About
Specializing in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Michael Au (an ENT Doctor) provides expert medical and surgical solutions for patients in Hamilton. He practices primarily at Vaughan Paediatric Clinic in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton, near Pier 4 Park. The clinic is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Dr. Au is licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), with license number 97544. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality care in a compassionate manner, focusing on the needs of his patients.
With extensive training and experience, Dr. Au provides comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He serves both adult and pediatric patients with conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures, ensuring a patient-focused and collaborative approach to treatment.
Dr. Michael Au manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects
- Cosmetic Nasal Concerns requiring Rhinoplasty: Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of the nose, which can be addressed with surgical reshaping (rhinoplasty).
- 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.
- 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.
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. Michael Au or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.
- 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.
- Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
- 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.
- 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. Au 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. Au'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. Michael Au practices primarily at Vaughan Paediatric Clinic in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton, Ontario. The clinic is located near Pier 4 Park, providing a scenic and convenient location for patients. It is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), making it convenient for public transit users. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring easy access for those arriving by car.
- Are services from Dr. Au, 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. Au 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. Au, 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. Au. 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. Au 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. Au may recommend surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinuplasty to improve sinus drainage and ventilation.
- 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. Au do?
- An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Au, 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.
Vaughan Paediatric Clinic
Suite 310, 50 Charlton Ave E
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 575-5314
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Au 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/Au-Michael/0280987-97544