Comprehensive ENT Tests and Diagnosis

Complete Range of ENT Tests and Diagnostic Procedures

At PACE Hospitals, we offer advanced ENT diagnostic tests to accurately evaluate ear, nose, throat, and head-neck conditions. Using modern imaging, endoscopy, hearing assessments, and specialized investigations, our ENT team ensures precise diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

Ear Diagnostic Tests

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) 

PTA is the foundational hearing test that maps out exactly what a person can and cannot hear. During this test, the patient wears a pair of headphones and sits in a quiet, sound-treated booth. The specialist plays a series of sounds, some high-pitched like a whistling bird, others low-pitched like a distant drum, at different volumes. Every time the patient hears a sound, even if it is incredibly faint, they simply press a button or raise their hand to create a personalised hearing map called an audiogram. It helps doctors determine the exact degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, or severe) and pinpoints where the issue lies.

Speech Audiometry

Speech audiometry is a practical test designed to measure how well a patient can hear, understand, and distinguish human speech rather than just simple electronic tones. During this test, the patient listens to a series of recorded or spoken words through headphones at different volume levels and is asked to simply repeat the words back to the specialist. The test measures both the softest level at which speech can be heard and how clearly the patient can recognize words when they are played at a comfortable, easy-to-hear volume. 

This precise information helps the ENT doctor understand the patient’s real-world communication struggles and is the exact tool used to calibrate and program hearing aids so that voices sound crystal clear for the patient.

Impedance Audiometry

This is an advanced diagnostic evaluation that combines a check of the eardrum's movement (called tympanometry) with an acoustic reflex test. While the patient sits quietly, a soft ear tip delivers tiny shifts in air pressure followed by slightly louder, quick tones. The equipment automatically measures how the eardrum moves and checks if the tiny muscles inside the middle ear automatically contract to protect the inner ear from loud sounds, which is a natural defense mechanism known as the acoustic reflex.

ENT doctors use this to deep-dive into the physical mechanics of the middle ear and the pathways of the hearing nerves. It helps doctors diagnose tricky conditions like stiffening of the middle ear bones (otosclerosis), fluid deeply trapped behind the eardrum, or issues affecting the auditory nerve pathways that travel up to the brain.

Otoacoustic Emission Test

This test is a quick and completely painless test that measures how well the microscopic hair cells in the inner ear (the cochlea) are working. During the test, a small, soft probe is placed in the patient's ear, which plays gentle clicking sounds and uses a highly sensitive microphone to listen for those tiny echoes. The patient just needs to sit completely still and quiet for a few minutes.

This test doesn't require the patient to speak or push a button, making it the absolute gold standard for screening newborns and young infants for hearing issues. In adults, ENT doctors use it to differentiate between nerve damage and middle ear issues, or to monitor if certain powerful medications are accidentally stressing the inner ear.

Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry

This is also known as an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, is a highly specialised electrophysiological evaluation that traces how the auditory nerve and the brainstem pathways process sound signals. Painless sensor patches (electrodes) are temporarily affixed to the patient's forehead and behind the ears while headphones deliver rapid clicking sounds or targeted tone bursts. As these sounds pass through the ear, the sensors automatically map and record the microscopic electrical brainwaves (neural firing) generated along the pathway to the brainstem.

By evaluating the precise speed and timing of the recorded brainwaves, an ENT doctor can reliably rule out or detect neurological abnormalities, demyelinating conditions, and benign growths on the main hearing nerve.

Vestibular Function Testing

Vestibular function testing is performed to evaluate the balance system located in the inner ear. It helps identify the cause of symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, unsteady walking or nausea. During the test, eye movements and balance responses are checked while the head or body is moved in different positions. These tests help diagnose inner ear balance disorders such as vertigo, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and other conditions affecting balance and coordination.

Videonystagmography

This is a test done to evaluate balance problems and dizziness related to the inner ear. During the test, special goggles with cameras are placed over the eyes to record eye movements while different head and body positions are performed. Since the inner ear and eye movements are closely connected, abnormal eye movements can help identify conditions affecting balance. VNG is commonly used to diagnose vertigo, vestibular disorders, inner ear infections, Ménière’s disease, and other causes of dizziness or imbalance. The test is generally safe and helps ENT specialists understand how well the balance system is functioning.

Hearing Screening

This is a simple and painless test done to check whether hearing ability is normal or reduced. It is often done in newborns, children, adults, and older people who may struggle to hear sounds or speech. Various sounds or tones are played through headphones, and responses are measured. Different sounds or tones are played through headphones, and responses are measured. Hearing screening helps detect early hearing loss, ear infections, nerve-related hearing problems, and age-related hearing changes so that timely treatment or hearing support can be provided.

Tuning Fork Tests

Tuning fork tests are quick, bedside physical examinations used to diagnose and differentiate between types of hearing loss. They play a critical supporting role in evaluating vestibulocochlear nerve, which governs both hearing and balance. In this, the vibrating fork is placed near the ear or on the bone behind the ear to compare how sound travels through air and bone. These tests help doctors identify whether hearing loss is caused by blockage or problems in the outer or middle ear, or due to nerve-related inner ear conditions. 

Otoscopy

Otoscopy is a routine standard visual medical examination of the external ear canal and the eardrum using a handheld instrument called an otoscope. The test helps doctors look for earwax accumulation, ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, swelling, perforation of the eardrum, or foreign bodies inside the ear. This test is a commonly performed examination that helps diagnose many common ear conditions causing pain, hearing loss, discharge, or blockage.

Microscopic Ear Examination

This is a detailed evaluation of the ear performed using a special operating microscope that provides a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum. This allows the ENT specialist to clearly identify infections, small perforations, fungal infections, chronic ear disease, cholesteatoma, or damage to the ear structures that may not be visible during routine examination. The test helps in accurate diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment for various ear conditions.

Ear Swab Culture

An ear swab culture is performed when there is ear discharge, infection, foul smell, or persistent ear issues. A small sample of fluid or discharge is collected from the ear with a sterile swab and sent to the laboratory for testing. This test identifies the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection and figures out which medicines work best for treatment. This is mainly useful in recurrent or chronic ear infections that do not improve with routine medications.

Nose & Sinus Tests

Diangnostic Nasal Endoscopy

Diaostic nasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and upper airway. During this, the ENT specialist inserts a thin, lighted tube with a small camera into the nasal passages to view the internal structures directly on a monitor. This test allows the doctor to visually inspect the mucosal lining and rule out nasal polyps (benign growths), structural blockages like a deviated nasal septum, hidden sources of chronic nosebleeds, or structural abnormalities contributing to persistent sinus infections.

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing helps to identify substances that trigger nasal allergies, sneezing, sinus problems, itchy eyes, or breathing difficulties. Common allergens are dust, pollen, pet dander, molds, and certain foods. The test is done through a skin prick test or a blood test. This test is important for ENT specialists to diagnose conditions such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis related to allergies, and recurrent nasal congestion. Identifying the exact allergen helps in planning treatment, avoiding triggers, and improving long-term symptom control.

Nasal Smear Examination

For this test, the doctor gently swabs the internal lining of the nose to collect a small sample of nasal mucus, which is then stained and examined under a microscope. By analysing the specific types of immune cells present, the ENT specialist can rule out eosinophilic non-allergic rhinitis or a bacterial/fungal nasal infection, helping to clarify whether the patient's symptoms are driven by an allergy, an active infection, or a non-allergic tissue reaction.

Computed Tomography Scan of Paranasal Sinuses

This non-invasive imaging scan uses targeted X-ray technology to create highly detailed, cross-sectional views of the hollow, air-filled bone cavities surrounding the nose. It is the gold standard diagnostic tool for ENT specialists to rule out chronic sinusitis, deep bone erosion, anatomical blockages in the sinus drainage pathways, and complex fluid or mucus accumulations that cannot be fully evaluated during a physical examination.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the nose and Sinuses

This advanced imaging technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the soft tissues inside the nasal cavity and sinuses. ENT doctors rely on this scan to rule out sinonasal tumors (both benign and malignant), deep fungal tissue invasions, or the extension of dangerous nasal infections into adjacent delicate areas like the eye sockets or the brain.

X-ray Paranasal Sinuses

An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is a basic imaging test used to look for sinus blockage, fluid collection, swelling, or infection inside the sinus cavities. It may help diagnose sinusitis, sinus inflammation, or certain structural abnormalities. CT scans provide more detailed information, but X-rays are sometimes used as an initial screening tool because they are quick and easily available. The test helps assess sinus health in patients with facial pain, nasal congestion, or recurrent sinus infections.

Smell Identification Test

It is a smell identification test evaluates the ability to recognise and identify different odors. During the test, different smell samples are presented, and the patient is asked to identify them. This test helps diagnose reduced or loss of smell caused by nasal polyps, sinus infections, allergies, viral infections, head injuries, or nerve-related disorders. It also helps assess smell dysfunction in chronic nasal diseases and certain neurological conditions. The test helps ENT specialists understand the severity and possible cause of smell disturbances.

Nasal Culture Test

For this quick check, the doctor gently sweeps a sterile cotton swab inside the nasal cavity to collect a sample of fluid or discharge, which is then sent to a laboratory to grow and identify any present microorganisms. It is a vital tool for ENT specialists to rule out resistant bacterial infections (such as MRSA) or fungal sinus infections, allowing the medical team to avoid broad-spectrum guesswork and choose the exact, targeted antibiotic or antifungal treatment required.

Biopsy of Nasal Mass

This is a small procedural evaluation involves numbing the nasal passage so the doctor can safely remove a tiny, specific tissue sample from an abnormal growth or swelling inside the nose. The sample is examined to rule out malignant sinonasal tumors (cancer) or specific destructive conditions like inverted papilloma and deep granulomatous diseases, providing the ENT surgeon with the definitive, foolproof diagnosis needed to design a precise treatment or surgical plan.

Throat & Voice Tests

Laryngoscopy

Laryngoscopy is a commonly performed ENT diagnostic procedure used to examine the throat, voice box (larynx), and vocal cords. During the test, a specialist uses a small scope with a light and camera to look for swelling, infections, vocal cord problems, tumors, polyps, or other abnormalities causing symptoms such as hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or breathing problems. The procedure helps doctors identify the exact cause of throat and voice-related conditions and decide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Fiberoptic Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy or Flexible Laryngoscopy

This is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to examine the nose, nasopharynx, throat, larynx, and vocal cords. During the procedure, a thin flexible fiberoptic scope is gently passed through the nose to provide a detailed view of the upper airway and voice box. This test helps ENT specialists diagnose conditions such as voice disorders, throat pain, swallowing difficulties, chronic cough, nasal obstruction, vocal cord abnormalities, and tumors or growths in the upper airway. The procedure is usually performed in the outpatient clinic under local anesthetic nasal spray and is generally quick and well-tolerated.

Video Laryngoscopy

It is a specialised diagnostic procedure in which a camera-connected laryngoscope provides a magnified video view of the throat and vocal cords on a monitor. This detailed visualisation helps ENT doctors to assess voice disorders, vocal cord movement issues, throat swelling, nodules, polyps, cancers, and other laryngeal problems more accurately. The test is especially useful for patients with persistent hoarseness, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, or unexplained voice changes. It allows for better evaluation and documentation of the condition.

Voice Analysis Test

A voice analysis Test is used to evaluate the quality, pitch, strength, and clarity of a person’s voice. It helps ENT specialists identify voice disorders caused by vocal cord strain, nodules, paralysis, infections, neurological conditions, or excessive voice use. In this test, different voice patterns and sound recordings are analysed to understand how the vocal cords are functioning. This assessment is commonly recommended for people experiencing voice fatigue, unclear speech, hoarseness, or long-standing changes in voice quality.

Throat Swab Culture

For this test, the doctor gently brushes a sterile cotton swab against the back of the patient's throat and tonsils to collect a sample of fluid, which is then placed in a laboratory incubator to see if bacteria grow. This test is used by ENT doctors to determine the exact cause of severe throat inflammation and rule out strep throat (group A Streptococcus infection), allowing them to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment if the sore throat is caused by a common virus.

Swallowing Assessment

This is performed to evaluate how well a person can swallow food, liquids, or saliva safely. It is recommended for persons who experience difficulty swallowing, choking while eating, coughing during meals, throat discomfort, or food getting stuck in the throat. This test helps diagnose swallowing disorders, throat muscle weakness, nerve-related swallowing problems, and conditions that increase the risk of food entering the airway or lungs.

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

FEES, is a specialised test used to closely examine swallowing function. In this procedure, a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is gently passed through the nose to view the throat and voice box while the patient swallows food or liquids. The test helps doctor to identify problems like food entering the airway, swallowing muscle weakness, throat obstruction, or nerve-related swallowing difficulties. FEES is commonly used in patients with stroke, neurological disorders, chronic cough, voice problems, or persistent difficulty swallowing.

Upper Airway Endoscopy

This is a procedure used to examine the upper breathing passages, including the nose, throat, voice box, and upper windpipe. A thin flexible endoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to get a clear internal view of the airway. This test helps diagnose problems like airway narrowing, vocal cord problems, breathing difficulty, tumors, infections, snoring, chronic cough, and sleep-related airway blockage. This is also performed to help detect foreign bodies, inflammation, or structural abnormalities affecting normal breathing and speech.

Biopsy of Throat Lesions

This minor procedure involves numbing the target area or using light sedation so the doctor can safely remove a tiny sample of tissue from an abnormal growth, sore, or swelling inside the throat or voice box. The tissue is sent to a pathology lab for detailed microscopic analysis to rule out throat cancer or specific chronic inflammatory conditions, giving the ENT specialist a definitive diagnosis to plan the correct medical or surgical care.

Thyroid Function Tests

This routine diagnostic evaluation involves a standard blood draw to measure the precise levels of thyroid hormones circulating in the body. ENT doctors use it routinely to evaluate patients presenting with a lump in the neck, unexplained hoarseness, or swallowing difficulties to rule out an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), ensuring structural neck symptoms are not actually caused by a chemical gland imbalance. 

Sleep & Breathing Tests

Polysomnography

This is an overnight sleep study where a patient rests comfortably in a specialized lab while non-invasive sensors continuously record brainwaves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle activity. ENT doctor use this comprehensive evaluation to trace sleep architecture and rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), central sleep disorders, or abnormal nighttime leg movements, ensuring chronic daytime fatigue is not caused by the brain and body constantly waking up to gasps for air.

Oxygen Saturation Monitoring

This is used to measure the amount of oxygen present in the blood during sleep or breathing difficulties. A tiny sensor is placed on the finger to continuously record oxygen levels. In conditions such as sleep apnea, extreme snoring, airway obstruction, or certain throat disorders, oxygen levels can drop repeatedly during sleep. This test helps doctors to figure out breathing-related problems and evaluate how much the condition is affecting the body's oxygen supply.

Head & Neck Tests

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) 

The FNAC test is used to evaluate lumps or swellings in the neck, thyroid, salivary glands, or lymph nodes.During this test, a thin needle is gently inserted into the swelling to collect a small sample of cells for laboratory examination. The test helps ENT doctor to identify whether the swelling is caused by infection, inflammation, cysts, benign growths, or cancerous changes. FNAC is usually quick, causes minimal discomfort, and helps doctors plan further treatment or additional investigations if required.

Biopsy of Head and Neck Lesions

A biopsy is done for abnormal growth, ulcer, lump, or suspicious tissue found in the mouth, throat, nose, voice box, or neck region. A small piece of tissue is carefully removed and examined under a microscope to detect infections, inflammatory conditions, pre-cancerous changes, or cancer. A biopsy helps ENT specialists confirm the exact type of lesion and determine the most suitable treatment option for patient. Depending on the location, the procedure may be done under local or general anesthesia.

Ultrasound of Neck

Ultrasound creates detailed images of structures in the neck, including the thyroid gland, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and soft tissues. It assists clinicians in detecting oedema, cysts, enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid nodules, abscesses, or tumours. The test also helps to distinguish between solid and fluid-filled lumps and can guide procedures such as FNAC for accurate sample collection.

CT Scan of Head and Neck

This is an advanced imaging test used to get cross-sectional images of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, jaw, and surrounding structures. It is utilised to diagnose sinus infections, fractures, tumors, deep infections, airway narrowing, and conditions affecting the salivary glands or lymph nodes. The scan helps ENT specialists understand the exact location, size, and extent of the problem, which is important for planning treatment or surgery. In some cases, a contrast dye may be used to obtain clearer images of the affected area.

MRI of the head and neck

This scan provides detailed imaging test that helps ENT specialists examine soft tissues, nerves, glands, blood vessels, throat structures, ears, and nearby areas. It is commonly used to diagnose tumors, infections, sinus disorders, vocal cord problems, salivary gland diseases, and certain nerve-related conditions. The scan helps doctors to identify the correct location and extent of the disease for proper treatment planning.

PET Scan

A PET scan is an advanced imaging test that helps detect abnormal activity inside the body. In ENT care, it is mainly used to identify cancers of the head and neck, check whether the disease has spread, and monitor response to treatment. The scan indentifies hidden tumors or recurrent cancer that may not be clearly visible on regular imaging tests. 

Infection & General ENT Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This is a common blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect infections or inflammation related to ENT conditions. This test detects white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In ENT practice, CBC assists clinicians in detecting bacterial or viral infections, anaemia, allergic disorders, and inflammation caused by throat infections, sinusitis, ear infections, or tonsillitis.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

It is a blood test used to detect inflammation in the body. It aids in the diagnosis of ongoing infections, chronic sinusitis, throat infections, autoimmune disorders, or inflammatory diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. A higher ESR level can indicate inflammation but does not identify a specific condition. Doctors usually interpret the result along with symptoms and other diagnostic tests.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test

This test measures the level of inflammation in the body. It is used to help detect bacterial infections, severe throat infections, sinus infections, ear infections, or inflammatory conditions. Elevated levels may indicate active infection or tissue inflammation and can also help monitor response to treatment.

Culture and Sensitivity Test

These tests help to identify the exact bacteria or fungi causing an infection in the ear, nose, throat, or sinuses. A sample such as ear discharge, throat swab, nasal secretion, or pus is collected and tested in the laboratory. The test also determines which medicines are most effective against the infection. This helps ENT specialists choose the right treatment and avoid unnecessary or ineffective antibiotics.

Viral Screening Tests

Viral screening tests help to detect infections caused by viruses that affect the ear, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. It is used to identify conditions like influenza, viral sore throat, and other respiratory infections. Early detection allows doctor to differentiate between viral infections from bacterial causes. After this appropriate treatment decisions are taken to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use.

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