Dr. Robert John Hekkenberg – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Barrie, ON

Dr. Robert John Hekkenberg, a respected Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (ENT Doctor), is committed to providing compassionate and patient-centered care for individuals with ear, nose, and throat concerns. Practicing at a clinic in Barrie, ON, he serves the local community with a focus on delivering high-quality ENT services in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role encompasses comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, addressing a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related areas of the head and neck for both adults and children.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1992 and has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 27 years, since 1997. Dr. Hekkenberg is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His extensive experience and ongoing commitment to professional development enable him to offer expert diagnosis and treatment for complex ENT conditions.

Dr. Hekkenberg’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. He is dedicated to providing high-quality ENT care in Barrie, ensuring that patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their healthcare journey. Fluent in English and Dutch, he strives to communicate effectively with his diverse patient population and tailor care to individual needs.

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

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Spasmodic Dysphonia: A neurological voice disorder causing involuntary spasms of the vocal cord muscles, resulting in a strained, tight, or breathy voice.

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.
• Thyroid Cancer (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Anaplastic): Malignant growths within the thyroid gland, requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment, often involving surgery.
• Hyperthyroidism / Hypothyroidism (Surgical Management Aspects): Conditions of overactive (hyper) or underactive (hypo) thyroid function, where an ENT surgeon may be involved for surgical treatment like thyroidectomy.
• Dermoid Cysts of the Head and Neck: Benign congenital cysts containing skin structures, which can occur in various locations on the head and neck.

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

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Hekkenberg 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. Hekkenberg'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. Hekkenberg practices primarily at a clinic located in the Downtown Barrie area, within the East Bayfield neighborhood, near the Five Points Theatre and Barrie Waterfront (Kempenfelt Bay). The location is easily accessible via Barrie Transit, offering convenient public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.

Are services from Dr. Hekkenberg, 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. Hekkenberg 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. Hekkenberg, 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. Hekkenberg. 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.

11 Lakeside Terrace
Barrie, ON L4M 0H9

Phone: (705) 726-6900 | Fax: (705) 725-7330

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hekkenberg 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/Hekkenberg-Robert-John/0051230-65209