Appointments, referrals, and how to get started
The goal of this page is to make the next step clear for adult patients, parents, and referring physicians. This is largely a referral-based specialty practice for both adults and children, and many patients arrive after hearing changes, chronic infections, dizziness, or a new diagnosis that needs specialist evaluation.
In most cases, patients do not directly self-schedule complex specialty care through this website. Adult and pediatric patients are typically seen by referral. The hospital system or office referral pathway handles intake, scheduling, and coordination.
Adult patients
Adult patients have 2 clinic location options. Adults can generally be seen through East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) in Metairie or, as of 2026, at West Jefferson Medical Center (WJMC) in conjunction with the Culicchia Neurological Center in Marrero.
When possible, it is helpful to have recent hearing tests, imaging, prior operative records, medication lists, and outside ENT or audiology notes available before the visit or included with the referral.
Pediatric patients
Children are generally seen through Manning Family Children’s (formerly Children’s Hospital New Orleans) and the associated pediatric referral pathway. Pediatric patients are typically seen by referral only.
When possible, it is helpful for families to have newborn hearing history if relevant, outside hearing tests, imaging, prior ENT notes, and any prior ear surgery information available when the referral is sent.
Referring physicians and audiologists
Referrals are welcome for cochlear implant evaluation, chronic ear disease, cholesteatoma, hearing restoration surgery, acoustic neuroma, revision ear surgery, dizziness when there is concern for an ear-related diagnosis, and skull base ear disorders.
When available, the most helpful materials often include the referring note, recent audiograms, imaging reports, image discs or upload access, prior operative notes, and any relevant audiology or vestibular testing. Audiologists and referring physicians are important partners in this practice, and coordinated evaluation often leads to the clearest diagnosis and the most thoughtful treatment plan.
If you do not yet have a clear diagnosis
Not every patient arrives with a final diagnosis already established. Many patients are referred because hearing continues to worsen, drainage keeps returning, dizziness remains unexplained, or prior treatment has not fully solved the problem.
That is appropriate. The purpose of a specialist evaluation is often to clarify what is going on, determine what additional testing may or may not be needed, and then decide whether observation, medical treatment, surgery, or longer-term follow-up is the right path.
What to expect
The first visit is often focused on understanding the diagnosis clearly. That may include review of hearing testing, imaging, prior treatment, and the timeline of symptoms before deciding what additional steps may be needed.
Some patients need reassurance and a clearer diagnosis. Some need further testing. Some need surgery. The goal is not to rush, but to move efficiently toward the right plan with a clear explanation of what comes next.