Otolaryngology (ENT)

If you or a family member has concerns affecting hearing, speech, breathing, balance, taste or smell, the ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System can help. We diagnose and treat conditions ranging from routine ear and sinus issues to complex ENT disorders for children and adults.

Our ENT experts are both physicians and surgeons, offering comprehensive medical care and advanced specialty procedures. This depth of expertise allows us to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs — right here in your community.

Find out more about our ENT services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• ENT specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• ENT locations near you
• ENT specialists near you

Conditions and consultations

Our skilled doctors provide consultation, diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. 

Conditions we treat include:

• Children’s issues, including birth defects of the head and neck and developmental delays, ear, tonsil and adenoid infections, airway problems, asthma, allergy/sinus problems and neck tumors
• Ear diseases, including trauma (injury), infection, benign tumors and nerve pathway disorders affecting hearing and balance, swimmer’s ear, hearing loss, ear, face and neck pain, dizziness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Head and neck tumors, including those in the nose/sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box and upper esophagus
• Nose and sinus disorders, including chronic sinusitis, a broken nose, nasal obstruction and nasal polyps
• Throat disorders, including sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing disorders, tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections and tumors
• Sleep issues related to obstructive sleep apnea

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Diagnosis and treatments

ENT specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System provide diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment options for conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat. Our team offers comprehensive care—from common concerns to more complex needs—focused on relieving symptoms, restoring function and improving quality of life.

Treatments we provide include:

• Adenoidectomy. A procedure that removes adenoids which may contribute to ear or sinus infections, heavy breathing and snoring
• Advanced endoscopic sinus surgery
• Balloon sinuplasty
• Blepharoplasty. Improves vision and appearance caused by drooping eyelids
• Cochlear implant evaluation and implantation. Works by directly stimulating the hearing nerve and may be an option for people with severe hearing loss who don’t benefit from hearing aids
• Eardrum patch. May be used when a tear or hole in the eardrum doesn’t heal on its own. Helps to promote healing and close the opening, often through a simple office based procedure
• Ear tubes. May be recommended for children with frequent ear infections or ongoing fluid buildup. Improves middle ear airflow and often falls out naturally within six to 12 months
• Ear wax removal. Removes excess ear wax that can cause discomfort, hearing issues or blockage. Performed safely using specialized tools or gentle irrigation
• Endoscopic sinus surgery
• Esophageal dilation. Gently widens the esophagus to improve comfort and the ability to swallow
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Hearing tests
• Nasal cryotherapy. May help relieve chronic runny or stuffy nasal symptoms when other treatments haven’t worked. Uses cold therapy to reduce overactive nasal nerve signals
• Nasal endoscopy
• Nasal implants for nasal obstruction
• Otoplasty. Adjusts ear shape or position for prominence or congenital differences
• Rhinoplasty. May improve breathing, appearance or both by reshaping the nose
• Septoplasty and nasal reconstructive procedures. Improves nasal airflow for people with a deviated septum
• Sinus surgery. May be recommended when sinus symptoms don’t improve with medication. Helps relieve nasal blockage and improve sinus drainage by removing tissue or polyps that interfere with airflow
• Sleep surgery or alternative CPAP therapy. May be an option for people with obstructive sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. Uses an implanted device to stimulate airway muscles during sleep, helping keep the airway open for more normal breathing
• Surgical removal of head and neck tumors
• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• Tracheostomy
• Upper airway stimulation therapy (hypoglossal nerve stimulation)

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ENT specialists

Our team of providers takes time to listen to you, answer your questions and work closely with physicians from other specialties to provide comprehensive medical care.

Our specialists include:

• Otolaryngologists
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician assistants

You may also receive care from:

• Audiology
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Family Medicine
• Oncology
• Sleep Medicine

Find ENT specialists near you.

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Referrals

A referral may be required depending on your need. Call the appointment number of your preferred ENT location to learn more.

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FAQ

When should I see an ear, nose and throat specialist?

Many ear, nose and throat conditions improve on their own or with self-care. If symptoms keep coming back or last more than a few weeks, it may be time to see an ENT specialist.
You should consider seeing an ENT specialist if you have:

• Frequent or chronic ear infections (especially in children)
• Ongoing ringing in your ears
• Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks
• A severe sore throat, or one that lasts longer than a week
• A lump in your neck or throat area
• Persistent nasal congestion
• Repeated sinus pain or sinus infections
• Sudden or ongoing hearing loss

What should I bring for my first appointment?

For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page or this form and other forms in multiple languages.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes — simply call the appointment number at your preferred ENT location. See What should I bring for my first appointment? for tips on how to prepare.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

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Explore locations or providers near you for details on ENT:

Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.