About
Dr. Joseph Murray McKenna 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 St Michael's Hospital, Pediatrics in Owen Sound, ON, he serves the local community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and ethical care. His focus encompasses comprehensive evaluation and management of ENT conditions in both adult and pediatric patients, emphasizing a patient-centered approach to care.
Dr. McKenna graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2003 in Canada. He has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 16 years, since 2008. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, which affirms his qualifications and expertise in the field of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
He is committed to providing high-quality ENT care in Owen Sound with a focus on patient education, evidence-based practices, and collaborative treatment planning. Dr. McKenna speaks English and believes in fostering a clear understanding of diagnoses and treatment options to empower his patients. His clinical philosophy centers on delivering compassionate, effective, and personalized care to improve his patients' health and quality of life.

Dr. Joseph McKenna manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects
- Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face and Neck: Damage to the skin, muscles, or other soft tissues of the face and neck due to trauma, requiring careful repair.
- Cosmetic Nasal Concerns requiring Rhinoplasty: Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose, which can be addressed with surgical reshaping (rhinoplasty).
- 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 Bone Fractures (Nasal, Orbital, Maxillary, Mandibular): Breaks in the bones of the face, such as the nose, eye sockets, cheekbones, or jaw, typically resulting from trauma.
Common Ear Conditions
- Mastoiditis: A bacterial infection of the mastoid bone, the prominent bone behind the ear, usually resulting from an untreated middle ear infection.
- Otosclerosis (Abnormal Bone Growth in Middle Ear): A condition where abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, typically involving the stapes bone, causes progressive conductive hearing loss.
- Chronic Otitis Media (Persistent Middle Ear Infection/Inflammation): Long-lasting or recurring infection or inflammation of the middle ear, potentially leading to hearing loss or eardrum perforation.
Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)
- Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A congenital cyst typically found in the midline of the neck, arising from remnants of the thyroid gland's developmental path.
- 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.
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. Joseph McKenna or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. McKenna 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. McKenna'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. McKenna's practice is primarily based at St Michael's Hospital, Pediatrics, located near the central Owen Sound neighborhood of Owen Sound. Patients can enjoy convenient access to healthcare services in a community surrounded by local points of interest such as the Owen Sound Harbour and Kelso Beach. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit options, ensuring patients can reach the clinic with ease. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- Are services from Dr. McKenna, 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. McKenna 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. McKenna, 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. McKenna. 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.
- What are common causes of hearing loss an ENT might address?
- Hearing loss can result from various causes, including age-related changes (presbycusis), noise exposure, earwax buildup (cerumen impaction), ear infections (otitis media), fluid in the middle ear, damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones (ossicles), Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, or, less commonly, tumors or genetic conditions. An ENT specialist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and recommend appropriate management, which may include medical treatment, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or surgery.
- What does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. McKenna do?
- An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. McKenna, 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.
- How can Dr. McKenna 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. McKenna, 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.
St Michael's Hospital, Pediatrics
945 3rd Avenue East, Unity Health Toronto
Owen Sound, ON N4K 2K8
Phone: (519) 376-6558 | Fax: (226) 277-1100
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. McKenna 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/McKenna-Joseph-Murray/0200811-89419