Professional Details
Salutation
Dr.
Full Name
Dr. Olivier Houle
First Name
Olivier
Last Name
Houle
Gender
Male
Languages Spoken
French
Year Graduated
2014
Degree
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2014)
Specialty
Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor
Practice Disciplines
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Membership Status
Registered - Active
Specialty Issue Date
July 1, 2014
Registration Class
Regular
Licensed By
Collège des médecins du Québec
Regulator Website
https://www.cmq.org
License Number
14165
Data Sourced From
https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14165
Facility Name
CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital de Gatineau
Address
909 boul La Vérendrye O
City
Gatineau
Province
QC
Postal Code
J8P 7H2
Phone
(819) 966-6100

Description

About Dr. Olivier Houle

Dr. Olivier Houle 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 the CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital de Gatineau in Gatineau, QC, he serves the local community with a focus on patient-centered care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring the highest quality of medical service. Dr. Houle's primary role is providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing both common and complex ENT conditions for adults and children alike.

He graduated with a Medical Degree in 2014 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 10 years, since 2014. Dr. Houle completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, earning key certifications that attest to his expertise and commitment to his specialty. His training includes hands-on surgical experience and advanced diagnostic skills, enabling him to offer a wide range of treatments for ENT conditions.

Dr. Houle is dedicated to providing high-quality ENT care in Gatineau, emphasizing patient education, evidence-based practices, and a collaborative approach. He strives to ensure his patients understand their conditions and treatment options, fostering a trusting and supportive environment. Fluent in French, he is able to communicate effectively with his diverse patient population, ensuring clear and compassionate care at all times.

Common Conditions Dr. Olivier Houle Addresses

Dr. Olivier Houle 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)
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders (ENT Assessment for Related Symptoms): Problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, where an ENT may evaluate related symptoms like ear pain or facial pain.
  • 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.
  • Oral Cavity Cancers (Tongue, Floor of Mouth, Buccal Mucosa): Malignant tumors arising in the mouth, including the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, and floor of the mouth.
  • Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: A congenital cyst typically found in the midline of the neck, arising from remnants of the thyroid gland's developmental path.
  • 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).
Common Ear Conditions
  • 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.
  • Presbycusis (Age-Related Hearing Loss): Gradual loss of hearing that occurs in many people as they grow older.
  • Eardrum Perforation (Ruptured Eardrum): A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can result from infection, injury, or pressure changes.
  • Hearing Loss (Conductive, Sensorineural, Mixed, Sudden): Reduced ability to hear, which can be due to problems in the outer/middle ear (conductive), inner ear/nerve (sensorineural), a combination, or occur abruptly.
  • Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): A common infection of the middle ear, often causing ear pain and fever, especially in children.
Common Nose and Sinus Conditions
  • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever / Environmental Allergies): Nasal inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, dust mites, or animal dander, resulting in sneezing and congestion.

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. Olivier Houle or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Services Offered

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Houle 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. Houle'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.

Practice Location & Accessibility

Dr. Olivier Houle practices primarily at the CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital de Gatineau, located in the Gatineau Sector East (Pointe-Gatineau, Le Baron) neighborhood of Gatineau. The facility offers convenient access to Gatineau Park and is easily reachable via public transportation, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT system. The hospital is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for all patients.

Frequently Asked Questions about Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Are services from Dr. Houle, 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. Houle 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. Houle, 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. Houle. 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've been experiencing dizziness. How will an ENT specialist evaluate this?
Evaluation for dizziness is comprehensive as there are many potential causes. Dr. Houle will take a detailed history of your symptoms (type of dizziness, duration, triggers), review your medical history and medications, and perform a physical examination, including specific tests for balance and inner ear function (like Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV). Depending on the findings, further tests such as a hearing test (audiogram), videonystagmography (VNG) to assess inner ear and central motor functions, or imaging studies (MRI) might be ordered to determine the cause and guide treatment.

Contact & Licensing Information

CISSS de l'Outaouais - Hôpital de Gatineau
909 boul La Vérendrye O
Gatineau, QC J8P 7H2

Phone: (819) 966-6100

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Houle 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=14165

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