What is looked at in recurring sore throat

The ear, nose and throat are three ends of one system. A blockage in the nose can disturb how the middle ear is ventilated, and hearing that slips away can affect balance and attention. For that reason we assess every visit by reading the three regions together rather than through a single complaint.

The sections below gather the points our patients ask about most often. Even so, every picture is different, and a definite assessment can only be made after an examination and measurement.

How the assessment works

The first stage is a detailed history: when the complaint began, what makes it worse, and how it affects sleep and work. An ear, nose and throat examination follows.

Where needed, hearing is measured with audiometry and tympanometry, and a thin flexible endoscope gives a view of the nasal cavity and the vocal folds. These measurements determine which method is chosen.

What to pay attention to

• Noting when the complaint began and how it has developed; sudden hearing loss needs urgent assessment.
• Asking a clinician before putting cotton buds, drops or herbal mixtures into the ear.
• Limiting the volume in noisy places and during long listening through headphones.
• Keeping to the scheduled review appointments, even when the complaint appears to have passed.

What happens afterwards

Once the assessment is complete we recommend regular reviews so the result is maintained. The interval depends on the method used and on the general state of your hearing.

The information shared in this article is for general guidance and does not replace a clinical examination. The right approach for your own situation becomes clear after an assessment at the clinic.