Dr. Noah Massa – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Vernon, BC

Dr. Noah Massa 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 Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation in Vernon, BC, he serves the local community and adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His focus is on providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring patients receive thorough evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

He completed his medical education with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1999 and undertook extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Massa holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to clinical excellence in his field.

Dr. Massa’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. He is committed to delivering high-quality ENT care tailored to each patient's needs in Vernon. He communicates fluently in English and values building strong, informed relationships with his patients to ensure optimal health outcomes.

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

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• Hyperparathyroidism & Parathyroid Adenoma/Carcinoma: Overactivity of the parathyroid glands, often due to a benign tumor (adenoma), leading to high blood calcium levels; rarely, cancer can occur.
• Dermoid Cysts of the Head and Neck: Benign congenital cysts containing skin structures, which can occur in various locations on the head and neck.
• Thyroid Cancer (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Anaplastic): Malignant growths within the thyroid gland, requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment, often involving surgery.

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Non-Allergic Rhinitis (Vasomotor Rhinitis): Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose not caused by allergies, often triggered by environmental irritants, weather changes, or certain medications.
• Nasal Fractures & Trauma: A break or crack in the bones of the nose, often resulting from an injury, which can affect breathing and appearance.
• Anosmia / Hyposmia (Loss or Decreased Sense of Smell): The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which can be caused by nasal/sinus disease, viral infections, or other factors.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) & Lip-Tie affecting feeding/speech: Conditions where a short or tight band of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue (tongue-tie) or lip (lip-tie), potentially impacting breastfeeding, feeding, or speech.
• Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Snoring: Disrupted breathing patterns during sleep in children, often due to enlarged tonsils/adenoids, impacting sleep quality and health.
• Laryngomalacia & Other Congenital Airway Abnormalities: Congenital conditions affecting the structure or function of a child's larynx or airway, potentially causing noisy breathing (stridor).
• Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI): A condition where the soft palate does not close tightly against the back of the throat during speech, leading to nasal-sounding speech.
• Congenital Neck Masses (e.g., Branchial Cleft Cysts, Thyroglossal Duct Cysts, Hemangiomas, Lymphatic Malformations): Lumps or growths present at birth or appearing in early childhood in the neck region, requiring careful diagnosis.

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. Noah Massa 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.
• 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.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Massa 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. Massa'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 British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required.

Dr. Noah Massa primarily practices at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation located in the Central Vernon neighborhood of Vernon, BC. The facility offers convenient access to the nearby SilverStar Mountain Resort and is easily reachable via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ample convenience for visitors seeking in-person consultations and procedures.

Are services from Dr. Massa, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Massa are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic if you have questions.

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

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Massa. 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.

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

I've had a hoarse voice for several weeks. What could be causing this?

Persistent hoarseness (lasting more than 2-3 weeks) should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. Common causes include laryngitis (viral or bacterial), voice overuse or misuse, acid reflux (LPR), vocal cord nodules or polyps, smoking, allergies, or less commonly, more serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal cancer. Dr. Massa will likely perform a laryngoscopy to visualize your vocal cords and determine the cause of your hoarseness.

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation
2-3705 27 St
Vernon, BC V1T 4X4

Phone: (250) 545-5433 | Fax: (250) 545-5431

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Massa is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324360/Massa%2CNoah