Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Munich

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 Munich?

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 Munich 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 Munich.

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 Munich

About Munich

Munich is the largest city in Southern Germany and it is one of a few places on earth where traditional and modern sit side by side, with its royal palaces and high-tech cars. Known as the ‘city of art and beer,’ this city is famous for its annual beer festival known as Oktoberfest. What most people do not realize is that Munich is also one of the world’s most famous medical tourism destination. Thanks to the famous German education system that creates skilled specialists, as well as state-of-the-art medical centers that invest in the latest medical technology, medical tourism in this city is a booming business that continues to grow at a fast rate. International patients usually travel to the city for quality rather than the price.

Popular Parts of Munich

Munich boasts a beautiful historic center, amazing German food, large parks and gardens, and beer halls packed with welcoming people. Visitors can explore numerous historical buildings, such as the Church of St. Peter and Frauenkirche. These two buildings have been around for centuries and are located in Munich’s Old Town. One of the most popular attractions in the city is Alte Pinakothek, which is an important art museum that houses over 800 works from the 14th – 18th centuries from German masters. Those who want to have a picnic, hike, simply relax or even try surfing should visit the English Garden. Other popular places include Dachau Concentration Camp, Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum, and Deutsches Museum.

Transport in Munich

The international airport of Munich is Munich Airport, which is the second-busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic. It serves international flights from many cities around the world, including Dubai, Bangkok, and Atlanta. Munich has a comprehensive network of public transportation that will take visitors virtually anywhere around the city. The most common transit system is the U-Bahn, which is a fast and easy underground subway system. Buses, trams, and commuter trains are also available and each has a vast network. Taxis are easy to hail, reliable, and safe. However, they are a bit pricey and Uber operates in Munich.

Visas in Munich

As a member of the Schengen Area, Germany allows citizens of several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Poland to enter and stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry need to obtain a visa to visit the country. Always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Weather in Munich

From June to August is the summer, which is a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities as the temperatures hover around 24°C. On very hot days, the temperatures can reach 30°C. Autumn (September – October) and spring (March-May) has pleasant weather with mild temperatures. Winter can be very cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Euro (EUR) is the official currency. 1 EUR is approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find. Credit cards are not widely accepted and tipping is common practice.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. Many people, particularly in tourism areas, understand English to some extent.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the largest religion in the city, followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: Munich celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. It also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest in October.