This article helps singers know what to expect during an ENT visit for a vocal check-up and how to prepare for a smooth, stress-free experience.

What Is An ENT?

An ENT (Otolaryngologist) is a doctor specialising in Ear, Nose and Throat care. They diagnose and treat issues affecting these areas.

The primary ENT subspecialties are:

• Otology and Neurotology: Deals with the ears, including infections, trauma, hearing loss, dizziness, and balance disorders, with neurotologists focusing on conditions in the inner ear and their connection to the brain. 
• Rhinology: Specialises in the nose and sinuses, addressing issues like allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum and chronic sinus infections. 
• Laryngology: Focuses on the throat, vocal folds and swallowing, treating voice disorders, voice box problems and airway issues. 
• Head and Neck Surgery: Involves the treatment of head and neck cancers, as well as benign cysts and tumours, including surgery on glands like the thyroid and salivary glands. 
• Paediatric Otolaryngology: Concentrates on medical and surgical conditions affecting children, such as congenital head and neck issues, frequent tonsil and adenoid infections, and airway problems. 
• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Combines aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty and facelift with reconstructive surgery for facial trauma or congenital defects. 
• Sleep Medicine: Addresses sleep-related disorders, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, often involving procedures to improve airway function. 
• Skull Base Surgery: A subspecialty that often overlaps with neurotology and rhinology, focusing on surgically removing tumours or treating other conditions at the base of the skull. 

Each subspecialty focuses on specific anatomical regions and conditions, ranging from hearing loss and chronic sinusitis to head and neck cancers, congenital issues in children and sleep-related breathing disorders. 

For singers, it is important to see a laryngologist – a voice-specialist ENT. Laryngologists have advanced training in voice care, ensuring singers receive expert evaluation and treatment.

Why Do Singers Book ENT Appointments?

Some singers fear that seeing an ENT signals a vocal problem. In reality, ENT visits are not just for emergencies. Professional singers often schedule routine check-ups, much like athletes see sports doctors, to maintain vocal health and gain peace of mind.

If you’ve been referred to an ENT because of vocal concerns, remember: an ENT is the only person who can accurately diagnose any issues affecting your voice.

When Should I Book An ENT Appointment?

If you have no specific vocal issues and simply want a routine vocal check-up, you can schedule an appointment at any time. Keep in mind however that popular ENT”s may have long waiting periods.

If, on the other hand, you notice sudden changes, persistent hoarseness, pain lasing more than 2 weeks, or a gradual change in your voice (i.e. tone, range, flexibility or other qualities), don’t delay booking an appointment with a laryngologist. A referral from your GP will be required.

Before booking, consider these questions to help you provide a clear history to the ENT:

• When did my symptoms start?
• Are they constant or do they fluctuate?
• Do I feel pain, strain, dryness, or just a change in quality?
• Have I had recent illness, allergies, reflux or stressful events?
• Do I notice differences when speaking versus singing?
• Have I recently changed technique, environment or vocal workload?

What To Expect During Your Appointment

The doctor will ask questions to build a better understanding of your vocal history. Then, they may use a laryngoscope or stroboscope inserted through your mouth or nose to examine your vocal folds. You may be asked to speak or sing at different pitches and volumes. Warming up before your appointment can help.

Note: General anaesthetic may be used to make the exam more comfortable.

The Difference Between A Laryngoscope And A Stroboscope

A laryngoscope is a medical instrument used to look directly at the larynx (voice box) and vocal folds.

• It may be rigid (inserted through the mouth) or flexible (a thin tube passed through the nose).
• The purpose is to let the ENT doctor visually examine the vocal folds for signs of swelling, nodules, lesions or other issues.

A stroboscope is a special light and camera system used with a laryngoscope to observe the vocal folds in action.

• It flashes light in sync with vocal fold vibration, creating a “slow-motion” effect.
• This allows the doctor to see subtle details of vocal fold movement that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
• It’s especially important for singers, because it can reveal fine irregularities in how the vocal folds vibrate.

The laryngoscope is the tool that goes in (mouth or nose) to see the vocal folds.

The stroboscope is the technology that makes vocal fold vibration visible in detail.

Singers often favour a stroboscope because it provides a much more detailed functional view of the vocal folds.

Preparation And What To Bring

To make your appointment smoother:

• Bring a list of questions and concerns.
• Compile a list of medications or supplements you use, as these can affect your voice.
• Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Additional tips:

• Arrive early to allow time for parking, locating the office and/or completing forms.
• Consider bringing a USB or device to save images or videos from the exam to share with your voice care team (speech pathologist, voice teacher, physiotherapist, etc.).

After The Appointment

You may be encouraged to:

• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended.
• Share your results with your wider voice care team.
• Follow your ENT’s advice, maintain vocal rest if recommended and continue tracking your voice progress.

Remember

The doctor is there to help. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification. If nerves make it hard to remember details, ask if you can record the session.

You are not alone. Many singers have gone through this process. Connecting with supportive groups or other singers can ease your mind, reduce stigma and help you feel more prepared.