Dr. Ashley Hinther – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Calgary, AB

Specializing in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Ashley Hinther (an ENT Doctor) provides expert medical and surgical solutions for patients in Calgary. Practicing at a clinic or hospital setting in Calgary, AB, she serves the local community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. Her role involves providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck for both adults and children.

Dr. Hinther graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Calgary in 2016 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Her training included rotations in specialized ENT clinics, hospitals, and surgical centers, equipping her with advanced skills in diagnosis and treatment of complex ENT conditions. She holds key certifications and maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 023121, which affirms her compliance with provincial medical standards.

With a commitment to patient education, evidence-based practice, and collaborative care, Dr. Hinther strives to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality ENT care in Calgary, supporting her patients through a compassionate and professional approach. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to ensuring patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Ashley Hinther manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• Oral Cavity Cancers (Tongue, Floor of Mouth, Buccal Mucosa): Malignant tumors arising in the mouth, including the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, and the floor of the mouth.
• Pharyngeal Cancers (Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx): Cancers affecting different parts of the pharynx (throat), including the upper part behind the nose (nasopharynx), middle part (oropharynx), and lower part (hypopharynx).
• Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Voice Box): Malignant tumors developing in the tissues of the larynx (voice box), often causing hoarseness or breathing difficulties.
• Skin Cancers of the Head & Neck (Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, Melanoma): Malignant growths on the skin of the head and neck, which are common due to sun exposure and require specialized treatment.
• Hyperthyroidism / Hypothyroidism (Surgical Management Aspects): Conditions of overactive (hyper) or underactive (hypo) thyroid function, where an ENT surgeon may be involved for surgical treatment like thyroidectomy.

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Nasal Fractures & Trauma: A break or crack in the bones of the nose, often resulting from an injury, which can affect breathing and appearance.

This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Ashley Hinther or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy of Head & Neck Masses: Minimally invasive procedure to obtain cell samples from thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or other head and neck masses for diagnosis, often under ultrasound guidance.
• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Hinther offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Hinther's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). A referral may be required.

Dr. Ashley Hinther practices primarily at a clinic located in the SW: Bankview, South Calgary (Marda Loop area) neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is situated along a busy commercial corridor in the south part of the city, easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including the CTrain LRT, bus routes, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring convenient access for patients and visitors.

Are services from Dr. Hinther, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hinther are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Hinther, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hinther. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.

How does Dr. Hinther treat chronic sinusitis?

Treatment for chronic sinusitis is individualized and aims to reduce inflammation, drain the sinuses, and address underlying causes (like allergies or polyps). This may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, oral antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed), antifungal treatments in specific cases, or allergy management. In some cases, if medical management is not sufficient, Dr. Hinther may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.

How can Dr. Hinther help with snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are often caused by an obstruction or narrowing of the airway in the nose or throat. Dr. Hinther, an ENT specialist, can perform a thorough examination to identify the areas of obstruction (e.g., deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, large tongue base, elongated soft palate). Depending on the findings, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (weight loss, positional therapy), CPAP therapy (often managed by a sleep physician), oral appliances, or surgical procedures aimed at improving airway patency. Examples include septoplasty, tonsillectomy, UPPP, or Inspire therapy in select cases.

What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Hinther do?

An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Hinther, is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. This includes medical treatments and surgical procedures for hearing disorders, sinus problems, voice issues, sleep apnea, throat infections, and tumors of the head and neck region.

Why are ear tubes recommended for some children with recurrent ear infections?

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are often recommended for children who experience frequent middle ear infections (recurrent acute otitis media) or persistent fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) that doesn't clear on its own. These tiny tubes are inserted into the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear space, prevent fluid buildup, reduce the frequency of infections, and can improve hearing if it was affected by the fluid. Dr. Hinther can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.

1820 Richmond Rd SW
Calgary, AB T2T 5C7

Phone: (403) 944-3253

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hinther is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=f53ed401-34aa-4773-be2f-9e793177c166&i=621