Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions can affect hearing, balance, breathing, smell, swallowing, speech, and sleep. Use the links below to read more about common ENT conditions.
Common ear conditions
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) — infection or inflammation behind the eardrum, particularly common in children.
- Outer Ear Infection — inflammation or infection of the ear canal, often called swimmer’s ear.
- Hearing Loss — reduced hearing that may develop gradually or suddenly.
- Tinnitus — ringing, buzzing, humming, or other sounds without an external source.
- Earwax Blockage — buildup of earwax that may cause fullness, discomfort, or reduced hearing.
- BPPV (Positional Vertigo) — a common inner-ear cause of brief spinning sensations triggered by head movement.
- Motion Sickness — nausea, dizziness, or vomiting triggered by motion.
Common nose and sinus conditions
- Sinusitis — inflammation of the sinuses that can cause congestion, facial pressure, discharge, and reduced smell.
- Nasal Polyps — soft noncancerous growths that can contribute to nasal blockage and reduced smell.
Common throat and sleep related conditions
- Tonsillitis — inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by infection.
- Peritonsillar Abscess — a collection of pus beside a tonsil that needs prompt medical assessment.
- Sleep Apnea — repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep that require proper assessment and treatment.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing swelling of the tongue or throat, severe bleeding that does not stop, sudden significant hearing loss, or severe dizziness with new weakness, facial drooping, or speech difficulty.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 5 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.