Otolaryngology, also referred to as the oldest medical specialty in the US, deals with disorders of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). Otolaryngologists are trained in both medicine and surgery.
Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the US, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Dated back to the 19th century, medical experts realized that the head and neck have a series of interconnected systems. Thus, tools and techniques to treat the head and neck problems were developed. Medical professionals who deal in the ear, nose, and throat treatment differ from many physicians as they are qualified to perform surgeries on the most complex and delicate tissues of the body (the head and neck).
The specialized areas of otolaryngologists.
As discussed, otolaryngologists have special skills to treat and operate the most complex parts of the body. They are specialized to treat:
- Ear: If a person is suffering from hearing loss, infection in the ear, ear noise (also referred to as tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, cranial, and facial nerve disorders, otolaryngologists help treat them. Also, the ear, nose and throat specialist specializes in managing birth (congenital) disorders, which are the disorders of the outer and inner ear.
- Nose: One of the primary skills of otolaryngologists is to treat sinuses and care of the nasal cavity. The ear, nose and throat specialist also helps treat smell disorders, nasal obstruction (which can be due to deviated septum), allergies, sinusitis, and polyps. Otolaryngologists can also help correct the appearance of the nose which is also referred to as rhinoplasty surgery.
- Throat: Otolaryngologists also have the expertise to treat diseases of the voice box (larynx). For voice or swallowing disorders and the upper aero-digestive tract, otolaryngologists can help treat them.
- Head and neck: Otolaryngologists have special expertise to treat infectious diseases in the head and neck area. These treatments also include benign and malignant tumors, deformities of the face, and facial trauma. Otolaryngologists can also perform cosmetic, reconstructive, and plastic surgeries.
- Sleep disorders
- Facial and skull trauma
- Balance disorders (vertigo, unsteadiness, and dizziness)
- Facial movement disorders (facial paralysis)
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
- Nose and sinus disorders
- Tumors and disorders of the base of the skull (cranial base)
- Head and neck oncology (cancer)
- Cochlear implant
- Diseases of the ear
- Tumors of the balance nerve that affect hearing
- Common complaints of the nose, ear, and throat
- Hearing loss
- Thyroid and parathyroid disorders
- Voice disorders and vocal health
Let’s talk about the affordability of these treatments
Before we talk about the affordability of the ear, nose, and throat treatments, let’s have a look at the treatment cost. It should be noted that treatment costs may vary from state to state and criticality of the disease.
- Tympanoplasty (ear disorders and hearing impairment problems)- cost may start from $2200
- Laryngectomy (the surgical procedure by which the larynx, commonly called as the voice box, is removed, either partially or completely)- cost may start from $4500
- Nasal Polyp Surgery (benign/non-cancerous masses that develop in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses)- cost may start from $2411
- Septoplasty (to separate nasal cavity into right and left cavity)- cost may begin from $1650
- Cochlear Implant (to treat hearing loss)- cost may begin from $14000
Financing for ENT treatments
Considering the ENT treatment cost, it’s difficult to afford it. However, there are companies that offer financing for different health issues including financing in medical ENT. However, the biggest drawback is that not everyone could get financing. The main reason is that there is a credit check and if you have a low or bad credit score, you will not be qualified for the same. Hence, financing in medical ENT is a little complicated to afford.
Option for ear, nose, and throat treatment financing
Denefits is the only affordable option for ear, nose, and throat treatment financing. As there is no credit check, everyone can easily get financing for medical ENT. With a 100 percent approval rate and no credit check, affording financing for ENT treatments is easy with Denefits. You get an option to pay conveniently in monthly installments. That means if you are on a limited income, you still can afford ENT treatments. Just get the approval (within 3 minutes) and split the amount in easy monthly installments. Talk to your ENT specialist and know if they’re enrolled with Denefits financing. If they do not have Denefits financing option, call us and we’ll help your doctor with the enrollment.
