The Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT)
Overview
The Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT) is a centre of excellence dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders affecting the sensory organs and related head and neck structures. It encompasses the specialised fields of otolaryngology, audiology, ophthalmology, head and neck surgery, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to sensory health. By combining clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology, the Department plays a pivotal role in preserving and restoring the vital senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and balance, which are essential to quality of life.
Students in the Department benefit from a rigorous and integrated curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on clinical training. Learning is supported by advanced diagnostic tools such as endoscopes, operating microscopes, audiometers, tympanometers and state-of-the-art imaging systems, allowing students to develop proficiency in both basic assessments and complex diagnostic evaluations. The training covers a broad range of medical and surgical techniques, from routine outpatient procedures to intricate microsurgeries, ensuring graduates are competent in delivering safe, effective and patient-centred care.
The Department fosters a strong research culture, with faculty and students actively engaged in studies on sensory organ diseases, congenital and acquired hearing loss, balance disorders, voice and speech impairments and surgical innovations. Research also explores the application of modern technologies such as minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, laser-assisted procedures and implantable hearing devices. Findings from these projects contribute to global knowledge while informing best practices tailored to the Ghanaian and African healthcare context.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Department’s work. Through public health awareness campaigns, school-based vision and hearing screenings and outreach programmes in underserved communities, the Department works to promote early detection, prevention and timely intervention for sensory impairments. These initiatives help to reduce the burden of preventable blindness, deafness and related disabilities, while empowering communities with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their sensory health.
Through its commitment to academic excellence, clinical skill development, innovative research and community service, the Department of EENT stands as a leader in shaping future healthcare professionals who are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of sensory health care in Ghana and beyond.
Mission
To provide specialised education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of EENT disorders, improving sensory healthcare.
Vision
To be a recognised leader in EENT education and research, advancing medical and surgical interventions for sensory organ disorders.
Functions
The Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT) is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and clinical acumen necessary to diagnose, manage and treat a wide spectrum of EENT disorders, employing both medical and surgical approaches. This training is designed to ensure competence across all sub-specialties of EENT, including otology, rhinology, laryngology head and neck surgery, audiology and ophthalmology, with a strong emphasis on understanding the intricate anatomy and physiology of sensory organs. Students gain hands-on experience in performing thorough patient assessments, using diagnostic tools such as audiometry, tympanometry, endoscopy and imaging studies to identify and evaluate conditions accurately.
Clinical exposure encompasses a comprehensive range of procedures, from basic interventions such as ear wax removal, nasal endoscopy and management of sinusitis to advanced surgeries including tympanoplasty, cochlear implantation, septoplasty, tonsillectomy and head and neck tumour resections. Surgical training is reinforced through simulation-based exercises, live demonstrations and supervised operating theatre participation, enabling students to build precision, dexterity and confidence in procedural skills.
Research is an integral part of the Department’s mission, focusing on sensory organ diseases, speech and hearing disorders, balance dysfunctions, and cutting-edge surgical innovations. Studies explore topics such as minimally invasive techniques for sinus surgery, novel hearing rehabilitation devices and strategies for preserving and restoring vision and hearing in resource-limited settings. Collaborations with biomedical engineers and neuroscientists also support research into assistive technologies and regenerative therapies for sensory loss.
The Department actively engages in community outreach programmes aimed at promoting early detection and timely intervention for sensory impairments. These initiatives include free screening camps in schools and rural communities, public awareness campaigns on preventable causes of blindness and deafness and partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations to improve access to assistive devices such as hearing aids and corrective lenses.
Partnerships with national referral centres, specialist clinics and teaching hospitals ensure that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading experts in the field. By integrating modern diagnostic technologies, evidence-based treatment protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Department ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to provide high-quality, patient-centred ENT care in diverse healthcare environments.
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