Overview

ENT conditions affect millions globally, making skilled specialists crucial for our well-being. Over 500 million people worldwide experience hearing loss annually. 1 in 8 adults suffers from chronic sinusitis in the US alone. Head and neck cancers collectively rank as the 6th most common type globally. These staggering figures underscore the immense responsibility shouldered by ENT specialists.

But who stands among the best of the best?

Today, we embark on a fascinating journey to identify the top 10 ENT doctors in the world, individuals whose expertise transcends borders and brings solace to countless patients.

So, let’s dive in get to know the best ENT doctors worldwide

Best ENT Doctors in the USA

1. Dr. Cecil Yeung

Experience: 20+ years

• He is one of the best ENT doctors in the world for sinus surgery. He has pioneered functional endoscopic sinus surgery in Houston and has performed more than 4,000 sinus surgeries with exceptional results. 
• He has trained many other doctors in this field. 
• He is known for his meticulous surgical techniques and technical precision. He has an average surgery re-do rate of less than 1%, compared to the national average of 30%

Specialities: 

Specialises in sinus and nasal disorders, including sinusitis, deviated septum and nasal polyps. 

2. Dr. Steven Sobol

Experience: 20+ years

• Past President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 
• He is one of the best ENT doctors in the world, renowned for his expertise in sinus surgery and allergy treatment. 
• He has performed over 8,000 ear surgeries, including cochlear implants and complex skull base procedures. He has pioneered new techniques in ear surgery.
• He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the AAO-HNS Otologic Teaching Award.

Specialisation: 

Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery

3. Dr. Gopi Shah

Experience: 17 years

Specialisation: 

Pediatric Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

She has performed over 5,000 paediatric ENT surgeries. This includes complex airway and voice procedures. 

She founded the American Society for Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) and served as its president.

She is the recipient of the Jack Paradise Award for outstanding contributions to paediatric otolaryngology.

Best ENT Doctors in India

4. Dr. Milind V Kirtane

Experience: 30+ years

• He is particularly interested in neurotology, endoscopic sinus surgery, and cochlear implants. 
• He has performed over 3000 successful cochlear implant surgeries, including many through donations and government programs.

Special interests: 

• Cochlear implants, Sinus surgery, laryngology and facial nerve decompression. 
• He has trained over 1200 ENT surgeons through workshops. 
• He has helped set up 70+ cochlear implant surgery centres across India.

Awards and Achievements: 

• Dr. Kirtane is one of the best ENT Doctors in the world. He holds the titles of Honorary Surgeon at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Emeritus Professor at Seth G.S. Medical College in Mumbai.  
• He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's premier civilian awards in 2014. He was also presented with the distinguished Dr.B.C.Roy Award in 2005 and the Qimpro Platinum Standard Award in Healthcare in 2014.

5. Dr. Atul Mittal

Experience: 27 years

• Dr. Atul Mittal is the Principal Director of ENT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• among one of the best ENT doctors in the world. Dr. Mittal's surgical skills extend to the entire spectrum of otorhinolaryngology, performing more than 800 surgeries yearly.
• He has performed 300+ surgeries in 2023 alone.

Specializations

• Minimal Access Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty. Endoscopic Adenoidectomy and Sleep Surgery. 
• He also performs Thyroid and Laryngeal surgeries. 
• He also specialises in Cochlear Implantation Program and Immunotherapy in Allergic Respiratory Diseases

6. Dr. Shashidhar T B

Experience: 10 years

Achievements:       

• Dr. Shashidhar is the Head of the ENT department, at Artemis Health Institute, Gurugram. 
• He was the 1st in India to perform paediatric balloon laryngoplasty and LTR with alar grafting. 
• He has performed 1000+ successful surgeries on infants. 
• Dr. Shahshidhar has successfully performed some exceptional procedures like Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and drug-induced sleep endoscopy, Surgeries for drooling and airway reconstruction.

Specialties:  

These include airway reconstruction, treating swallowing disorders, sleep apnea surgery

7. Dr. Anish Gupta

Experience: 21 years

Achievements: 

• Expert in performing advanced ENT surgeries like laryngeal framework procedures, Endoscopic sinus surgery, cochlear implant, rhinoplasty, thyroidectomy, parotidectomy and surgeries for head and neck tumours. 
• He has the distinction of performing more than 2000 endonasal procedures and over 3000 middle and inner ear surgeries, including complex and revision mastoidectomies, stapedotomy, glomus tympanicum, optic nerve decompressions and endolymphatic sac decompression.
• He has also carried out more than 60 cochlear implants at Army Hospital, from 2004-2007.

Specialist

• Proficient in managing ENT emergencies and cases of skull base osteomyelitis, foreign body in aerodigestive tract, epistaxis and giddiness. Apart from this, he also has good exposure to using KTP and carbon dioxide laser for ENT procedures. 

Best ENT Doctors in Europe

8. Dr. Ajay Nigam, UK

Experience: 30+ years

Achievements and awards: 

• Over 10,000 successful surgeries performed to date. 
• Lifetime Achievement Award by Swallows Charity, recognizing his commitment to patient care and service. 
• Affiliated to Lancashire Clinic, Lytham; Manchester ENT Hospital; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Specialties:

Sinusitis, Rhinoplasty, Snoring, Ear infections, Throat cancer, Pediatric ENT.

Specialised services: 

Dr. Nigam is known for his expertise in minimally invasive ENT procedures.

9. Dr. Vikas Malik, UK

Experience: 36 years

Achievements and awards: 

He is an acclaimed ENT specialist and surgeon. He has performed over 10,000 surgeries and specializes in rhinology, sinusitis, and sleep apnea surgery. 

He is the Clinical Governance Lead for the ENT department at Royal Bolton Hospital. 

He is the Head of Simulation at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.  Greater Manchester and Lancashire. He treats both adults and children. 

Specialties:

His special interests include balloon dilatation of eustachian tubes, chronic ear discharge, ear infections, eardrum perforation, mastoid infection, hearing loss, balance problems, Meniere's disease, balloon sinus surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, management of blocked nose, hoarseness and diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

10. Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Wuerpel (Germany)

Experience: 30 + years

Specialisation:

Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery

• He is rated as one of the best ENT doctors in the world. He has the honour of performing over 10,000 ear surgeries, including complex skull base procedures. 
• He has pioneered new techniques in ear surgery, published extensively in medical journals, and founded the German Cochlear Implant Center.

Awards: 

Recipient of numerous awards, including the German Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO) Gold Medal.

FAQs

What are the common symptoms of ENT problems?

Common symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, and dizziness.

How can ENT issues be prevented?

Prevention strategies include practicing good hygiene, avoiding exposure to allergens, quitting smoking, using hearing protection in noisy environments, and seeking prompt treatment for any underlying health conditions.

What diagnostic tests are required?

Diagnostic tests may include physical examination, endoscopy, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRIs), hearing tests, allergy testing, and blood tests.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives to consider?

Yes, non-surgical alternatives may include medication, allergy shots, speech therapy, or lifestyle changes.

Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve my condition?

Lifestyle changes may include dietary modifications, quitting smoking, using humidifiers, practising good vocal hygiene, and avoiding triggers for allergies.

What should I do in case of an emergency related to my ENT condition?

In case of an emergency, such as severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or sudden hearing loss, seek immediate medical attention.