Dr. Shirley May Ho May Lo – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Shirley May Ho May Lo, 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 Rugged Shores Family Health in St Catharines, ON, she serves the local community with a focus on delivering high-quality ENT services. Dr. Lo adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective care for her patients. Her role encompasses comprehensive management of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck regions, serving both adult and pediatric populations.

Dr. Lo graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1992. She has been practicing as a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor for over 27 years, since 1997. She is certified as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, reflecting her extensive training and expertise in her field.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. Dr. Lo is dedicated to providing high-quality ENT care in St. Catharines, ensuring her patients receive personalized and effective treatment. She communicates fluently in English, facilitating clear and compassionate interactions with her patients.

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

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.
• Otosclerosis (Abnormal Bone Growth in Middle Ear): A condition where abnormal bone remodeling in the middle ear, typically involving the stapes bone, causes progressive conductive hearing loss.

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Chronic Cough (when related to upper airway or reflux): A persistent cough lasting eight weeks or longer, which may be linked to post-nasal drip, reflux, or laryngeal irritation.
• Vocal Cord Paralysis / Paresis: A condition where one or both vocal cords do not move properly, affecting voice, breathing, and swallowing.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR / Silent Reflux): A condition where stomach acid flows back up into the larynx and pharynx, causing symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, or throat clearing.

Specific Pediatric ENT Conditions

• Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) & Lip-Tie affecting feeding/speech: Conditions where a short or tight band of tissue restricts the movement of the tongue (tongue-tie) or lip (lip-tie), potentially impacting breastfeeding, feeding, or speech.

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

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Lo 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. Lo'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. Shirley Lo's practice is primarily based at Rugged Shores Family Health, located in the central St. Catharines area near local points of interest such as the Welland Canal and Montebello Park. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for patients from various parts of the city and surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers a comfortable environment for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Lo, 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. Lo 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. Lo, 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. Lo. 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 does an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon (ENT Doctor) like Dr. Lo do?

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

Rugged Shores Family Health
Suite 101, 180 Vine Street South, Wright Clinic
St Catharines, ON L2R 7P3

Phone: (905) 684-9237 | Fax: (905) 684-4178

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lo 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/Lo-Shirley-May-Ho-May/0050976-64955