Dr. Melanie Duval

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

Common Ear Conditions

• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Hearing impairment resulting from exposure to loud sounds, which can be temporary or permanent.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Otitis Media with Effusion ('Glue Ear') in Children: Persistent fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection, common in children and can affect hearing development.

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. Melanie Duval 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 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Duval 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. Duval's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required.

Dr. Melanie Duval primarily practices at the Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants located in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood of Montréal. The hospital is conveniently situated near McGill University and is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro stations and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Duval, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Duval are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic if you have questions.

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

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Duval. 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.

I have a thyroid nodule. What does an ENT specialist do?

If you have a thyroid nodule, an ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon) like Dr. Duval will typically evaluate it through a physical exam, review any prior imaging (like ultrasound), and may order blood tests for thyroid function. A key diagnostic step is often a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the nodule under ultrasound guidance to determine if it's benign or cancerous. Based on these findings, Dr. Duval will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

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. Duval can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.

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. Duval will provide detailed post-operative instructions and discuss the expected recovery period for your specific procedure.

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. Duval can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.

Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants
1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 412-4400

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Duval is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14670