Otolaryngology is the field of medicine primarily concerned with problems with the ear, nose and throat. An otolaryngologist is a head and neck surgeon who diagnoses and provides comprehensive medical treatment for the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory system, and other head and neck systems. This specialist also performs plastic and reconstructive surgery on the face, and treats disorders of the larynx (voicebox) and hearing.

Other areas of concern to the otolaryngologist are treatment of diseases, allergies and related disorders of the head. Otolaryngology is commonly called ENT, because it primarily deals with the ear, nose and throat.