General ENT Specialist

When should you see an ENT Specialist?

Mild conditions can often be treated by your GP or managing your symptoms at home, for instance a temporary mild earache or a sore throat. However there are symptoms which may require more thorough investigation by a ENT specialist.

Some examples of these symptoms include (but are not limited to):

• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent nose bleeds
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Losing your sense of smell, hearing or voice
• Ringing in your ears, also known as tinnitus
• Ear ache, sore throat or pain that doesn’t go away
• Dizziness or balance problems, vertigo
• Snoring that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes

Choosing an ENT Specialist

As a patient you may be referred to an ENT specialist:

• Via referral from a regular GP
• Self referred – you may come across our clinic via word of mouth or finding our website
• Hospital referral

At ENT Specialists Group:

• All of our surgeons are specialised in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and have further sub-specialisation within their specialist field
• We aim to see urgent cases within 24 hours
• We work in the major Melbourne metropolitan public hospitals in addition to some of the largest private hospitals throughout Victoria
• Our team are happy to see patients of any insurance status, including without Medicare or recent immigrants to Australia
• You can still receive timely care as our team can put you directly onto the hospital waiting list without having to wait to see another surgeon in the hospital
• Our team are regularly called on to assist with the most difficult and complex ENT cases

What to expect at your First ENT Consultation

Prior to your first visit to an ENT specialist, you’ll usually be asked to fill out a patient registration form to share your personal details and insurance/concession information if applicable. We also request your referral letter from your GP if you have one.

During your first visit, your specialist will usually discuss with you the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and your general health and medical history to help understand your condition. Your ears, nose, head, neck and throat may be examined.

You may undergo some tests during your first visit or be requested to return to the clinic at a later date. By the end of your first appointment, you should have a clear idea of the next steps and what to expect.