When to See an ENT Doctor in Lebanon: Sinus, Hearing & Voice

ENT (otorhinolaryngology) covers the ear, nose, throat, head and neck — a wide territory where small problems can escalate quickly. See an ENT specialist if a primary-care visit and one trial of treatment have not resolved the issue.

Common reasons to consult

• Sinuses — facial pressure, post-nasal drip, recurrent sinusitis (more than 3 episodes / year).
• Hearing — sudden hearing loss (a medical emergency — within 72 hours of onset), persistent tinnitus, ear fullness, dizziness.
• Throat & voice — hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks (especially in smokers), recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing / snoring.
• Pediatric — recurrent ear infections (>3 per year), persistent mouth breathing, suspected hearing loss affecting speech.
• Head & neck masses — any neck lump persisting more than 2 weeks deserves evaluation.

What happens in clinic

1. History and symptom mapping.
2. Otoscopy (ear), anterior rhinoscopy (nose), oropharynx exam.
3. Often a flexible fiberoptic endoscopy of the nose, pharynx, or larynx — quick, slight discomfort, no sedation.
4. Hearing test (audiogram) and tympanogram for ear complaints.
5. CT scan of sinuses when surgery is being considered or after failed medical therapy.

Common procedures

• Earwax removal under microscope (much safer than ear candles or cotton buds).
• Septoplasty and turbinate reduction for chronic nasal obstruction.
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
• Adenoidectomy ± tonsillectomy in children.
• Vocal cord biopsy / micro-surgery for persistent hoarseness.

Cost & coverage

Private clinic visit 40–70 fresh USD; endoscopy adds 20–40 USD. Audiograms are typically billed separately. Most surgical procedures are covered by NSSF and private insurance when medically indicated — confirm prior authorization requirements.