Nasal-throat-ear (NKO)
Our nose and throat ear specialists perform expert examination and treatment of complaints of the ears, nose, throat and neck. Using modern techniques, we accurately identify possible conditions, both in routine check-ups and specific complaints.
Urgent medical help needed? We are ready.
Do you need urgent medical care? We will make sure you are helped as soon as possible. Call our secretariat on +32 32 16 98 47.Even with a full schedule, we make room for emergencies. At Medical Centre, your health always comes first.
Medical team with expertise
Our team of doctors is highly trained and has years of practical experience. With us, you are assured of professional and reliable care.
How does an NTE doctor examine your ears, nose and throat?
At Medical Centre, we perform various NKO examinations to accurately assess complaints of nose, throat, ears or voice. Depending on your complaints and medical history, we draw up a personalised examination programme. Each step is done with attention to comfort, discretion and clear explanations.
Anamnesis
During the initial consultation, the NKO doctor collects information on complaints, medical history, current medication use and family burden. This provides a complete overview of the health situation and forms the basis for targeted follow-up examinations.
Clinical research
The NKO doctor examines nose, throat and ears by inspection, palpation and auscultation. This is usually supplemented by functional tests, such as the throat reflex test or the nasal breathing test. The examination aims to identify structural and functional abnormalities.
Audiometry
In this hearing test, we objectively chart how well you perceive sounds of different pitches and volumes. During the test, you listen to tones at various frequencies through headphones. This way, hearing loss, tinnitus or other hearing problems can be accurately diagnosed.
Tympanometry
Tympanometry is an examination that measures eardrum mobility and pressure in the middle ear. It helps detect recurrent ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum or hearing loss.
Scopies
Using a flexible or rigid endoscope, the NKO doctor examines the inside of the nose, throat and vocal cords. This examination helps detect, for example, nasal polyps, voice problems or structural abnormalities. It is usually brief and done under local anaesthetic.
When is an NKO survey needed?
Chronic nasal congestion, persistent hoarseness, tinnitus, swallowing problems or sleep-related breathing problems are signs that require further investigation. Using a flexible endoscope, after local anaesthesia, the NTE doctor examines the nasal cavity, throat and vocal cords. The ears are also examined and hearing measured. This allows us to determine if there are any abnormalities and which treatment is most appropriate. We focus on, among other things:
Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or abnormalities of the nasal septum - Can lead to permanent nasal congestion, headaches, decreased sense of smell and increased risk of sinus infections.Allergies or nosebleeds - Recurrent allergic reactions affect quality of life, while frequent nosebleeds may indicate mucosal irritation or vascular problems.Swallowing or voice complaints, reflux in the throat - Throat irritation, hoarseness or a lumpy feeling may indicate reflux or other conditions that require timely treatment.Risk of sleep apnoea - Breathlessness during sleep can lead to chronic fatigue, snoring and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Hearing loss or tinnitus - Impaired hearing or tinnitus can indicate age-related hearing loss, noise exposure or problems of the middle or inner ear.Voice disorders with intensive voice use - Hoarseness, fatigue when speaking or voice loss can indicate overuse or injury to the vocal cords, for example in singers or teachers.Smoke-related discolouration or suspicious lesions of the vocal cords - Can be a first sign of chronic irritation or even malignancy and require a thorough check-up.
The earlier discovered, the better treated
Complaints of nose, throat or ears can often be detected at an early stage and treated effectively. Symptoms such as hoarseness, nasal congestion, hearing loss or recurrent sore throat are a reason to have an NTE examination. With risk factors such as allergies, chronic sinusitis, smoking or frequent respiratory tract infections, regular check-ups are especially important. Timely detection helps prevent complications and helps maintain your quality of life.
How does a consultation NKO proceed?
1. Intake interview & Amnesia
The NKO consultation starts with an exploratory interview. The doctor discusses your symptoms and asks specific questions about your medical history, allergies, respiratory problems, hearing or voice. This will give a clear picture of the possible cause of your symptoms.
2. NKO Surveys
Depending on your symptoms, the NKO doctor will perform a targeted examination, such as an ear inspection, nasal scopy, throat examination, hearing test or allergy test. Using modern equipment, we accurately visualise your upper airways, ears and throat, enabling a quick and accurate diagnosis.
3. Results & Treatment & Follow-up
After the examination, the NKO doctor explains the results and discusses a treatment plan if necessary. This may include medication, lifestyle advice or a referral for further care. The medical report is made available in your eHealth or CoZo file within a few working days, including clear explanations of the next steps.
Listen to your body, act in time
Do you suffer from a stuffy nose, hoarseness, tinnitus, hearing loss or recurrent sore throat? These may be signs of an underlying NTE problem.At Medical Centre, our specialists carefully examine these symptoms so that we can quickly identify the cause and start appropriate treatment.
Personalised care with attention and expertise. Book your consultation today.