1) Do I need a referral from my doctor?

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Yes, we do not accept patients without a physician's referral, preferably from a specialist.  Our reports assume a working knowledge of each assessment so that the implications of the interpretations provided can be properly appreciated. 

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Please                             for a copy of our referral.

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2) Will I have to pay for my tests?

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Vestibular tests and hearing tests are covered under OHIP. If there is a fee, we will inform you at the time of booking.

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3) Where is the hearing & balance Centre located?

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The clinic is located in the Toronto General Hospital on the 7th floor – take any elevator within the hospital to the 7th floor, Eaton Wing North.  Follow the signs to the Hearing & Balance Centre, room 213.  The closest subway station is Queens Park on the Yonge-University line.

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4) where can i park?

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Parking is available across from the Elizabeth Street Entrance.

 

Please                             for a list of parking available.                   

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5) what does "vestibular" mean?

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Vestibular refers to the part of the inner ear where the balance organs are located.

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6) what does "vertigo" mean?

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Vertigo is the sensation of movement when you are not actually moving.

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7) what if i'm not dizzy when i come to my appointment?

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Our tests do not require that you feel dizzy on the day of the tests.  We are testing the function of your balance organs regardless of your symptoms.  In fact, it's better that you feel well enough to get through the testing in order for us to finish the assessments.

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8) how long does the testing take?

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For a full vestibular assessment, the testing will take between 3 and 4 hours.  You will get small breaks throughout the testing as needed.

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9) what do I need to do to prepare for the testing?

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Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be seated and lying down throughout the testing.  You will also be wearing googles for some of the tests, so please do not wear any eye make-up as it will interfere with the results.

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10) Can I drive home after the testing?

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Most patients feel fine after testing, however as a precaution we recommend you bring someone in case you feel ill. (Note: During COVID, visitor restrictions apply. Please call our front desk for more info at 416-340-3666).

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11) Are there any age restrictions?

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We see a wide range of patients, from children as young as 3 years-old to the elderly.

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12) Do you offer hearing aids?

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At Hearing & Balance we do not dispense hearing aids.  Bookings for hearing aid evaluations and all other hearing aid inquiries can be made by contacting the Munk Hearing Centre (phone: 416-340-4800 x 7067; fax: 416-340-5149).

 

Please                              for contact information for the Munk Hearing Centre.

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13) I have tinnitus. Can you help?

 

Yes. We offer a program called Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM).                             for more information.

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14) do you accommodate drop-ins?

 

No, it is not possible for us to accommodate walk-in appointments even if we have received a referral since most testing is scheduled weeks or months in advance. The exception is if you experience a sudden hearing loss. If that happens, call us at 416-340-3666.

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15) I haven't heard from you since my doctor sent the referral. How long does it take to get an appointment?

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You should receive a call or a letter in the mail with your appointment date. The timing currently varies quite a bit but it should be within two months of us receiving a referral from your doctor.

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16) how long will it take to get an appointment?

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It will take approximately 1-3 months from the referral date to get an appointment at the Hearing & Balance Centre.

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17) I have completed the testing, now what?

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Once you have completed the testing with us, the results will be sent to the referral doctor in approximately 2 weeks.  We recommend that you contact your referral doctor once the testing is completed to book the follow-up appointment 2 weeks after the tests.