Dr. Ricky Fox – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Ricky Fox 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 Women's College Hospital in Toronto, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of medical service. Dr. Fox’s role encompasses providing thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for both adults and children suffering from ENT-related conditions.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1982 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 36 years, since 1988. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of medical practice. Over the decades, Dr. Fox has developed a reputation for compassionate patient care, combining evidence-based medicine with a collaborative approach to treatment.

Dr. Fox is committed to patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. His clinical philosophy centers on providing high-quality ENT care in Toronto, emphasizing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. He speaks English fluently and values open communication, working closely with patients to achieve optimal health outcomes.

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

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Pediatric Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems in Children): Difficulties with swallowing in infants or children, which can be due to various structural or functional issues.

Common Ear Conditions

• 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.
• Cholesteatoma (Benign Ear Cyst): An abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum, potentially damaging ear structures.

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.
• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.
• Nasal Fractures & Trauma: A break or crack in the bones of the nose, often resulting from an injury, which can affect breathing and appearance.
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis (with or without Nasal Polyps): Long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses (12 weeks or more), sometimes associated with nasal polyps, leading to persistent congestion and discomfort.

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. Ricky Fox 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.
• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Fox 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. Fox'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. Ricky Fox's practice is primarily based at Women's College Hospital, located in the Runnymede and Swansea neighbourhood of Toronto, ON. The hospital is conveniently situated near the Toronto Police Headquarters and is easily accessible via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the hospital, with options to suit different needs, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments.

Are services from Dr. Fox, 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. Fox 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. Fox, 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. Fox. 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.

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. Fox do?

An Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, often called an ENT doctor, like Dr. Fox, 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.

I've been experiencing dizziness. How will an ENT specialist evaluate this?

Evaluation for dizziness is comprehensive as there are many potential causes. Dr. Fox 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.

How are allergies related to ENT problems?

Allergies can significantly impact the ears, nose, and throat. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itchy, watery eyes. Allergies can also contribute to chronic sinusitis, eustachian tube dysfunction (leading to ear pressure, popping, or fluid), recurrent ear infections, and exacerbate conditions like asthma or voice changes. An ENT specialist may investigate and help manage the ENT-related symptoms of allergies, often by recommending nasal sprays, antihistamines, or discussing options like immunotherapy, sometimes working in conjunction with an allergist.

Women's College Hospital
2489 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6S 1R6

Phone: (416) 767-3171 | Fax: (416) 766-6896

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fox 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/Fox-Ricky/0037664-51640