Dr. Sarah Belhassen

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

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Fungal Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses caused by a fungal infection, which can range from non-invasive to invasive forms.
• Anosmia / Hyposmia (Loss or Decreased Sense of Smell): The partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, which can be caused by nasal/sinus disease, viral infections, or other factors.
• 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.
• Turbinate Hypertrophy (Enlarged Nasal Turbinates): Swelling or enlargement of the nasal turbinates (structures inside the nose that warm and filter air), leading to nasal obstruction.
• Nasal Fractures & Trauma: A break or crack in the bones of the nose, often resulting from an injury, which can affect breathing and appearance.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Otitis Media with Effusion ('Glue Ear') in Children: Persistent fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection, common in children and can affect hearing development.
• Laryngomalacia & Other Congenital Airway Abnormalities: Congenital conditions affecting the structure or function of a child's larynx or airway, potentially causing noisy breathing (stridor).
• Foreign Bodies in Ear, Nose, or Throat: Objects lodged in a child's ear canal, nasal passage, or throat, requiring prompt and safe removal by a specialist.

Common Head and Neck Conditions (General)

• 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.
• Lymphadenopathy (Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Neck): Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, which can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or, less commonly, cancer.
• Dermoid Cysts of the Head and Neck: Benign congenital cysts containing skin structures, which can occur in various locations on the head and neck.
• Thyroid Nodules & Goiter: Lumps (nodules) in the thyroid gland or overall enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), which may require evaluation for cancer or hormonal dysfunction.
• 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.

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. Sarah Belhassen or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• 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.
• 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.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• 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. Belhassen 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. Belhassen'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. Belhassen practices primarily at Hôpital Saint-Eustache, situated in the heart of Saint-Eustache, QC. The hospital serves the local community, including nearby neighborhoods such as the central Saint-Eustache area, and is conveniently accessible via public transit options. Patients can easily reach the facility from points of interest like the Saint-Eustache Basilica or the Industrial Park. The hospital's location offers ease of access for both walk-in and scheduled visits. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, making visits straightforward and hassle-free.

Are services from Dr. Belhassen, 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. Belhassen 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. Belhassen, 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. Belhassen. 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.

Hôpital Saint-Eustache
520 boul Arthur-Sauvé
Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5B1

Phone: (450) 473-6811

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Belhassen 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=16634