Have You Ever Complained About an ENT Doctor?

[Mister Muso]

I am due to send an outstanding balance to the private ENT consultant who I feel was no help to me at all and should not be describing himself as a tinnitus specialist given his apparent lack of knowledge on the subject.

I feel inclined to include along with my cheque a letter expressing my disappointment, and sending a copy to the hospital and to my medical insurance provider.

Has anyone ever done this? Did it make you feel better, or did you get any worthwhile response? Or should I just let it go and move on?

I am receiving ongoing treatment and support from a sympathetic doctor I've found in my local GP clinic, and I have a tinnitus clinic appointment coming up soon (both on the NHS in the UK so no fees involved - at least till after Brexit, who knows!!)

 

[IAmCalifornia]

Yes and I left nasty online reviews.

 

[Mila9828]

YES I feel like they don't have any expertise, and this is in the US :/

 

[Johnny Mangoseed]

You could try complaining directly to the doctor and saying that you don't want to pay because you felt like you received really poor service.

 

[BrStan@]

ENTs have zero tinnitus knowledge, period.

 

[KMc24]

My ENT is useless. She just prescribed me flonase, recommended zinc and lipoflavonoid, and just brushed me off. I recently had a pressure test done that came back normal. Total waste of time. Most of these "specialists" are useless when it comes to tinnitus.

She said, "Sorry I don't have a magic pill."

 

[Tom Cnyc]

There is zero point in going to the doctor for tinnitus past ruling out you have an acoustic neuroma.

if you expected more than that - it's really not the doctor's fault. Being a "specialist" just means you can explain the fight or flight response.

 

[Tinniger]

I am due to send an outstanding balance to the private ENT consultant who I feel was no help to me at all and should not be describing himself as a tinnitus specialist given his apparent lack of knowledge on the subject.

I don't advise it.

I also had the idea to write a totally bad review. In a rating portal for doctors and clinics.

I've finally decided against it.

a) If it is not anonymous, you can get into trouble (slander)
b) Doctors notify each other of difficult patients

 

[Contrast]

I am due to send an outstanding balance to the private ENT consultant who I feel was no help to me at all and should not be describing himself as a tinnitus specialist given his apparent lack of knowledge on the subject.

I feel inclined to include along with my cheque a letter expressing my disappointment, and sending a copy to the hospital and to my medical insurance provider.

Has anyone ever done this? Did it make you feel better, or did you get any worthwhile response? Or should I just let it go and move on?

I am receiving ongoing treatment and support from a sympathetic doctor I've found in my local GP clinic, and I have a tinnitus clinic appointment coming up soon (both on the NHS in the UK so no fees involved - at least till after Brexit, who knows!!)

You fell for every trap a newcomer could possibly fall for. Reading my comments could have saved you $$$ and from getting worse. A sympathetic doctor is nice but they still wouldn't be able to treat the underlying problem because medical science is not there yet.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I am receiving ongoing treatment and support from a sympathetic doctor I've found in my local GP clinic, and I have a tinnitus clinic appointment coming up soon (both on the NHS in the UK so no fees involved - at least till after Brexit, who knows!!)

@Mister Muso

I am sorry to know of your disquiet and do understand how you must be feeling. Paying out money and not feeling that you got adequate treatment. I want to make a few things clear and hopefully it will be of some help and to anyone reading this thread in the UK and beyond our shores.

You will get the best medical treatment and long time aftercare for tinnitus in the UK under the NHS. No private practice can match it I assure you. I was told this 23 years ago by my GP when I wanted to go private, and I have found this to be true. I am still an out-patient at a London hospital that has been treating me for 23 years even though I now live in Brighton.

ENT doctors a physicians not tinnitus experts or specialists. They know about the anatomy of the Ear, Nose and Throat. When there is an underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus, usually within the auditory system, an ENT doctor will usually be able to treat it medically or surgically.

When there is no underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus as in " Noise induced tinnitus". A patient in the UK is usually referred to Audiology. Here they will see a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist that is trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. These are the correct health professionals that one should see when the tinnitus is caused by "Noise trauma". A variety of treatment options are usually available. Sound therapy which can be in the form of White noise generators, counselling, CBT, TRT, Mindfullness, Relaxation therapy etc.

Many Hearing Therapists and Audiologists that practice Tinntius and Hyperacusis treatment and management, were either born with tinnitus or acquired it at some time in their life. This is particularly useful when tinnitus counselling is given. High quality tinnitus counselling can only be achieved by a therapist that has the condition in my opinion. They will have a level of understanding and know how tinnitus can affect a person's mental and emotional wellbeing.

I know how you feel but hold your head up high. Pay the cheque and if I were you, don't bother sending an accompanying letter, because the ENT consultant that you saw is not a tinnitus specialist.

Michael

 

[Juan]

I am due to send an outstanding balance to the private ENT consultant who I feel was no help to me at all and should not be describing himself as a tinnitus specialist given his apparent lack of knowledge on the subject.

I feel inclined to include along with my cheque a letter expressing my disappointment, and sending a copy to the hospital and to my medical insurance provider.

Has anyone ever done this? Did it make you feel better, or did you get any worthwhile response? Or should I just let it go and move on?

I am receiving ongoing treatment and support from a sympathetic doctor I've found in my local GP clinic, and I have a tinnitus clinic appointment coming up soon (both on the NHS in the UK so no fees involved - at least till after Brexit, who knows!!)

I think you should complain in writing and refuse to pay.

 

[Contrast]

OP's story probably represents 1000's of other lurkers that have made the same mistake before him.

Once again clueless and bluepilled nature of tinnitus sufferers prevails.

 

[Vin]

Same experience here as most. Felt brushed off but the Doctor was nice enough to acknowledge that as a science, the medical field itself is still learning/researching about this condition as well as concussions, in regards to cause and effect and subsequent treatment. He said at present time, the condition is poorly understood.

The only bad part was that his colleague said that they have never heard of Tinnitus ever going away and said it was permanent which is untrue. It can and has resolved for some people in some cases. His colleague was probably in their early 30's and just out of med school.

The guy who did my actual hearing test looked to be in his late 50's and asked me about my history prior to the test and gave me more information than the Doctors! He just briefly explained about trauma induced Tinnitus and that it can be a result from the jaw, neck, ear or head being hit or jolted and that the intricate network becomes disrupted etc., etc.

He also added that in a lot of cases it can clear up but that like other symptoms of whiplash and concussions, in some cases, it may also linger for many months or even years.

 

[Chinmoku]

I am due to send an outstanding balance to the private ENT consultant who I feel was no help to me at all and should not be describing himself as a tinnitus specialist given his apparent lack of knowledge on the subject.

I feel inclined to include along with my cheque a letter expressing my disappointment, and sending a copy to the hospital and to my medical insurance provider.

Has anyone ever done this? Did it make you feel better, or did you get any worthwhile response? Or should I just let it go and move on?

I am receiving ongoing treatment and support from a sympathetic doctor I've found in my local GP clinic, and I have a tinnitus clinic appointment coming up soon (both on the NHS in the UK so no fees involved - at least till after Brexit, who knows!!)

Be careful, doctors talk and you could end up in a black list. Having said that, I understand your feelings. I also saw a private ENT in london in the beginning, he was ok and did the right things I believe but it didn't help. If you'd like to PM me we can exchange experiences.

 

[Mal58]

Why didn't you consult someone who is obviously an expert? I have a (UK based) book called "Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis" by Dr Laurence McKenna et. al., and a quick google finds the authors, and you can then seek consultation.

 

[Mister Muso]

OP's story probably represents 1000's of other lurkers that have made the same mistake before him.

Once again clueless and bluepilled nature of tinnitus sufferers prevails.

Well I think the doctor was more clueless than me on this occasion.

You fell for every trap a newcomer could possibly fall for. Reading my comments could have saved you $$$ and from getting worse.

You can't be too hard newcomers for feeling confused and desparate and making mistakes that make their tinnitus worse. I'm sure we have all made some mistakes. If it was that easy, the membership of this forum would be very much smaller than it actually is.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Be careful, doctors talk and you could end up in a black list. Having said that, I understand your feelings. I also saw a private ENT in london in the beginning, he was ok and did the right things I believe but it didn't help. If you'd like to PM me we can exchange experiences.

I agree totally with you @Chinmoku I do understand @Mister Muso situation and how he feels. However, if he's not careful and follows some of the advice on this thread and refusing to pay the consultant, he could end up in a lawsuit and will undoubtedly lose. The consultant would have carried out the necessary consultation and any examinations and tests if required.

The medical professional can be extremely difficult to beat on something like this or to prove negligence. I helped counsel someone a few years ago with tinnitus. He had a dental procedure involving root canal work. According to him it made his tinnitus increase severely. He tried suing the dentist and contacted lawyers. All they done was extract as much money out of him as possible and when he couldn't afford to pay more money the case was dropped.

Michael

 

[Mister Muso]

You fell for every trap a newcomer could possibly fall for. Reading my comments could have saved you $$$ and from getting worse. A sympathetic doctor is nice but they still wouldn't be able to treat the underlying problem because medical science is not there yet.

I agree totally with you @Chinmoku I do understand @Mister Muso situation and how he feels. However, if he's not careful and follows some of the advice on this thread and refusing to pay the consultant, he could end up in a lawsuit and will undoubtedly lose. ...The medical professional can be extremely difficult to beat on something like this or to prove negligence.

True. I once saw a dentist who managed to puncture two root canals in adjacent teeth whilst carrying out what should have been a routine procedure. The result was I lost both teeth and had to spend thousands of pounds on implants. The dentist I saw after that was shocked at this dentist's negligence and said there is no excuse for such a mistake in modern dentistry. However I spent 6 months of corrspondence between her practice, the General Dental Council and her legal respresentative, and eventually gave up as it seemed they were all giving me the runaround.

 

[Michael Leigh]

True. I once saw a dentist who managed to puncture two root canals in adjacent teeth whilst carrying out what should have been a routine procedure. The result was I lost both teeth and had to spend thousands of pounds on implants. The dentist I saw after that was shocked at this dentist's negligence and said there is no excuse for such a mistake in modern dentistry. However I spent 6 months of corrspondence between her practice, the General Dental Council and her legal respresentative, and eventually gave up as it seemed they were all giving me the runaround.

Very sorry to hear this @Mister Muso

My late father told me many years ago when I was in my teens. Keep away from Lawyers and courthouse if possible because, all they are interested in is taking your money and leaving you destitute and a pauper!

 

[PeteJ]

I don't advise it.

I also had the idea to write a totally bad review. In a rating portal for doctors and clinics.

I've finally decided against it.

a) If it is not anonymous, you can get into trouble (slander)
b) Doctors notify each other of difficult patients

Somebody has to say something. Why would he care if ENTs "talk about him?"

I bet that they wouldn't find about it. I suspect most specialists won't be checking review sites about themselves. I know some specialty businesses might - for example, dental offices. But, I have never read of any physicians ever replying to online reviews.

 

[PeteJ]

Be careful, doctors talk and you could end up in a black list. Having said that, I understand your feelings. I also saw a private ENT in london in the beginning, he was ok and did the right things I believe but it didn't help. If you'd like to PM me we can exchange experiences.

What are the "right things?" The standard routine is to send the patient to get an MRI to check for an acoustic neuroma?

Other than that, they check both ears and maybe put their diagnostic tools in your ears and one they use for your nose. It seems useless. Maybe you have ear wax and it's debatable or unknown to me whether they are able to do that safely.

I had to wait months to confirm at the end of an ENT appointment that he couldn't do anything or help. What's the percentage that something shows up on an MRI vs (probability of) receiving auditory harm from an/the MRI or having tinnitus worsen from it?

 

[Chinmoku]

What are the "right things?" The standard routine is to send the patient to get an MRI to check for an acoustic neuroma?

Other than that, they check both ears and maybe put their diagnostic tools in your ears and one they use for your nose. It seems useless. Maybe you have ear wax and it's debatable or unknown to me whether they are able to do that safely.

I had to wait months to confirm at the end of an ENT appointment that he couldn't do anything or help. What's the percentage that something shows up on an MRI vs (probability of) receiving auditory harm from an/the MRI or having tinnitus worsen from it?

My GP, another GP and the ER doctors all said to wait it out. The private ENT ordered steroids immediately and tried also antiviral medication, vasodilators, and ran a number of tests. Nothing helped unfortunately but at least we tried.

 

[Michael Leigh]

My GP, another GP and the ER doctors all said to wait it out. The private ENT ordered steroids immediately and tried also antiviral medication, vasodilators, and ran a number of tests. Nothing helped unfortunately but at least we tried.

The GPs and ER doctors that advised you to wait it out were correct. In the early stages of tinnitus the best treatment is to do absolutely nothing and "wait it out". Unless there are additional symptoms associated with the auditory system. These are: deafness, dizziness, problems with balance or acute pain in the ears. Stress and anxiety can affect a person a lot in the early weeks and months with tinnitus onset. Therefore, it's a good idea to have a word with your GP as medication can help calm things down.

Making an appointment to see a private ENT consultant is actually a waste of money, taking into account what I have mentioned above. Understandably a person is desperate and wants relief from tinnitus. The ear is a very delicate organ and too early an intervention with treatment can in some instances make matters worse. The only other treatment I would recommend in addition to medication in the early stages of tinnitus, is counselling with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, trained in the treatment and management of the condition.

Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

 

[Chinmoku]

The GPs and ER doctors that advised you to wait it out were correct. In the early stages of tinnitus the best treatment is to do absolutely nothing and "wait it out". Unless there are additional symptoms associated with the auditory system. These are: deafness, dizziness, problems with balance or acute pain in the ears. Stress and anxiety can affect a person a lot in the early weeks and months with tinnitus onset. Therefore, it's a good idea to have a word with your GP as medication can help calm things down.

Making an appointment to see a private ENT consultant is actually a waste of money, taking into account what I have mentioned above. Understandably a person is desperate and wants relief from tinnitus. The ear is a very delicate organ and too early an intervention with treatment can in some instances make matters worse. The only other treatment I would recommend in addition to medication in the early stages of tinnitus, is counselling with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, trained in the treatment and management of the condition.

Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

Michael, I found that this varies depending on the country. There is consensus that in some cases an early intervention with steroids can help with hearing loss and tinnitus, but GPs don't prescribe them. GP/ER wouldn't even prescribe clonazepam when I was going mad but the private ent did.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Michael, I found that this varies depending on the country. There is consensus that in some cases an early intervention with steroids can help with hearing loss and tinnitus, but GPs don't prescribe them. GP/ER wouldn't even prescribe clonazepam when I was going mad but the private ent did.

@Chinmoku

I agree with you. Medical treatment for tinnitus in the UK is not necessarily the same in other countries. It is for this reason my advice and treatment suggestions are based on my experience in the UK. For instance, when someone in the UK is referred to ENT for tinnitus. It can take 4 to 6 months for an appointment. I didn't understand why it took so long when I had to wait 6 months for my first appointment 23 years ago. I didn't know back then there was a good reason for this, as I've indicated in my previous post.

The ear is a very delicate organ and often tinnitus can reduce or go completely away within the first 6 months. I still believe this is the right approach, providing there aren't additional problems that I have mentioned.

When a patient is seen at ENT for the first time a variety of tests are carried out that I have mentioned in my article: Tinnitus, A Personal View: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/ If there is an underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus such as: Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, ETD, Acoustic neuroma etc, an ENT doctor will try treating the condition medically or surgically.

If there is no underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus as in "Noise induced", then the patient is referred to Audiology to see a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, that is trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Various treatments are available depending on which NHS hospital the patient attends. These health professionals will treat hearing loss and recommend hearing aid/s if needed as hearing loss can cause tinnitus.

Through talking to people from other countries, I have learned they are often only seen at ENT and don't get a referral to Audiology. If they are many are automatically advised to fork out for expensive hearing aids when usually the person doesn't have significant hearing loss. It seems, the treatment that is available in the UK for tinnitus is significantly different in other parts of the world.

A GP in the UK will not prescribe prednisone for tinnitus. I have heard people in other countries have had success with it when taken early for "Noise induced tinnitus" Others have said it didn't help. GPs are also reluctant to prescribe clonazepam, mainly I believe because of it's addictive nature. My ENT consultant prescribed it for me in 2010 and I found it very helpful. I was advised to only take it when my tinnitus is severe. 2x 0.5 tablets usually reduce to the tinnitus to a low level or complete silence over 12 hours. I haven't had a problem with this medication in 9 years. I take it about once or twice a month for one or two days.

People that have contacted me by telephone and email who are new to tinnitus and want to be seen quickly. Have paid privately to see an ENT consultant. What often happens tests are carried out nothing untoward is found, and the patient is told to wait to be seen at a NHS hospital ENT department. Then they are faced with an expensive consultation bill.

Michael

 

[Vin]

Be careful, doctors talk and you could end up in a black list. Having said that, I understand your feelings. I also saw a private ENT in london in the beginning, he was ok and did the right things I believe but it didn't help. If you'd like to PM me we can exchange experiences.

I don't know if this is a myth or not but I feel the same way. I am probably paranoid but I am always worried about complaining or making a scene with a physician because of the networking and the fear of being 'black listed' and therefore denied by Specialists for future referrals or looked at seriously in the ER etc.

I have had a GP or two encourage me to write letters for complaints in regards to the one or two really bad experiences I have had over the years so in that sense, it is probably just paranoia on my part but I am always like, 'meh' in the end when I contemplate writing a formal complaint.