About
Dr. Kevin McLoughlin Higgins 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 CAMH / BPD Clinic in Toronto, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. Dr. Higgins’s approach emphasizes careful evaluation and personalized treatment planning for each patient, ranging from common ENT ailments to complex head and neck conditions.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1997 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgery for over 22 years, since 2002. Dr. Higgins is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field. His longstanding commitment to professional development ensures he remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in ENT medicine.
Dr. Higgins is committed to delivering high-quality ENT care in Toronto through a patient-centered, evidence-based approach. He values patient education and collaboration, ensuring patients are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he strives to create a reassuring environment where patients feel confident and supported throughout their care journey.
Dr. Kevin Higgins manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Common Ear Conditions
- Vertigo & Dizziness (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's Disease, Vestibular Neuronitis, Labyrinthitis): Sensations of spinning (vertigo) or unsteadiness (dizziness) often caused by inner ear or balance system disorders.
- Eardrum Perforation (Ruptured Eardrum): A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can result from infection, injury, or pressure changes.
- 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.
- Otitis Media with Effusion (Fluid in Middle Ear / 'Glue Ear'): Collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space behind the eardrum, which can affect hearing.
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.
- Protruding Ears requiring Otoplasty: Ears that stick out prominently from the head, which can be surgically corrected (otoplasty) for improved appearance.
- Facial Skin Cancers requiring Excision and Reconstruction: Malignant skin growths on the face or neck that necessitate surgical removal and subsequent reconstruction to restore form and function.
- 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 Head and Neck Conditions (General)
- 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).
- Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A congenital cyst typically found in the midline of the neck, arising from remnants of the thyroid gland's developmental path.
- Branchial Cleft Cysts & Sinuses: Congenital (present at birth) pockets or tracts in the neck resulting from incomplete development of embryonic structures.
- 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. Kevin Higgins 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Higgins 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. Higgins'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. Higgins primarily practices at the CAMH / BPD Clinic located in the vibrant Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, ON. The facility is situated within close proximity to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, making it easily accessible for patients. It is conveniently reachable via Toronto’s public transportation system, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The clinic is committed to accessibility, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, ensuring a smooth visit for all patients.
- Are services from Dr. Higgins, 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. Higgins 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. Higgins, 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. Higgins. 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. Higgins 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. Higgins may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
- 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. Higgins can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.
CAMH / BPD Clinic
2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Phone: (416) 480-5104 | Fax: (416) 480-5761
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Higgins 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/Higgins-Kevin-McLoughlin/0139719-71488