About
As an experienced Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (ENT Doctor), Dr. Basil Hassouneh offers comprehensive care for disorders of the head and neck, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. Practicing at the Sault Area Hospital in Toronto, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on providing high-quality otolaryngology services. Dr. Hassouneh adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical practice.
With a medical degree from McMaster University earned in 2006, Dr. Hassouneh has over 12 years of experience practicing as a specialist in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery since 2012. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, reflecting his advanced training and commitment to excellence in ENT care.
Dr. Hassouneh is dedicated to patient education, evidence-based medicine, and a collaborative approach to treatment. He strives to deliver personalized, compassionate care to adults and children suffering from conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck areas. He speaks both English and Arabic, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations.
Dr. Basil Hassouneh 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)
- 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.
- Thyroid Nodules & Goiter: Lumps (nodules) in the thyroid gland or overall enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), which may require evaluation for cancer or hormonal dysfunction.
- Lymphadenopathy (Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Neck): Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, which can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or, less commonly, cancer.
- Salivary Gland Infections (Sialadenitis) & Stones (Sialolithiasis): Inflammation or infection of the salivary glands (like parotid or submandibular) or the formation of stones within their ducts, causing pain and swelling.
- 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).
Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions
- Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, Cysts & Granulomas: Benign growths or lesions on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness and other voice problems, often related to voice overuse or irritation.
- Acute & Chronic Tonsillitis / Adenoiditis (Recurrent): Inflammation or infection of the tonsils or adenoids, which can be recurrent and cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues.
Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions
- Enlarged Tonsils & Adenoids causing Airway Obstruction or Sleep Apnea: Swollen tonsils and adenoids in children that can block the airway, leading to snoring, mouth breathing, or sleep-disordered breathing.
- Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children: Frequent middle ear infections in children, often leading to considerations for ear tube placement.
- Pediatric Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems in Children): Difficulties with swallowing in infants or children, which can be due to various structural or functional issues.
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. Basil Hassouneh or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Hassouneh 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. Hassouneh'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 Ontario (CPSO). A referral may be required.
Dr. Hassouneh's practice is primarily based at the Sault Area Hospital located in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto. The hospital is conveniently situated near Port Lands and Polson Pier, easily accessible via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are services from Dr. Hassouneh, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hassouneh are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or the clinic if you have questions.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Hassouneh, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?
- Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hassouneh. 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.
- My child gets frequent tonsillitis. What are the treatment options?
- Recurrent tonsillitis can be managed in several ways. For acute bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. If infections are very frequent (e.g., multiple episodes per year), severe, cause breathing problems or difficulty swallowing, or don't respond well to antibiotics, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended by an ENT specialist. Dr. Hassouneh can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.
- How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?
- For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.
- How does Dr. Hassouneh 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. Hassouneh may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
- What is the typical recovery time for common ENT surgeries like tonsillectomy or sinus surgery?
- Recovery times vary depending on the specific surgery and the individual patient. For a tonsillectomy, expect a sore throat for 1-2 weeks, with gradual improvement. For endoscopic sinus surgery, most people feel significantly better within 1-2 weeks, but some nasal stuffiness or drainage can persist for a bit longer, and full healing can take a few months. Dr. Hassouneh will provide detailed post-operative instructions and discuss the expected recovery period for your specific procedure.
Sault Area Hospital
4789 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M2N 0G3
Phone: (647) 351-6501 | Fax: (647) 797-0224
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hassouneh is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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 Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hassouneh-Basil/0221323-88222