7 Considerations When Choosing an ENT Specialist in Singapore

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

When it comes to your health, especially something as essential as your ears, nose, and throat, you want to make the best decision possible. Whether you’re dealing with persistent sinus infections, hearing problems, or sleep disturbances, finding the right ENT specialist can significantly impact your treatment and recovery. As someone who has spent over 17 years helping patients in Singapore with their ENT concerns, I understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Let me share what I believe are the most important things to consider when choosing an ENT Specialist, so you can make the right decision for yourself or your loved ones.

What Does an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialist Do?

ENT Specialists, or otolaryngologists, are doctors trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, and parts of the head and neck.

Our work covers everything from common issues, like blocked noses, sinus infections and sore throats, to more complex cases like inner ear disorders or even surgeries for skull base tumours. At its heart, it is about restoring or improving a person’s quality of life—whether that’s helping them breathe more easily, hear more clearly, or sleep well.

In my practice, I see patients with all sorts of concerns, from allergies and sinus problems to conditions that require minimally invasive surgeries. My approach is always focused on working with my patients to find solutions that fit their needs and goals and avoid unnecessary surgery.

Common ENT Problems in Singapore

Living in Singapore comes with its unique set of environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to ENT issues. Here are a few conditions which I see most often in my clinics.

Ear Conditions

Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is surprisingly common and doesn’t just affect older adults. Noise exposure, ageing, infections, and even earwax buildup can lead to gradual or sudden hearing loss. As an ENT Specialist, we determine the root cause through comprehensive history taking and hearing tests and recommend the right solution—whether that’s hearing aids, therapy, or surgery.
Tinnitus
Have you ever heard ringing or buzzing in your ears that no one else can hear? The medical term for that is tinnitus, and it can range from mildly annoying to completely disruptive. It often stems from ear damage, and though it may not always be curable, there are ways to manage it with sound therapy, tinnitus counselling, or hearing devices.
Balance Disorders
Dizziness or vertigo are some of the more common conditions that we deal with. They can be caused by problems in the inner ear, and addressing them may require a combination of diagnostic tests and targeted treatments.

Nose Conditions

Sinusitis (Acute / Chronic)
Singapore’s humid climate is a double-edged sword—it’s great for your skin but can be tough on your sinuses. Chronic sinusitis is a common complaint, causing congestion, facial pain, and sometimes infections. Treatments range from medications to procedures like endoscopic sinus surgery for long-term relief.
Deviated Nasal Septum
A deviated nasal septum, where the wall dividing your nostrils is crooked, can make breathing through the nose difficult. It may not always need treatment, but for severe cases, a surgical procedure named septoplasty can provide relief.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages that can block airflow, reduce your sense of smell, and lead to frequent infections. They can be managed with medication, but surgery might be necessary for more serious cases.

Throat Conditions

Sore Throats / Tonsillitis
While most sore throats go away on their own, recurring throat infections or enlarged tonsils could mean you’re dealing with tonsillitis. For chronic cases, surgery to remove the tonsils (a tonsillectomy) may be recommended.
Hoarseness
Changes in your voice, especially if they last more than a couple of weeks, should not be ignored. They could point to vocal cord strain or other throat issues, and early treatment and diagnosis often lead to better outcomes.
Swallowing Difficulties
Difficulty swallowing can have many causes, from infections to structural issues. It can be a sign of a serious condition, especially if it is affecting one’s ability to eat or drink comfortably.

Other Common ENT Issues

ENT care and treatment are not limited to the above-mentioned conditions. There are other problems that are frequently addressed, which may not be as well-known but are just as important to treat.

Allergic Rhinitis

If you find yourself sneezing constantly or dealing with a runny nose that never seems to go away, you may be suffering from allergic rhinitis. It is often triggered by dust mites or pollen, and one of the most common conditions that are treated, both in adults and children. Allergy testing, medication, immunotherapy and surgery can be treatment for this condition.

Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis

Throat infections can cause significant discomfort, but recurrent cases can also lead to complications, such as Paratonsillar Abscesses or Quinsy. For frequent infections, a tonsillectomy may be the best solution to improve your quality of life.

Ear Infections

Ear infections do not only afflict children —they can affect adults too. Symptoms such as ear pain, a blocked ear, hearing loss, or fever should be taken seriously, as untreated infections can lead to complications. Treatment is usually straightforward, involving antibiotics or minor procedures such as ear cleaning to reduce the infectious load.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is not just bothersome for the bed partner, but can sometimes indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where one’s breathing stops temporarily during sleep. OSA can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart issues, lung issues and excessive daytime fatigue. Depending on the severity, treatments range from lifestyle changes to CPAP machines or even surgery.

How to Choose the Right ENT Specialist in Singapore

With so many ENT specialists in Singapore, how does a patient decide who is the best to treat their issues? Here are some practical tips to guide you.

Get Recommendations

Ask your GP, family, or friends for referrals. They can often provide insight into a specialist’s expertise and bedside manner, giving you a good starting point for your search. Reviews from other patients can also give you an idea if the doctor is right for you.

Check Qualifications and Experience

Always verify a doctor’s qualifications and experience. Look for specialised training and years in practice. For instance, my training is in advanced rhinology and skull base surgery, which means I regularly handle complex sinus and nasal conditions. I also have an interest in Paediatric ENT, handling ear, nose and throat issues specific to children.

Consider Sub-specialisation

Some ENT specialists focus on specific areas, such as pediatric ENT, hearing disorders, or sinus surgery. If you have a specific condition, finding a specialist with expertise in that area can make all the difference.

Communication and Comfort

You need to feel comfortable with your doctor. They should listen to your concerns, empathise with your condition, answer your questions, and explain things clearly. A good doctor-patient relationship is essential for effective treatment.

Location and Accessibility

Our clinic at Mount Alvernia Hospital is centrally located, with shuttles to 2 MRT stations, making access easy.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Healthcare costs can add up quickly, especially in Singapore, hence it is important to understand pricing upfront and whether your insurance covers the treatments. Our staff work closely with patients to clarify costs and guide them through insurance claims.

Reviews and Testimonials

Look for reviews or testimonials from other patients. While no doctor can please everyone, consistent positive feedback is a good sign of quality care.

When to See an ENT Specialist

If you’ve been struggling with persistent symptoms—like nasal congestion, hearing loss, or snoring—it’s time to see an ENT Specialist. Making an early diagnosis and starting treatment can often prevent more serious complications down the road.

Does Your Child Need a Paediatric ENT Specialist?

Kids have unique ENT needs, from recurrent ear infections to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Paediatric ENT specialists are trained to manage these issues in a way that’s gentle and effective for young patients.

Cost of ENT Services in Singapore

The cost of ENT services can vary depending on the clinic in question, as well as the treatment required. Here is a rough guide:

Consultations: SGD 150-250
Diagnostic Tests: SGD 300–600 (e.g., nasoendoscopy)
Surgical Procedures: SGD 5,000–15,000

Please always check with a clinic in question for detailed pricing and to discuss insurance coverage, if any.

Consult an ENT Specialist in Singapore

If you’re dealing with an ENT issue, don’t hesitate to seek help. At the ENT Practice, my staff and I are here to provide expert, compassionate care. As experienced ENT specialists, we offer everything from simple consultations to advanced surgeries, our commitment is to listen, diagnose and treat, in an effort to help you achieve better health.

Take the first step—schedule a consultation with Dr. Leslie Koh and our team today. Together, we can find the right solution for your needs.

Disclaimer:

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, treatment or medication and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 995 or visit the nearest Emergency Department immediately. No doctor-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Neither the owner of the website, nor its employees, or any contributor to this web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.

References:

Guilleminault, C., et al. (1993). A cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. The upper airway resistance syndrome. Chest, 104(3), 781-787.
Vallino, L. D., & Zuker, R. (2008). A study of speech, language, hearing, and dentition in children with cleft lip only. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal, 45(5), 485-494.
Sergl, H. G., et al. (2000). Functional and social discomfort during orthodontic treatment-effects on compliance and prediction of patients’ adaptation by personality variables. European Journal of Orthodontics, 22(3), 307-315.