The ENT Specialty Group

The nose and sinuses play important roles in breathing, the ability to smell and taste, and in the defence against infections and pollution. Like any other organ, the nose and sinuses are susceptible to the development of other diseases. These commonly include allergies and/or sinusitis, that can cause symptoms such as nasal blockage, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sinus pain or pressure, and a decreased sense of smell. Most of the time,  blockage can be specifically caused by enlarged inferior turbinates or a deviated nasal septum, for which there are numerous effective medical and/or surgical treatments, many of which can be done outside of the operating room. On occasion, these symptoms can be caused by other diagnoses such as nasal polyps, or in rare instances,  nasal tumors. For these problems, it is important to consult with a qualified ear nose and throat specialist.

The ENT Specialty Group offers expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of hearing and balance disorders. These include:

– Cerumen (wax) removal

– Presbycusis (age-related), sudden & noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss

– Conductive hearing loss (otosclerosis, tympanic membrane perforations)

– Chronic otitis (ear infections, cholesteatoma)

– Eustachian tube dysfunction

– Tinnitus

– Vertigo / dizziness (Meniere’s disease, BPPV, acoustic neuromas)

– Facial nerve disorders (Bell’s palsy)

– Expertise for CNESST (CSST) cases involving occupational noise exposure

Consultation is provided by Fellowship-trained Otologists, as well as other Otolaryngologists with an interest in disorders of the external, middle and inner ear.

Referrals can be made to see an on-site Audiologist to perform audiograms (hearing tests) and impedance tympanometry (to test Eustachian tube function).

There is also an experienced Physiotherapist who is specially-trained for vestibular rehabilitation (including Epley maneuvers).

The ‘voice box’, or vocal cords are located in the larynx behind the thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple. Our vocal cords have many important functions. Most people associate the vocal cords with the sound of a voice, speaking and singing. However, the vocal cords have other important functions as well. They help us swallow safely by closing and protecting the lungs when we eat.  They also open between swallows to allow us to breathe.

It has been said that our voice is the mirror of our personality. We use our voice from the moment we wake up to the time we close our eyes at night. Losing our voice, or hoarseness from laryngitis or other disorders makes it difficult to communicate at work, at home, and in social situations. For professional singers or those who depend on their voice for work, a hoarse voice can be catastrophic.

At the ENT specialty group, we have a dedicated group of highly trained and experienced voice experts (laryngologists) who recognize the apprehension and worry that comes with a hoarse speaking voice or singing voice. We have the knowledge and skills to comprehensively investigate and treat singers and patients with a hoarse, or disordered voice. This starts with a specialized examination using a small camera or endoscope which allows us to see the vocal cords. In some cases, an ultrasound of the larynx done in the office may provide complementary information. Additional investigations for a hoarse voice may include blood tests, allergy tests, and swallowing studies or scans.

Our voice experts are all fellowship trained, having spent an additional year of study and research in renowned centers after graduation. Our laryngologists work at the McGill University Health Center and are involved in voice research. We are able to offer cutting-edge treatment modalities including biopsies, esophagoscopy, vocal injections and office-based laser treatments. Our voice team is recognized both nationally and internationally as leaders in the field of voice disorders or laryngology, treating both singers and patients with a voice disorder. Our voice experts have published and presented nationally and internationally on voice.  Our voice team teaches students, medical/surgical residents, and fellows at academic centres.

The ENT Specialty Group Specializes in many facets of Head and Neck Surgery. It includes amongst its specialists, several Surgeons who have Fellowship (sub-specialty) training in all aspects of Head and Neck Cancer care.

Head and Neck Tumors ; which they look after comprehensively from diagnosis through to complete treatment, includes: mouth and throat cancers, benign and malignant thyroid and salivary gland tumors (parotid and sub-mandibular glands), parathyroid tumors, and advanced skin cancers. These surgeons also have advanced training in the plastic and reconstructive aspects of surgical treatment. This expertise allows them to provide the restorative part of the overall therapy.

The Clinic at ENT Specialty Group is fully equipped to provide the initial evaluation and assessment of a patient who is concerned about a Head and Neck lump or lymph node, most of which are not related to cancer. If required, many of the biopsies can be performed on the spot. The Surgeons all practice at the McGill University or CHUM hospitals and, therefore, have a direct link to their Head and Neck Tumor clinics at the hospitals. This allows for a rapid and seamless transfer for further work-up and treatment when required.

The Pediatric ENT Specialty Group treat children from the newborn period through the teenage years, we treat a wide range of pediatric ENT health issues, from routine pediatric problems involving ear infections, foreign bodies, tonsils, and sinuses, to complex and rare conditions such as neck masses, airway disorders including complex airway reconstruction, thyroid disordersand hearing loss. All our staff are fellowship trained pediatric Otolaryngologist Head and Neck surgeons

We provide expertise in treating a number of conditions, including the following:

• Airway and breathing disorders
• Ear disorders, (otitis media, otitis externa, swimmer ear, chronic ear infection)
• Hearing Loss
• Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
• Nasal disorders (sinusitis and nasal polyps in children)
• Adenotonsillar disorders
• Hereditary and acquired neck masses
• Pediatric voice disorders
• Airway reconstructive surgeries (laryngotracheal reconstruction)
• Thyroid disorder

At ENT Specialty Group our specialists are experienced at treating snoring and managing patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

While snoring may be annoying for others and lead to embarrassing situations, it may also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Our specialists ask specific questions and perform a physical exam that includes an endoscopic examinations to help distinguish between the 2 entities. Snoring can be reduced and even cured in select patients with a quick procedure called a RAUP that takes minutes to perform in the clinic. When obstructive sleep apnea is suspected a sleep study is required. When a patient is found to have obstructive sleep apnea common treatments include: surgery, oral appliance, and a CPAP device.

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that leads to a hyperfunctioning thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Patients with hyperthyroidism may experience weight loss, overheating, rapid heart rate or palpitations, anxiety and more frequent bowel movements. Patients with Graves’ disease may also have problems related the eyes “bulging out”, the orbits and the skin. At times, in this disease the thyroid gland may become enlarged, called a goiter. This may cause discomfort and obstructive symptoms (difficulty breathing or swallowing).

Common treatment options for Graves’ disease include:

• Medication
• Radioactive iodine
• Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for certain cases of Graves’ disease, including :

• Large goiter (a very large thyroid gland)
• Goiter causing obstructive symptoms
• Exophthalmos (bulging out of the eyes)
• Coexisting suspicious thyroid nodule
• Allergy to medications that treat hyperthyroidism
• Unable to receive radioactive iodine
• Clinical reasons
• Patient’s desire is to have surgery