What does an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) do?
An ENT is a doctor who treats the ears, nose, and throat, plus related areas of the head and neck. Many are also surgeons.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find ear, nose and throat doctors (ENTs) near you
When people see one
- Ongoing sinus infections
- Hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or dizziness
- Repeated strep throat or tonsil trouble
- A voice change that lasts weeks, or a lump in the neck
How it differs
Audiologist: An audiologist tests hearing and fits hearing aids. An ENT is a medical doctor who diagnoses the cause of hearing loss and can treat it with medicine or surgery.
Allergist: An allergist tests for allergic triggers behind stuffy noses. An ENT treats structural and infection problems in the nose and sinuses.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? On some plans. 37 of the 148 2027 plans need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist: Kaiser Permanente's 29 plans (you may self-refer to certain specialists) and Denver Health (Elevate)'s 8 plans (self-referral allowed for OB-GYN and outpatient mental health care). The other 111 don't, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits. Confirm in the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Specialist Visit" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans; on the other 14, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $50 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 259 ear, nose and throat doctors (ENTs) at 163 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 23 locations
- Douglas County: 22 locations
- Arapahoe County: 19 locations
- Boulder County: 17 locations
- El Paso County: 17 locations
- Jefferson County: 10 locations
Counties with the fewest: Routt (1), Rio Blanco (1), Moffat (1), Broomfield (1), Weld (2). 40 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
- Which 2027 plans and network names do you take?
- How long is the wait for a new patient?
- Is the office part of a hospital? Hospital-owned clinics can add a facility fee.