From restoring hearing to saving lives: Timely ENT treatment is more important than ever

July 8, 2026

ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists state that conditions such as a child unable to hear properly due to recurrent ear infections, an adult struggling with nasal breathing issues for years, or a tobacco user ignoring a persistent mouth ulcer are common problems where patients often delay treatment. Consequently, a simple ailment can escalate into a serious condition requiring major surgery.

ENT-related disorders affect people of all age groups. These range from chronic infections, hearing loss, and sinus diseases to cancers of the mouth and tongue. While effective treatment is available for most of these conditions, doctors emphasize that timely diagnosis can prevent permanent damage and significantly improve the patient’s chances of recovery.

Research published in *The Lancet* indicates that a failure to detect head and neck cancers early allows the disease to reach an advanced stage. This complicates treatment and reduces the likelihood of recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to get persistent symptoms examined promptly.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated, “Under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme (*Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana*), eligible patients in Punjab are being provided advanced ENT surgeries free of cost at government and empanelled private hospitals. According to data from the State Health Agency, approximately 2,030 ENT surgeries have been performed so far, incurring an expenditure of around ₹5.25 crore.”

Dr. Nidhi Gupta, Medical Officer (ENT Specialist) at the Civil Hospital, Rupnagar (Ropar), said, “People often ignore issues like persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, nasal congestion, or mouth ulcers in the early stages because they are painless. However, delaying treatment can lead to permanent deafness, chronic sinusitis, or severe oral cancer.” Ear-related ailments are the most frequently encountered among ENT conditions. Chronic ear infections and hearing loss are the primary reasons for ENT surgeries. Patients often consult doctors complaining of persistent ear discharge, hearing impairment, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or long-standing infections.

According to recent data from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, approximately 1,050 ear surgeries were performed over the last five and a half months, incurring a cost of nearly ₹2.9 crore. These included 897 tympanoplasties, 88 radical mastoidectomies, as well as surgeries for ear injuries and tumors of the pinna (outer ear).

Dr. Gupta stated, “Most of these operations are performed to repair a perforated eardrum or to remove chronic infections from the middle ear. Timely surgery restores hearing and prevents the infection from spreading to the mastoid bone and surrounding vital organs.”

Respiratory issues are often overlooked.

People frequently ignore persistent nasal congestion, dismissing it as a minor issue, even though it directly impacts sleep, productivity, and quality of life. According to experts, chronic sinus infections, a deviated nasal septum (DNS), enlarged turbinates, and nasal polyps are the leading causes of prolonged breathing difficulties.

According to the State Health Agency, Punjab, approximately 900 nasal and sinus surgeries were performed in the state under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme (Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana), costing over ₹2.1 crore. These included 395 functional septorhinoplasties, 354 septoplasties, 227 functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS), and other corrective procedures. Dr. Gupta said, “Many patients rely solely on nasal sprays for years without addressing the root cause. Endoscopic surgery provides long-term relief, improves breathing, and reduces the frequency of recurrent infections.”

Oral Cancer: Fewer Cases, but Far Greater Severity

Although the number of surgeries involving the mouth and tongue is relatively low, experts note that late detection makes these some of the most complex ENT surgeries.

Approximately 80 patients underwent surgeries for the mouth and tongue, incurring costs totaling around ₹25 lakh. These procedures included:

* 47 surgeries to remove tumors from the mouth, sinuses, and throat

* 13 surgeries for tongue tumors, involving neck lymph node dissection and free flap reconstruction

* 7 composite resections and reconstructions

* Other major operations, including hemiglossectomy

Dr. Gupta explained that oral cancer often begins as a persistent sore that fails to heal, or manifests as white or red patches, tongue pain, or difficulty swallowing. Tobacco, *gutkha*, betel nut, and alcohol are the primary risk factors.

He emphasized that an oral sore persisting for more than two weeks should never be ignored. International studies, including those published in *The Lancet*, clearly indicate that delayed detection allows the cancer to reach a more advanced stage, thereby compromising treatment outcomes. Dr. Gupta stated, “Early-stage cancer can often be treated with minor surgery, whereas late detection necessitates major operations, reconstruction, and additional treatments.” Surgery to remove neck lymph nodes for a serious illness and reconstructing the mouth using tissue taken from another part of the body reconstructive surgery may be required to restore the ability to speak and swallow.

Serious illnesses can be prevented through awareness

Doctors state that most ENT complications can be prevented or successfully treated through timely detection and intervention.

One should immediately consult an ENT specialist if there is persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, prolonged nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, persistent hoarseness, or a mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks. Dr. Gupta said, “Timely consultation with a specialist means easier treatment, a faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.”

In conclusion, he emphasized that the availability of advanced ENT surgeries under the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme is strengthening healthcare services; however, the greatest benefit will be realized only when people are aware, undergo timely check-ups, and initiate treatment at an early stage. This can prevent the condition from becoming severe and significantly reduce the need for major surgeries.