Dr. Renée Dionne – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Gatineau, QC

Specializing in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Renée Dionne (an ENT Doctor) provides expert medical and surgical solutions for patients in Gatineau. Practicing at Polyclinique de l'Oreille in Gatineau, QC, she serves the local community with a patient-focused and compassionate approach. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe, ethical, and effective care for all patients.

Dr. Dionne graduated with a Medical Degree in 1994 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Medicine for over 30 years. She completed extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, equipping her with the expertise to address a wide spectrum of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck regions.

Her clinical philosophy is centered on patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment planning. Dr. Dionne is committed to providing high-quality ENT care tailored to each patient's individual needs in Gatineau. She speaks fluent French, ensuring clear communication and compassionate support throughout her patients' healthcare journeys.

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

Common Ear Conditions

• Acute Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): A common infection of the middle ear, often causing ear pain and fever, especially in children.
• Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage): Excessive buildup of earwax in the ear canal, potentially causing hearing difficulty, discomfort, or dizziness.
• Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear / Outer Ear Infection): An infection of the outer ear canal, often triggered by water exposure, causing pain, itching, and discharge.
• 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.

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Hoarseness & Dysphonia (Voice Disorders): Abnormal changes in the voice, such as roughness, breathiness, or strain, often due to issues with the vocal cords.
• Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, Cysts & Granulomas: Benign growths or lesions on the vocal cords that can cause hoarseness and other voice problems, often related to voice overuse or irritation.

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.

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. Renée Dionne or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Dionne 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. Dionne'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. Dionne primarily practices at the Polyclinique de l'Oreille, located near the central Gatineau area, close to the neighborhoods of Terminus de la Cité and La Cité Collégiale. The clinic is easily accessible via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Dionne, 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. Dionne 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. Dionne, 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. Dionne. 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. Dionne can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.

How can Dr. Dionne help with snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are often caused by an obstruction or narrowing of the airway in the nose or throat. Dr. Dionne, an ENT specialist, can perform a thorough examination to identify the areas of obstruction (e.g., deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, large tongue base, elongated soft palate). Depending on the findings, treatment options may include lifestyle modifications (weight loss, positional therapy), CPAP therapy (often managed by a sleep physician), oral appliances, or surgical procedures aimed at improving airway patency. Examples include septoplasty, tonsillectomy, UPPP, or Inspire therapy in select cases.

How should I prepare for my appointment with an ENT specialist?

For your appointment, please bring your provincial health card, your referral letter (if applicable), a list of your current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements), and any relevant medical records, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs on a disc if possible), or test results you may have (such as previous hearing tests or allergy reports). Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, their duration, and your medical history in detail. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.

Polyclinique de l'Oreille
310-430 boul de l'Hôpital
Gatineau, QC J8V 1T7

Phone: (819) 561-0002 | Fax: (819) 561-9644

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dionne 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=94417