The Complete Guide to ENT Doctors in Hong Kong

Ears, nose and throat (ENT) doctors (aka otorhinolaryngologists) are responsible for some basic yet essential functions in our body. If you or your child have been advised to see an ENT doctor, Healthy Matters has researched and produced the expert resource with all the details you need.

What is an ENT Doctor?

ENT Doctors are medical doctors specializing in the study and treatment of issues related to ears, nose and throat, as well as the head and neck, mouth, sinuses, and larynx (voicebox). 

ENT doctors are technically called otorhinolaryngologists. They are licensed to perform surgeries and treatments for these body parts. They can also detect abnormalities in these organs. 

ENT Doctors & Plastic Surgery

Surprise! As much as these two terms do not sound related at all, facial plastic surgery is in fact a subspecialty of otorhinolaryngology. As ENT doctors are already experts of everything above the collar bone, with additional training in facial plastic surgery, they can perform operations such as rhinoplasty (nose surgery), blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin and fat around the eyelids), browlift (improving forehead wrinkles) and so on. 

Laws in Hong Kong do not limit medical professionals who are not plastic surgeons, such as ENT doctors, from performing plastic surgeries and providing related services. 

If you have any questions regarding a doctor’s qualifications, see the list of specialist registration here.  

Facts about ENT Doctors in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, there is a total of 179 otorhinolaryngologists registered under the Medical Council of Hong Kong, working in both the public and private sectors.

You can find here the official list of all ENT doctors in Hong Kong.

To be an ENT doctor in Hong Kong, one first has to obtain a bachelor degree in Medicine (MBBS, which takes 6 years) and receive an internship training at a hospital after graduation. This is then followed by a  2 to 3-year general surgical stream training and 4 to 5-year ENT Specialist training before sitting a professional exam. To be qualified for registration, ENT doctors shall either be certified by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (HKAM) or awarded a Fellowship of HKAM (Otorhinolaryngology). 

When should you see an ENT Doctor?

If you feel something is wrong with you ears, nose, throat or any of the other body parts mentioned above, you should consult an ENT doctor. ENT doctors can conduct ear exams to spot any disorders. They also provide other services such as cleaning earwax, or providing hearing aid when necessary.

Most common reasons to see an ENT Doctor

General otorhinolaryngologists treat many kinds of conditions. Some common reasons include:

1. Ears: swimmer’s ear, blocked ears, ear infection, hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
2. Nose: sinusitis, allergies, sinus migraines, nasal obstruction, surgery
3. Throat: difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections, throat tumors, airway and vocal cord disorders
4. Head and Neck: cancers of the head and neck, neck masses, Grave’s disease, enlarged thyroid glands
5. Sleep: sleep apnea, sleep-disordered breathing, nasal and airway obstruction, snoring
6. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: cleft palates, drooping eyelids, hair loss, ear deformities, facial paralysis, trauma reconstruction, head and neck cancer reconstruction, revisions of facial cosmetic surgery
7. Pediatrics: birth defects of the head and neck, developmental delays, ear infection, tonsils and adenoids infection, airway problems, asthma and allergies

How much does it cost to see an ENT Doctor in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, the cost of a consultation with an ENT Doctor varies greatly, depending on the location, facilities and treatment needed. Our research shows that consultations in the private sector range from $600 to $1,800.

For eligible HKID-holders, attending a public specialist costs $135 for first attendance and $80 for subsequent attendance. The charge of medication is $15 per item. For non-eligible people, the price of attending a specialist outpatient clinic is $1,190 per attendance. 

Beware of waiting times which can be very long in the public sector. Please enquire at your clinic of choice for specific costs. 

* All amounts are in HKD. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

List of ENT Doctors in Hong Kong

To make it easier for you, here is a list of Hong Kong ENT doctors and specialized clinics:

ENT Doctors in the Public Sector: 

Here is the list of public centers providing ENT Doctor services throughout Hong Kong.

ENT Doctors in the Private Sector: 
 

You can search for ENT Doctors (Otorhinolaryngologists) according to their locations here.

Does insurance cover consultations and treatments with ENT Doctors in Hong Kong?

According to Alea, otorhinolaryngologist consultations and procedures are reimbursed under doctor specialist fees. Generally, high-end medical plans reimburse ENT doctor treatment in full without any sub-limit whereas local plans have doctor specialist sub-limits for consultations, procedures and surgeries. If you have any health insurance questions or looking to maximize your coverage, contact an expert at Alea at [email protected].