About Us

Where Experts and Science Converge

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is one of the world’s largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat medical disorders that are among the most common affecting patients of all ages in the United States and around the world. Those medical conditions include chronic ear disease, hearing and balance disorders, hearing loss, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, allergies, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and tumors of the head and neck as well as aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and intricate micro-surgical procedures of the head and neck.  The Academy has approximately 13,000 members.

We engage our members and help them achieve excellence and provide high-quality, evidence-informed, and equitable ear, nose, and throat care through professional and public education, research, and health policy advocacy.

The global leader in optimizing quality ear, nose, and throat patient care.

By The Numbers

Years in Existence

Average Annual Meeting & OTO Experience Attendees

Donations in 2020

We Are One

Otolaryngology is united for ENT Patient Care. From academic to private practice, from rural to urban, from domestic to international the Academy is here to support our members and the patients they serve.

Become an Academy Member today!

What is an Otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is one of the oldest medical and surgical specialties in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management of patients with diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians. Their special skills include diagnosing and managing hearing and balance disorders, diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, upper pharynx (mouth and throat), and structures of the neck and face as well as aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.

AAO-HNS Foundation

The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and quality measurement. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. (AAO-HNS), and its foundation, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. (AAO-HNSF), are two separate and independent organizations, each incorporated in the District of Columbia. The Foundation is a non-profit, educational organization, designated as a 501(c)(3) association by the IRS. The Academy is designated as a 501(c)(6) non-profit association by the IRS.

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