Dr. Aviva Fliker

10/21/2026

One of the earliest signs of hearing loss may not feel like a hearing problem at all.

We often think hearing loss starts with asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV or noticing that one ear seems stronger than the other. But for some people, an earlier clue is mental fatigue.

When you’re not hearing as clearly as you used to, your brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps. You may find yourself concentrating more intensely during conversations, watching facial expressions and other visual cues more closely, or using context to piece together words you didn’t quite catch.

That extra effort can be surprisingly tiring. You might leave a busy restaurant, meeting or social gathering feeling mentally drained without realizing that listening itself was part of the reason.

Hearing changes can be gradual, which makes the early signs easy to overlook. If listening feels like it requires more effort than it used to, it’s worth paying attention to. A hearing assessment can help us understand what’s happening and determine whether hearing loss may be playing a role.

If you’re experiencing changes in your hearing, speak with your family physician about whether a referral to an ENT is appropriate. I’m located in Vaughan at North ENT Clinic and see patients of all ages from all over the GTA.

10/20/2026

Sleep apnea can be easy to overlook, especially when many of its symptoms happen while you’re asleep.

In my practice, some of the signs I encourage patients to pay attention to include loud or chronic snoring, pauses or irregularities in breathing during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness — even when you feel like you’ve had a full night’s rest.

Sleep apnea is more than disrupted sleep. When left untreated, it can affect your energy, concentration and overall health, which is why recognizing the signs and getting properly assessed is so important.

If you’re concerned about your sleep, breathing or snoring, I’d be happy to assess you and help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

To see me at North ENT Clinic, please ask your family physician or healthcare provider to send a referral to our clinic.

10/19/2026

Behind every appointment is a lot of thought, preparation and care.

At North ENT, we believe your care doesn’t begin and end in the exam room. We take the time to understand your concerns, review the details and thoughtfully consider the next steps in your care.

Great ENT care starts with listening. We want every patient who comes through our doors to feel heard, informed and confident that their concerns are being taken seriously.

If you’re experiencing ongoing concerns with your ears, nose or throat, speak with your physician about a referral to North ENT Clinic.

10/17/2026

If something feels off with your ears, nose or throat, you don’t have to simply learn to live with it.

I see patients for a wide range of concerns, from ongoing sinus and nasal issues to changes in hearing, recurring ear problems, throat discomfort and more. Sometimes symptoms that seem minor can have a real impact on how you feel day to day, and getting the right assessment can help you better understand what’s going on.

If you’ve been dealing with an ENT concern that isn’t improving, speak with your physician about a referral to North ENT Clinic in Vaughan. We’re here to help you find answers and determine the right next steps for your care.

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

As we spend more time indoors this fall, I like to remind patients that a few everyday habits can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your face, is a good place to start. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow also helps protect the people around you.

One step that’s easy to overlook is airflow. Respiratory viruses can spread through the air, so improving ventilation or using a portable HEPA air purifier can help reduce exposure when people gather indoors.

These habits can’t prevent every cold, but they can help lower your risk and protect those who may be more vulnerable to illness.

If you’re experiencing ongoing ear, nose or throat concerns, I’d be happy to help you understand what’s causing them and discuss your care options. To see me at North ENT Clinic in Vaughan, ask your family physician or nurse practitioner to send a referral. Visit northentclinic.com for our referral form and clinic information.

10/12/2026

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

Today, I’m grateful for the patients who place their trust in me and the wonderful team I get to work alongside at North ENT Clinic. It’s a privilege to care for our community and get to know the people and families behind each appointment.

I hope your weekend has brought some time to slow down, enjoy good company and appreciate the people who make your life a little brighter.

Warmly,
Dr. Aviva Fliker

10/08/2026

If you’ve been saying any of these things for a while, it may be worth looking a little deeper. 👂

As an ENT physician, I often see patients who have adapted to symptoms for so long that they’ve started to think of them as “normal.”

Frequently asking people to repeat themselves can point to hearing changes. Persistent ear fullness can sometimes be related to fluid, pressure or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Chronic mouth breathing may signal ongoing nasal obstruction, while regular loud snoring can be associated with restricted airflow and, in some cases, sleep-disordered breathing.

These symptoms don’t automatically mean something is seriously wrong, but persistent symptoms deserve an explanation.

My job isn’t simply to treat the symptom. It’s to understand why it’s happening, assess the structures involved and determine whether treatment could help you breathe, hear or sleep more comfortably.

If something has become your “normal,” but doesn’t quite feel right, it may be time to have it assessed.

— Dr. Aviva Fliker

10/07/2026

When you leave an appointment with me, my goal is for you to understand what we’ve discussed, why I’m recommending a particular next step and how it relates to your concerns.

Medical appointments can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re taking in new information. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing what’s worrying you and letting me know if something needs more explanation. Those conversations are an important part of developing a plan together.

Reading this feedback means so much to me, and I’m grateful to work alongside a team that helps patients feel welcomed and supported from their first interaction with our clinic.

Thank you for these kind words and for trusting us with your care.

10/06/2026

That feeling when you’re sick and suddenly realize just how much you took breathing normally for granted. 😅

But what’s actually happening when your nose feels completely plugged?

When you catch a cold or another viral infection, your immune system triggers inflammation in the tissues lining your nose and sinuses. The blood vessels in those tissues become inflamed and swollen, while mucus production increases. That combination narrows the space available for air to move through your nose, which is why you can feel incredibly “stuffed up” even when blowing your nose doesn’t seem to help much.

For most people, that congestion is temporary and improves as the infection clears. As an ENT physician, I’m more interested when nasal obstruction doesn’t go away, keeps coming back or is accompanied by other persistent symptoms.

Congestion lasting more than about 10 days without improvement, symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen, recurrent sinus infections, significant facial pain or pressure, or ongoing difficulty breathing through your nose are all good reasons to have things assessed.

Persistent congestion isn’t always “just a stuffy nose.” Allergies, chronic inflammation, nasal polyps and structural issues such as a deviated septum can all play a role.

Breathing through your nose should feel easy most of the time. If it doesn’t, there may be a reason worth investigating.

— Dr. Aviva Fliker
North ENT Clinic