When should I see an ENT specialist, and which symptoms are urgent?
Persistent hoarseness, hearing difficulty or recurring nose, ear or swallowing symptoms may need specialist assessment. Sudden hearing loss should not be assumed to be wax and needs urgent evaluation. Breathing difficulty or inability to swallow saliva is an emergency, not a routine appointment issue.
Details
Persistent voice change needs attention
Hoarseness not improving by about four weeks needs laryngeal assessment, sooner with smoking, pain, a neck lump or major voice change. Do not rely on prolonged antibiotics or reflux treatment without clarifying the cause.
Sudden hearing loss is time-sensitive
It may affect one ear on waking, with ringing, dizziness or fullness. Seek same-day assessment rather than trying wax drops for days; delayed treatment can reduce its effectiveness.
Prepare for the visit
Record onset, affected side, medicines, noise exposure and injuries, and bring previous hearing tests. Examination guides whether endoscopy or hearing tests are needed; not every complaint requires imaging or surgery.
Related reading: Is earwax blockage serious, and when are drops unsuitable?.