Tinnitus and Blocked Ears: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Specialist Learn more about why blocked ears, ringing and muffled hearing
ENT Surgeons Medical Centre · Mount Elizabeth Orchard & Novena
Dr Dennis Chua,
ENT Specialist in Singapore
Dr Dennis Chua is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist in Singapore with more than a decade of clinical experience treating adults and children. As an ENT doctor practising at Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Mount Elizabeth Novena, he provides assessment and treatment planning for ear, nose, throat, sinus and sleep-related concerns.
Persistent symptoms affecting hearing, breathing, sleep or daily comfort are assessed in-clinic, with management options discussed based on your symptoms, medical history and clinical needs.
MMed (ORL) · FAMS · MOH & SMC Accredited · Double Board Certified · Visiting Consultant, TTSH / KKH / NTFGH
Experience
10+ Years
ENT care for adults and children in Singapore
Certification
Double Board Certified
IBCFPRS and EBCFPRS facial plastic surgery boards
Recognition
MOH HMDA Recipient
Fellowship training at the University of Virginia
Teaching
Medical Educator
ENT Lead Tutor, LKCMedicine and Senior Clinical Lecturer, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
About Your ENT Specialist
ENT Specialist in Singapore for Ear, Nose and Throat Care
Dr Dennis Chua is an ear, nose and throat specialist in Singapore, accredited in Otorhinolaryngology and registered as a specialist with the Singapore Medical Council. He sees adults and children at two Mount Elizabeth clinics for ear, nose, throat, sinus, and sleep-related concerns.
Before entering private practice, Dr Chua served in Singapore’s public healthcare sector, including as Chief of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He currently holds visiting consultant appointments at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
His clinical interests include general ENT conditions, sinus and nasal concerns, snoring and sleep-related breathing issues, paediatric ear conditions, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and selected areas of robotic ENT surgery.
Dr Chua completed fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Virginia, supported by Singapore’s Health Manpower Development Plan award. He has also contributed to medical education as ENT Lead Tutor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
His surgical training includes robotic ENT surgery, trans-oral robotic surgery and laser microsurgery, including Da Vinci robotic training in South Korea. He is double board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the International and European Boards.
Dr Chua is also actively involved in medical academia and research. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on complex ENT conditions and facial plastic surgery, and has delivered lectures and presentations at medical conferences in Europe, the United States, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam.
Patients are seen by referral from general practitioners and other specialists, as well as directly. A GP referral is not required to book a consultation with a private ENT doctor in Singapore, though some insurers may ask for one before a claim. Read more about Dr Chua’s qualifications and clinical background or check insurance and Medisave coverage before your visit.
Qualifications
- MBBS — Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
- MRCS (Edin) — Royal College of Surgeons
- MMed (ORL) — Master of Medicine, NUS
- FAMS — Fellow, Academy of Medicine SG
- Double Board Certified — IBCFPRS & EBCFPRS
- International Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Awards
- Health Manpower Development Award, MOH (2013)
- Service with a Heart Award (2011)
- Best Oral Presentation (1st runner-up), Singapore–Malaysia ENT Meeting (2009)
- SingHealth Best Doctor Award (2009)
- Best ENT Free Paper, ASEAN ORL Congress (2005)
- Infectious Disease Book Prize (2004)
- First runner-up, Singapore Society of Otorhinolaryngology Book Prize Competition (2003)
MEDIA FEATURES
- Medical educator — Senior Clinical Lecturer, host of annual Paediatric Ear Course
- Referenced by The Straits Times in coverage concerning face and mouth taping
- Featured on The Straits Times for insights on managing blocked ears during flights
- Quoted in Shin Min Daily News discussing treatments for allergic rhinitis
- Interviewed by 8world News on rising ENT conditions among children
- Provided commentary on Channel 8 News for World Hearing Day, raising awareness about hearing loss
- Appeared on Channel NewsAsia (CNA) highlighting developments in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Shared ENT health tips on Berita Mediacorp, including advice on managing nasal allergies and ear care
- Published opinion pieces on ENT conditions and care tips across various local and regional media outlets
Book an ENT Consultation in Singapore
Persistent ear, nose, throat, sinus or sleep-related symptoms can affect daily comfort, breathing, hearing and rest. Dr Dennis Chua provides specialist assessment and discusses appropriate management options based on your symptoms, medical history and clinical needs.
Comprehensive ENT Care for All Ages
ENT Conditions We Treat in Singapore
Dr Dennis Chua assesses and manages a broad range of ear, nose and throat conditions in adults and children. Ear concerns include hearing changes, blockage and balance symptoms. Nose and sinus concerns include nasal allergy, blockage and recurrent infection. Throat concerns include voice, swallowing, tonsil and neck-related symptoms. Sleep-related breathing is assessed for both adults and children.
Paediatric ENT
ENT assessment and care for children with ear, nose, throat, sinus, airway or sleep-related concerns.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Assessment and management of sleep-related breathing obstruction in adults and children.
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Allergic Rhinitis
Evaluation and treatment planning for nasal allergies affecting breathing, sleep or daily comfort.
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Nasal Septum Deviation
Assessment of
structural nasal
blockage related to
a deviated nasal
septum.
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Ear Wax
Clinic-based assessment and removal of ear wax when it affects hearing, comfort or ear examination.
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Sinusitis
Evaluation and management of sinus inflammation, including recurrent or persistent sinus concerns.
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Nose Bleeds
Assessment and management of nosebleeds in children and adults, including recurrent episodes.
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Meniere’s Disease
Assessment and management of inner ear conditions linked to balance and hearing concerns.
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Head and Throat Conditions
ENT evaluation for head, neck, voice, swallowing, tonsil and throat-related concerns.
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Thyroid Disease
Assessment and surgical care for selected thyroid conditions, often in coordination with other specialists.
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Snoring
Assessment of snoring in adults and children, including its relationship to sleep-related breathing.
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When to See an ENT Specialist in Singapore
Many ear, nose and throat symptoms settle on their own. Others persist, recur, or affect sleep, hearing and daily function in ways that are worth having assessed. Specialist review is generally considered when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, one-sided, or not responding to initial treatment from a general practitioner.
Ear symptoms
Reduced or muffled hearing, ringing in the ears, blocked ears that do not clear, ear pain, discharge, or dizziness and balance disturbance. Hearing change affecting only one ear warrants earlier assessment.
Nose and sinus symptoms
Nasal blockage that does not resolve, ongoing runny nose or post-nasal drip, recurrent sinus infection, facial pressure or sinus headache, repeated nosebleeds, or reduced sense of smell.
Throat and neck symptoms
Persistent sore throat, hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, difficulty or discomfort swallowing, a sensation of something in the throat, recurrent tonsillitis, or a lump in the neck.
Sleep and breathing symptoms
Loud or habitual snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, waking unrefreshed, or daytime sleepiness. In children, mouth breathing, restless sleep or snoring may also be relevant.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms need specialist review, our clinic team can help you decide whether to book an appointment.
This information is general and does not replace an individual clinical assessment. Symptoms that are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening should be reviewed promptly.
A Note From Your ENT Specialist
Ear, nose and throat conditions can affect sleep, hearing, breathing and daily comfort in ways that are easy to live with for too long. My approach is to take the time to understand what you are experiencing, examine thoroughly, and explain what the findings mean before we discuss options. That applies equally to adults and to children, whether the concern is nasal allergy, sinus problems, hearing changes or throat symptoms.
Dennis Chua
MMed (ORL) · FAMS · Double Board Certified
Consultation Fees for Our ENT Doctor in Singapore
Consultation fees at our Mount Elizabeth clinics are listed below so you know what to expect before booking.
| Services | Charges |
|---|---|
| First consultation | $200 |
| Repeat consultation | $180 |
Fees are subject to 9% GST and exclude medication, procedures and facility fees. Procedure charges such as nasendoscopy, ear endoscopy and microscopic aural toilet are listed in full on our ENT clinic fees and services page.
Medisave and insurance may apply to certain ENT procedures and surgeries, subject to Ministry of Health guidelines and your policy terms.
What Happens at Your First ENT Consultation
Knowing what to expect can make a first specialist visit easier to plan for. A typical first consultation with Dr Dennis Chua includes the following.
1. History and symptom review
A discussion of your symptoms, how long they have been present, previous treatment, relevant medical history and current medication.
2. Clinical examination
Examination of the ears, nose and throat. Where clinically appropriate, this may include nasendoscopy, ear endoscopy or examination under microscope, usually performed in the same visit.
3. Discussion of findings
What the examination shows, what it may mean, and whether further tests such as a hearing test, imaging or a sleep study would be helpful.
4. Management options
Options suited to your condition are explained, along with what each involves. If a procedure is being considered, this is discussed separately with time to ask questions before any decision is made.
What to bring
Identification, referral letter if you have one, your insurance or Medisave details, a list of current medication, and any previous scans, hearing tests or specialist reports.
Duration
A first consultation typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the assessment required.
Insurance and Medisave for ENT Treatment
Accepted insurance plans and Medisave for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
Our clinic works with a range of medical insurance providers and accepts Medisave for eligible patients and procedures. Medisave use for ENT treatment is subject to Ministry of Health guidelines and depends on the procedure performed. If you are unsure about your coverage or the claims process, our team can help you check before your appointment.
Check your coverage before your visit
Speak with our team to find out which insurance plans or Medisave apply to your visit.
Check your coverage before your visit
Speak with our team to find out which insurance plans or Medisave apply to your visit.
Why Choose Us
Why Patients are Referred to Our ENT Specialist Clinic
We provide assessment and care for adults and children with ear, nose, throat, sinus, sleep and related surgical concerns. The clinic’s work is supported by Dr Chua’s specialist training, hospital background, teaching roles and clinic-based diagnostic tools.
Double board certified ENT specialist.
Dr Chua is an ENT specialist and double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon through the International and European Boards.
Fellowship trained in the USA.
He completed fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Virginia, supported by Singapore's Health Manpower Development Plan award.
Two Mount Elizabeth clinics.
Patients may consult Dr Chua at his Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Mount Elizabeth Novena specialist clinics, both within Singapore's central medical hubs.
Clinic-based assessment on the same visit.
Where clinically appropriate, consultations may include nasendoscopy, ear endoscopy or microscopy, so that examination and discussion of findings can often happen within the same appointment.
Care for adults and children.
Dr Chua sees adults as well as paediatric ENT patients, including children with recurrent ear infections, nasal allergy, snoring and sleep-related breathing concerns.
Continuing hospital and teaching appointments.
Visiting consultant appointments at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, alongside teaching roles at LKCMedicine and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Featured In
Dr Dennis Chua has been featured in selected publications and news stations, sharing educational perspectives on ear, nose, throat, sinus and sleep-related concerns. He has also published opinion pieces on ENT conditions and care tips across various local and regional media outlets.
Speak to Our ENT Clinic Team
Our clinic team can help with appointment times, clinic location and what to bring to your first visit. Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Mount Elizabeth Novena.
find us here
ENT Health Articles and Resources
Practical, factual articles on ear, nose, throat, sinus and sleep-related concerns, written and reviewed by Dr Dennis Chua.
Mount Elizabeth Orchard
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat 9am–12pm · Sun closed
Getting here: Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Orchard MRT (NS22 / TE14). Carpark access via Mount Elizabeth.
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat 9am–12pm · Sun closed
Getting here: Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Novena MRT (NS20), sheltered access via Novena Square.
Contact Us
Send us a message and our team will be in touch.
Not sure which clinic to book? Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry and our team will advise based on availability and your preferred location.
ENT Care for Adults and Children in Singapore
Persistent ear, nose, throat, sinus or sleep-related symptoms can affect daily comfort, breathing, hearing and rest. Dr Dennis Chua provides specialist ENT assessment and treatment planning based on your symptoms, medical history and needs.
Visual Guides
ENT Visual Guides for Patients in Singapore
Easy-to-read infographics that break down ear, nose and throat health into clear visuals.
Resources
ENT Specialist Blogs
Sinus Headache: Symptoms, Causes and How It Differs from Migraine Headaches can disrupt your day, making it hard to focus, relax, or
5 Signs Your Child Needs to See an ENT: Common Pediatric Conditions As parents, nothing is more important than our children’s health,
Tinnitus and Blocked Ears: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Specialist Learn more about why blocked ears, ringing and muffled hearing
Sinus Headache: Symptoms, Causes and How It Differs from Migraine Headaches can disrupt your day, making it hard to focus, relax, or
Questions & Answers
FAQs — ENT Specialist in Singapore
Where can I find an ENT specialist in Singapore?
Dr Dennis Chua is an ENT specialist practising at two Mount Elizabeth clinics in Singapore: Mount Elizabeth Orchard (3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-02, Singapore 228510, tel 6235 3886) and Mount Elizabeth Novena (38 Irrawaddy Road, #06-21, Singapore 329563, tel 6239 5158). Both clinics are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. You can book at either location by phone or WhatsApp.
Do I need a GP referral to see an ENT specialist in Singapore?
No — you can book directly with a private ENT clinic without a GP referral. A referral is usually only required at public hospitals. If you intend to claim from insurance, check whether your insurer requires a referral first.
What conditions does an ENT specialist in Singapore treat?
An ENT specialist, also called an otolaryngologist, treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. Common areas include sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, blocked or runny nose, nosebleeds, ear wax, hearing issues, Meniere’s disease, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, sore throat, thyroid disease, neck lumps, and paediatric ENT conditions.
What qualifications should an ENT specialist in Singapore have?
Look for SMC specialist accreditation and ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) training. Dr Chua holds MMed (ORL) from NUS, MRCS (Edin), FAMS, and is Double Board Certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS & EBCFPRS).
How much does an ENT consultation cost in Singapore?
At our clinic, a first consultation is $200 and a repeat consultation is $180, subject to 9% GST and excluding medication, procedures and facility fees. Procedure charges are listed in full on our ENT clinic fees page.
Can I use Medisave for ENT treatment in Singapore?
Medisave may be used for certain ENT procedures and surgeries approved under Ministry of Health guidelines. Coverage depends on the treatment type and your available Medisave balance. Medisave generally cannot be used for outpatient consultations alone. Our clinic team can advise whether Medisave applies to your specific case, and you can also read more about insurance and Medisave coverage.
What can I expect at my first ENT consultation?
Your ENT specialist will review your medical history and symptoms, examine your ears, nose and throat, and may recommend tests or a nasendoscopy if needed. A full breakdown is available in our section on what happens at your first ENT consultation.
How long does it take to get an ENT appointment in Singapore?
Private ENT clinics typically offer more appointment flexibility than public hospitals. Contact our team by phone or WhatsApp for current availability at Mount Elizabeth Orchard or Mount Elizabeth Novena.
Does Dr Dennis Chua see children?
Yes. Dr Chua sees both adults and children, and holds a visiting consultant appointment at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Common paediatric referrals include recurrent ear infections, hearing concerns, nasal allergy, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and snoring or disturbed sleep. Read more about paediatric ENT care.
What is the difference between an ENT specialist and an ENT surgeon?
In Singapore they are the same specialty. An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, is trained in both the medical and surgical management of ear, nose and throat conditions. Not all ENT conditions require surgery, and many are managed without it.
Which ENT clinic should I book, Orchard or Novena?
Both clinics offer the same consultation and in-clinic assessment services. The choice is usually based on location and appointment availability. Our team can advise which clinic has earlier availability when you contact us.
What is recovery like after ENT surgery
Recovery varies by procedure. Minor procedures may allow a return to daily activities within a few days, while more complex ENT surgeries may need several weeks of rest and follow-up visits. Your doctor will give personalised guidance.
Book an Appointment With an ENT Specialist in Singapore
Adults and children can receive clinic-based assessment from Dr Dennis Chua for ear, nose, throat, sinus, sleep-related breathing and related surgical concerns. Care is guided by detailed evaluation, clear communication and options suited to each patient.