If you’ve never been examined by an ENT doctor before, it can be difficult to assess what you’ll have to go through during your first examination. Not knowing what type of test your ENT will perform can be frightening, but the fear can be alleviated once you know exactly what to expect. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the common tests ENT doctors conduct.
External Ear Inspection
One of the first things your doctor will do is inspect your external ear using various instruments. He will usually start by examining the outer ear canal with an auriscope/otoscope. He will also swab any discharge or wax coming from your ear.
He will then proceed to look for any signs of abnormality, such as abnormalities in the shape and size of the pinna to see if it shows any signs of trauma, extra cartilage tags, irregular lesions or neoplasia. He will also look for any signs of external ear canal inflammation and infection or any scars or signs caused by a previous surgery.
Internal Ear Canal Inspection
Your doctor will then proceed to check your inner ear canal for any irregularities. He will usually use a modern auriscope/otoscope with a light for the inspection. He will start by pulling your pinna backwards to clear way for the internal ear canal and straighten it for inspection. The doctor will look for things such as excessive wax, the general condition of the ear canal’s skin, any signs of discharge or any kind of foreign tissue. The ear drum’s mobility will usually also be tested using a pneumatic instrument. They will also check the condition of your tympanic membrane for any irregularity.
Nose and Throat Inspection
Your doctor will usually check for the function of your nasal pathways, airway resistance and in some cases, general sense of smell. He will check for conditions such as inflammation, sinusitis, and the position of the septum among other things.
When it comes to the throat, your doctor will proceed with a thorough examination using a torch. He will check the general condition of your throat and tongue, look for signs of inflammation of the throat and tonsils, palpate the tongue’s back for signs of a tumor, etc. He will also check the mouth’s floor for any mass or duct stones in the submandibular area.
Consulting an ENT doctor is capital if you’re experiencing any kind of repeated symptoms related to your ears, nose, throat or any part that is related to them. If that is the case and you live in the NYC area, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT doctor in NYC.
Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation.
