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As a head and neck surgeon, much of my hospital surgical practice is dedicated to treating patients with head and neck cancer and other conditions requiring complex or urgent surgery. However, not every neck mass is cancerous. Patients commonly develop benign growths such as lipomas, which are non-cancerous tumors made up of fatty tissue. Although [...]

Recently, while seeing patients at one of my private office in Montreal, I was asked if I could urgently assess a young woman who had suddenly lost the hearing in one ear. I was able to see her promptly and arranged an urgent hearing test. The test confirmed that she had developed profound sudden sensorineural [...]

My name is Dr Michael Hier and  I am an Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon. I have been an academic surgeon for 30 years. I am a Full Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as Oncology. I have been the Department Chief at an academic hospital since 2010. I am also the Co-director of [...]

The Impact of Sleep on Weight Management Emerging research continues to demonstrate the critical relationship between sleep and weight management. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep disrupts endocrine function, sleep patterns, and metabolic pathways. This article examines the mechanisms by which sleep affects body weight, the effects it can have on individuals, and what can be done to [...]

Did you know that most of your immune system lives in your gut? While we often think of immunity as the body’s defense system against colds, flus, and infections, research has shown that much of this protection begins in the gut microbiome—the vast community of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that live in your digestive [...]

For many transgender and gender-diverse individuals, finding a voice that aligns with their gender identity can be one of the most meaningful steps in their transition. While hormone therapy can influence the voice in some people, it does not work the same way for everyone. Fortunately, advances in voice therapy and specialized ENT surgery have [...]

Our sense of smell plays a much larger role in daily life than many people realize. It helps us enjoy food, detect hazards such as smoke or gas leaks, and contributes to our memories and emotional well-being. When smell is lost or significantly reduced, it can have a profound impact on quality of life. While [...]

A chronic cough can be frustrating, exhausting, and difficult to explain. For some patients, the coughing continues for months despite treatment for common causes such as asthma, allergies, postnasal drip, or acid reflux. When the usual treatments do not provide relief, the problem may not be coming from the lungs at all. Instead, an overly [...]

Have you ever felt like something is stuck in the back of your throat, noticed persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene, or coughed up small white or yellowish chunks from your tonsils? If so, you may be experiencing tonsil stones. Although tonsil stones are generally harmless, they can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and embarrassing for [...]

Most people have never heard of the parotid gland until they notice a lump near their jaw or are told they may have a parotid tumour. While this can understandably cause concern, learning a little about the anatomy and function of the parotid gland can help make the diagnosis less intimidating. What Is the Parotid [...]