About
Dr. Hannah Marjory Jean Kuurstra is a highly skilled Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an ENT Doctor) dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Woodstock, ON, she serves the local community and adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her primary focus is providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring patients receive expert evaluation and management of their ENT conditions.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2017 in Canada. Dr. Kuurstra has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 3 years, since 2021. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to clinical excellence in her field.
Dr. Kuurstra's clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. She is committed to providing high-quality ENT care in Woodstock, ensuring her patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. She speaks English fluently, facilitating clear communication with her patients.
Dr. Hannah Kuurstra manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects
- Drooping Eyelids Obstructing Vision (Functional Blepharoplasty): Excess skin or fat in the upper eyelids that hangs down and interferes with the field of vision, potentially treatable with surgery.
- Facial Scars requiring Revision: Unsatisfactory appearance of scars on the face from previous injuries or surgeries, which may be improved with scar revision techniques.
Common Ear Conditions
- Presbycusis (Age-Related Hearing Loss): Gradual loss of hearing that occurs in many people as they grow older.
- Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage): Excessive buildup of earwax in the ear canal, potentially causing hearing difficulty, discomfort, or dizziness.
- Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): A common infection of the middle ear, often causing ear pain and fever, especially in children.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Hearing impairment resulting from exposure to loud sounds, which can be temporary or permanent.
Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions
- Globus Sensation (Feeling of Lump in Throat): A persistent sensation of having a lump, tightness, or something stuck in the throat, even when not swallowing.
- 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.
- Leukoplakia / Erythroplakia of the Larynx (Precancerous Lesions): White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on the vocal cords that may indicate precancerous changes.
- Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy): A collection of pus that forms behind one of the tonsils, typically as a complication of bacterial tonsillitis.
- 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.
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. Hannah Kuurstra 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.
- Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
- Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
- Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.
Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Kuurstra 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. Kuurstra'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. Hannah Kuurstra’s practice is primarily based at The Ottawa Hospital in Woodstock, ON, conveniently located near central Woodstock. The facility is situated close to local points of interest such as the Woodstock Fairgrounds and the Museum of Woodstock. Accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic offers easy access for patients from surrounding neighborhoods. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are services from Dr. Kuurstra, 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. Kuurstra 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. Kuurstra, 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. Kuurstra. 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.
- When should I consider seeing an ENT specialist?
- You might consider seeing an ENT specialist if you experience persistent issues such as chronic ear infections, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness or balance problems, chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, allergies affecting the upper airway, voice changes or hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, snoring or suspected sleep apnea, or lumps in the neck or head region. Your family doctor can help determine if a referral to an ENT like Dr. Kuurstra is appropriate.
- What kind of post-operative care instructions can I expect after an ENT surgery?
- Post-operative care instructions will be specific to the type of surgery performed. Generally, they may include information on pain management, diet restrictions (e.g., soft foods after tonsillectomy), activity limitations, wound care (if applicable), use of medications (like antibiotics or pain relievers), nasal saline rinses (after sinus surgery), and signs of potential complications to watch for. You will also be given follow-up appointment details. It's crucial to follow these instructions carefully for optimal healing.
- 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. Kuurstra can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.
- What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Kuurstra do?
- An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Kuurstra, 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.
The Ottawa Hospital
Room EM 206 Box 227, 2200-645 Finkle St, Department of Emergency Medicine
Woodstock, ON N4V 0E1
Phone: (519) 539-2034 | Fax: (519) 539-7700
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Kuurstra 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/Kuurstra-Hannah-Marjory-Jean/0318735-112110