Schroeder Ambulatory Centre is now accepting referrals for Audiology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose & Throat) services at its Richmond Hill facility, expanding access to coordinated outpatient care for patients experiencing hearing, ear, nose and throat concerns.
The programs bring Audiology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery services together within a connected multidisciplinary environment that also includes primary care, geriatrics, neurology, diagnostic imaging and other specialty clinics.
For patients and referring physicians, the model is designed to simplify care and improve access to assessment, diagnostics and follow-up support in one location.
“Hearing health is closely connected to communication, cognition and overall quality of life, especially for older adults,” said Akram Keymanesh, Program Lead, Audiology at Schroeder Ambulatory Centre. “Many patients and families may not realize that hearing loss can sometimes affect attention, memory and day-to-day functioning. Early assessment and support can make a meaningful difference.”
Audiology services at Schroeder Ambulatory Centre include comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid evaluations and fittings, tinnitus management, tinnitus counselling and rehabilitation, assistive listening technology support, earwax removal, custom earplugs and video otoscopy.The clinic supports adult patients and is also expanding pediatric audiology services for children aged three years and older.
The Centre’s Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (ENT) clinic provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck, including hearing loss, sinus problems, dizziness, tinnitus, nasal obstruction, voice disorders and ear infections.
“Our Audiology and ENT teams work very closely together,” said Keymanesh. “Patients who need additional specialist follow-up can move through a more connected care experience without the fragmentation that often exists between separate clinics and providers.”
The programs are also expected to support growing demand for hearing and Otolaryngology services across the broader region, including communities north of the Greater Toronto Area where access to specialists may be more limited.
“Awareness and access are key,” said Dr. John Lee, Lead Physician, Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Schroeder Ambulatory Centre. “There are communities across Ontario where patients can face significant waits to access Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery care. We have a great group of specialists who can provide timely assessments and treatment where needed. Expanding referral awareness and making these services easier to access through SAC can help connect patients to care sooner.”
Physician referrals remain the primary pathway into both programs, with Audiology receiving referrals from family physicians, geriatrics, neurology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery providers. The integrated clinic model also supports same-day collaboration between Audiology and Otolaryngology teams when needed.
These programs were designed to provide patients with a modern, community-based outpatient experience supported by specialized equipment, accessible clinical spaces and coordinated care teams.
“Our goal is to create a reliable and patient-focused environment where people can access the services they need in one place,” said Keymanesh. “That coordinated approach is especially important for older adults and patients managing multiple health concerns.”
Physicians can refer patients to Audiology and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat) services through OceanMD, fax, phone or email.
Patients interested in these services are encouraged to speak with their physician about a referral.