The acquisition and perfection of good history-taking skills are important to clinical practice. It is imperative that the physician understands that this skill requires continuous refinement reflecting cumulative experience and ongoing changes in the patient population. In this regard, history taking becomes a life-long learning experience for the physician, who wishes to remain competent and perceptive. The medical history allows the otolaryngologist to gain a general understanding of the patient and to formulate a tentative diagnosis. The diagnosis will be confirmed or corrected through physical examination and the performance of ancillary diagnostic tests. A good medical history is thorough but concise and economical. It considers the patient’s general health and emphasizes the affected area. In the course of taking the history, the otolaryngologist should try to learn more about the patient than only the specific ailment. All of the following information should be assessed and recorded.