If you have symptoms of conditions that affect your ears, nose or throat, you may be on the lookout for a good ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. There are thousands of doctors who specialize in this area of medicine across the USA, so how do you find the best doctor for you? Here are three ways to find an ENT doctor that may come in handy.

The internet

The internet is an excellent resource for tracking down doctors and finding out more about ENT professionals in your local area. If you search online, you can access the website of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, which contains the details of registered ENT specialists across the country. Within the field of ENT, there are doctors who have expertise in specific conditions, and you may wish to try and locate specialists that have advanced skills in treating the conditions that apply to you. You can also use the web to have a closer look at clinics and practices in your area. Many doctors have their own websites and taking a look around will give you more information about the team, the individual doctors and the services that are available. You may also be able to contact doctors online through features such as live chat, book a consultation or get an idea of fees and prices. Sometimes, the internet can also provide you with reviews from patients who have been treated in the past. Reading reviews can be beneficial but make sure you stick to reputable sites, which are impartial. Take care to avoid sponsored posts.

Recommendations from friends and colleagues

Many of us feel more comfortable seeing a doctor who comes with a recommendation from people we know and trust. If you have friends, family or colleagues who have experience of an ENT doctor or a specific clinic, it’s worth asking for recommendations and gathering more information. You can find out more about the service, the level of care and the facility before you make a decision. If you are given names, do some more research by looking at websites and make an appointment for a consultation so that you can get to know the doctor yourself and ask any questions you have about your symptoms or the treatment options you’ve discussed.

Other health professionals

If you’ve been to your primary care doctor with symptoms that may point to an ongoing or a severe ENT issue, it’s likely that they will recommend that you seek specialist advice. Medical professionals tend to work together on a regular basis, and your doctor may have some idea of good ENT doctors in the area based on patients who have been treated in the past and previous working relationships. If you’re on the hunt for the best ENT doctor, use the Internet, ask around for recommendations and seek advice from other health professionals.