apnea
- Lumps in the neck, thyroid and salivary gland disease, and head and neck cancers
Some ENT doctors train further in children's care, facial plastic surgery, ear surgery, or head and neck cancer.
Reading ENT in referrals and notes
ENT usually appears as the team or the service in a note, not as a finding.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Refer to ENT for chronic sinusitis | Send the patient to an ear, nose and throat specialist |
| ENT consulted for epistaxis | The hospital ENT team was asked to see a nosebleed |
| s/p T&A by ENT | Status post tonsil and adenoid removal done by ENT |
| ENT f/u 2 wk | Follow up with ENT in two weeks |
Urgent care note: "Fish bone sensation, no airway compromise, ENT on call notified for scope." The clinician has called the ENT doctor to look into the throat with a small camera.
ENT versus HEENT and other head terms
HEENT is a heading in the physical exam that covers the head, eyes, ears, nose and throat, so it is wider than ENT. ENT describes the specialty or region, while HEENT describes part of a routine exam that any clinician performs. Eye problems go to ophthalmology instead. Speech and swallowing therapy is the work of an SLP, who often works side by side with ENT doctors on voice and swallowing cases.
Training behind the ENT title
An otolaryngologist completes medical school, earning an MD or DO, then a surgical residency of about five years focused on the head and neck. Many then take board exams in otolaryngology. Some ENT practices also employ audiologists, who test hearing, and advanced practice providers. Audiology, surgical and nursing titles are decoded in the clinic and hospital titles index.
Ear, nose and throat symptoms have many causes. Your primary care clinician can help decide whether a visit with an ENT specialist makes sense for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the medical term for ENT?
The medical term is otolaryngology, also called otolaryngology head and neck surgery. A doctor in this field is an otolaryngologist.
What does ENT stand for?
ENT stands for ear, nose and throat. It refers to that region of the body and to the doctors who specialize in it.
Is an ENT a surgeon?
Yes. Otolaryngology is a surgical specialty, though ENT doctors also treat many problems with medicine and do not operate on every patient.
What is the difference between ENT and HEENT?
ENT is a specialty and body region. HEENT is a physical exam heading that covers the head, eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Do I need a referral to see an ENT?
That depends on your insurance plan and the clinic. Many plans require a referral from a primary care clinician, so check before booking.