Dr. Robert Douglas Hart – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Calgary, AB

As an experienced Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor, Dr. Robert Douglas Hart offers comprehensive care for disorders of the head and neck, utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. Practicing at a clinic in Calgary, AB, he serves the local community with a patient-focused and compassionate approach. His practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Hart's primary role is providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide spectrum of ear, nose, throat, and related head and neck conditions for both adults and children.

Dr. Hart graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Dalhousie University in 2000, completing extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His certifications include advanced training and qualifications in diagnosis and surgical management of ENT conditions, ensuring he is well-equipped to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based practices, and a collaborative approach to care. Dr. Hart is committed to delivering high-quality ENT services in Calgary, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel heard and cared for. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to communicating clearly with his patients to ensure they understand their conditions and treatment options.

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

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Aspects

• Nasal Deformity (Post-Traumatic or Congenital): Abnormal shape or structure of the nose resulting from injury or present from birth, which may affect breathing or appearance.
• Drooping Eyelids Obstructing Vision (Functional Blepharoplasty): Excess skin or fat in the upper eyelids that hangs down and interferes with the field of vision, potentially treatable with surgery.

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Vocal Cord Paralysis / Paresis: A condition where one or both vocal cords do not move properly, affecting voice, breathing, and swallowing.

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• 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).
• Benign & Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors (e.g., Parotid, Submandibular): Abnormal growths in the salivary glands, which can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), requiring careful diagnosis and management.
• Thyroid Cancer (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Anaplastic): Malignant growths within the thyroid gland, requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment, often involving surgery.
• Salivary Gland Infections (Sialadenitis) & Stones (Sialolithiasis): Inflammation or infection of the salivary glands (like parotid or submandibular) or the formation of stones within their ducts, causing pain and swelling.
• 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.

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. Robert Hart or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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 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.
• 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 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.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Hart 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. Hart'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 Alberta (CPSA). A referral may be required.

Dr. Hart's practice is primarily based at a clinic located in the NW area of Calgary, near McMahon Stadium, in the vibrant neighborhoods of Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Patients can find convenient transportation options, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for all patients.

Are services from Dr. Hart, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hart are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or the clinic if you have questions.

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

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Hart. 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. Hart do?

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

What are some common procedures an ENT doctor might perform?

ENT doctors perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common examples include hearing tests (audiometry), nasal or laryngeal endoscopy (using a small camera to view inside the nose or throat), tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), myringotomy (ear tube insertion), septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum), sinus surgery, and biopsies or removal of head and neck lesions. Dr. Hart can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition.

How can Dr. Hart 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. Hart, 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.

1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Phone: (403) 944-3162

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hart is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=49d8783d-70ed-4773-b2fe-d2e2406937bf&i=592