Iraqi Board ENT study plan

Map the anatomy of the temporal bone and middle ear cleft from memory, then label an unlabeled diagram without references

Distinguish mucosal chronic suppurative otitis media from squamous disease by listing defining clinical and radiological features for each

Explain the pathophysiology of cholesteatoma (retraction pocket versus immigration) and the rationale for canal wall up versus canal wall down surgery

Outline a stepwise audiometric workup for a patient with unilateral conductive hearing loss and a normal-looking tympanic membrane

Grade facial nerve function using the House-Brackmann scale and justify prognosis and timing of surgical decompression in Bell palsy versus cholesteatoma-related palsy

Differentiate peripheral from central vertigo using HINTS examination findings and describe the Dix-Hallpike and canalith repositioning maneuvers

Classify hearing loss as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed using tuning fork tests and pure-tone audiometry patterns

List the complications of otitis media (mastoiditis, petrositis, labyrinthitis, intracranial extension) with their hallmark clinical signs

Apply the EPOS diagnostic criteria to separate chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis, including duration and endoscopic findings

Interpret a sinus CT using the Lund-Mackay staging system and identify surgically critical anatomy (sphenoid ostium, frontal recess, Onodi cells, lamina papyracea)

Sequence first-line medical therapy for CRSwNP and state when biologic therapy or surgery is indicated

Distinguish allergic rhinitis from non-allergic rhinitis by history, skin prick testing, and serum-specific IgE interpretation

Stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by subsite (glottic, supraglottic, subglottic) using T, N, and M categories and explain how stage changes treatment intent

Evaluate a thyroid nodule using ultrasound risk features, Bethesda cytology categories, and molecular testing, then justify hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy

Differentiate the common benign and malignant salivary gland tumors by site, histology, and typical nerve involvement

Describe the workup of an adult with a painless neck mass, including when fine-needle aspiration versus open biopsy is appropriate

Differentiate vocal fold nodules, polyps, cysts, and Reinke edema by history, stroboscopic appearance, and first-line management

Outline the assessment and staged management of laryngotracheal stenosis, including when dilation, laser, or open resection is chosen

Indicate tracheostomy versus cricothyrotomy in an obstructed airway and list early and late tracheostomy complications

Apply the adenotonsillar hypertrophy workup for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, including when polysomnography is required before surgery

Compare acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and recurrent acute otitis media by diagnostic criteria and tympanostomy tube indications

Plan the assessment of facial fractures by subunit (nasal, zygomatic, orbital, mandibular) and state which findings mandate urgent imaging or repair

Select an appropriate local flap or graft for a given facial defect by matching defect size, location, and vascular territory

Describe the management sequence for peritonsillar abscess, including when to drain and when to admit

Outline the red-flag findings and imaging strategy for deep neck space infections, including airway risk and drainage indications

List the emergency management steps for airway foreign bodies and for severe posterior epistaxis unresponsive to packing

Interpret a pure-tone audiogram, tympanogram type (A, B, C), and otoacoustic emission result to localize a lesion along the auditory pathway

Explain the physiological basis of caloric testing, videonystagmography, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and what each localizes

Match hearing rehabilitation options (conventional hearing aid, bone-anchored device, cochlear implant) to audiometric profiles and candidacy criteria

Review head and neck anatomy, microbiology of common ENT infections, and the pharmacology of commonly used antibiotics, steroids, and nasal preparations

Re-attempt every previously missed self-test question and state why the correct answer is correct

Complete two timed mixed-domain mock examinations under exam conditions and review each error by domain

Rehearse high-yield decision points in otology, head and neck oncology, and emergency airway management aloud to confirm fluent recall