Sleep Apnea Treatment in clinic Lavinsky Otorrinolaringologia

Clinic Lavinsky Otorrinolaringologia is a specialized ENT facility in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Founded in 1975 by Dr. Luiz Lavinsky, it has over 50 years of experience treating hearing loss and balance disorders. The clinic operates from a single building with three specialized departments. It combines ear, nose, and throat expertise with advanced audiology and perioperative medicine.

Academic Affiliations and Professional Achievements

The clinic has strong academic ties with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Its medical leadership includes multiple professors and PhD-level specialists active in research and teaching. Many doctors trained at international institutions, including the University of Southern California and the Gruppo Otologico in Italy. The team includes 27 physicians specialized in various branches of otorhinolaryngology.

Notable recognitions and leadership roles held by the team include:

• Coordination of the Programa de Atendimento ao Surdo Severo e Profundo for severe hearing loss
• Leadership of the Neuro-Otology and Skull Base department by Dr. Joel Lavinsky
• Winner of the Best Scientific Work in Otorhinolaryngology in Brazil award in 2016
• Coordination of the Otology and Otoneurology research group at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA)

These credentials mean patients receive care based on current surgical and electrophysiological evidence.

Specialized ENT and Audiology Services

The clinic focuses on complex hearing cases through its cochlear implant program. Specialists manage the entire pathway – from initial evaluation to intraoperative testing and post-operative programming. For patients with severe hearing loss, objective electrophysiological tests determine hearing thresholds. The team includes audiology professionals who guide hearing rehabilitation for adults and children.

Rhinology and facial surgery are handled through the Centro de Rinoplastia e Cirurgia da Face. This department treats conditions affecting nasal function and aesthetics:

• Septoplasty for deviated septums
• Functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty
• Treatment for allergic rhinitis and turbinate hypertrophy
• Management of sleep apnea using CPAP technology

A dedicated dentistry unit also addresses orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions.

Rehabilitation and Balance Care

For patients with vertigo and instability, the clinic offers specialized vestibular rehabilitation. The team uses a Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) equipped with virtual reality. This technology trains reflexes to improve postural control and image stabilization. The program is particularly effective for fall prevention in elderly patients and those with chronic dizziness.

Rehabilitation services are led by specialists trained at Emory University School of Medicine. Treatment follows a set number of sessions tailored to each patient's balance deficit. Posturography measures stability objectively and tracks progress throughout recovery.

Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

The clinic has a broad range of diagnostic tools for the ear, nose, and brainstem. Electrophysiological assessments allow objective testing when patient responses are limited. Rigid nasal endoscopy provides detailed anatomical views, and exams are recorded on DVD for patient records.

Available diagnostic procedures include:

• BERA/PEATE – brainstem evoked response audiometry to study the pathway between the ear and brain
• RAEE – steady-state auditory response to evaluate four specific hearing frequencies
• Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) – specialized assessment of the vestibular system
• Otoacoustic Emissions – essential hearing screening for newborns and infants

These tools support diagnosis of complex conditions like otosclerosis, chronic otitis, and nasosinusal polyps.

Services for International Patients

International patients receive support from a team fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The clinic provides pre-operative assessments and intraoperative testing for complex ear surgeries. Patients can use online scheduling and tele-consultations to plan treatment before traveling. Care extends to implant activation, programming, and long-term hearing rehabilitation guidance.