Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Ha Noi

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Ha Noi?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Ha Noi for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Ha Noi.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Ha Noi

About Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the second-largest city by population. Located on the banks of Red River, it’s the major metropolitan and political center of the country. This chaotic and busy city is brimming with history, culture, and character. Known as one of the most ancient capitals in the world, the city charms its visitors with well-preserved colonial buildings, pagodas, and museums. Foreign tourists normally travel to the city to enjoy its history, but today, some of these foreign tourists are heading to its clinics and hospitals. Affordable healthcare and high-quality medical centers are the main factors that have attracted medical tourists and the most sought-after treatment is cosmetic surgery and dentistry.

Popular Parts of Hanoi

Hanoi offers many kinds of attractions for its visitors. The most popular part of the city is the Old Quarter, where visitors can experience Asia at its rawest. This 2000-year-old street is packed with over 1000 merchants. In this area, you can also get a glimpse of the strong influence the French had via its architecture. The area of Ba Dinh is also popular among foreign tourists. It’s the center of governance in Vietnam, as well as home to numerous historic sites, such as the One Pillar Pagoda and Hanoi Flag Tower. Those who are fascinated with Vietnam’s history and culture should visit the Temple of Literature, Quan Su Pagoda, or explore its many museums. Some of the popular museums are the Vietnam Women’s Museum, Army Museum, and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts.

Transport in Hanoi

Noi Bai International airport is the biggest airport in Vietnam that serves both domestic and international flights to major cities in Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines operate from this airport, such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. Various modes of transport are available to get around the city. Taxis can be hailed from the street or by phone and are generally reliable. Motorcycle taxis and cyclo (similar to trishaw) are two of the most affordable options. Buses are also available. However, the easiest way to get around is by Grab motorbikes, which is similar to Uber.

Visas in Hanoi

Holders of passports issued to 24 countries, including Cambodia, Denmark, and the UK, are allowed to visit and stay in Hanoi for up to 90 days without a visa. Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa system in 2017, which is available for citizens of 81 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, and Japan. 

Weather in Hanoi

Hanoi experiences a warm and humid subtropical climate. The summer, starting from late April, is characterized by sunny days and heatwaves, with occasional rain. The average temperature is around 27.5°C. Winter, from December to January, has a lot of cold days and the temperature can drop to 7°C. Autumn and spring have pleasant weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency, and 1 USD will get you around 23,270 VND.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Cash is king, but credit cards are accepted in various hotels. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the official and most spoken language in Hanoi. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most people in Hanoi follow Vietnamese folk religion or are not religious. Other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Hanoi celebrates several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Tet Holiday, Hung Kings Temple Festival, Reunification Day, International Labor Day, and National Day.