Maladies of the throat can be a mere nuisance or a major ordeal. Tonsillitis, voice disorders, and even hoarseness all interfere with our ability to communicate. Many of these conditions can be improved or corrected with the care of an ENT physician or head and neck surgeon.
Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
| 1546 | Account published of first documented successful tracheotomy |
| 1806 | Dutrochet introduces concept of vocal cord movement |
| 1898 | Carbon-type hearing aid first produced |
| 1924 | Otolaryngology specialty board (second such board in U.S.) is formed |
| 1984 | FDA approves first cochlear implant for marketing |
| 1988 | First wearable digital signal processing hearing aid produced |