Frequently asked questions

Patients with unrestricted choice of doctor (free choice of doctor according to their insurance model) can make an appointment directly and without a referral. With restricted insurance models (e.g. HMO, GP model), a referral from the GP is usually required.

In general, the GP is often a good first point of contact, as they play an important role as coordinator of healthcare and can refer specifically to the specialist if necessary.

Call us directly on +41 61 693 30 30. Our practice team can give you an initial assessment over the phone as to whether a consultation makes sense. Please note that e-mail enquiries cannot replace a personal examination and are therefore not suitable for medical advice.

The HNO im Park practice is an independent practice in the Villa Hirzbrunnen. However, the villa is located in the park of the Claraspital and there is close collaboration: the practice uses Claraspital facilities when needed (e.g. for imaging). In addition, the immediate proximity to the Claraspital with its 24-hour emergency department provides additional safety for patients.

As the practice is located in the park of the Claraspital, a 24-hour emergency department is in the immediate vicinity. In a medical emergency that does not fall within the ENT field, the patient can be referred and accompanied to the Claraspital emergency department immediately.

The decision in favour of a hearing aid ultimately lies with the patient. The ear specialist first makes the diagnosis, determines the type and extent of the hearing loss and clarifies whether there is a treatable cause. The ear specialist and the hearing aid acoustician then advise together on the options for device-based provision.

A hearing aid is recommended when the hearing loss impairs everyday communication — whether in conversation, on the phone or in company.

The compulsory basic insurance (health insurance) covers no hearing aid costs. However, the disability insurance (IV) for working people and the AHV for pensioners provide partial funding, provided certain audiological criteria are met (defined hearing loss in the speech audiogram).

To apply for an IV/AHV contribution, an expert report by an authorised ear specialist is required. As a member of the Swiss Audiology Commission, Dr. Zehnder is authorised to carry out these reports.

Some supplementary insurances also grant contributions towards hearing aids — it is worth asking your insurer about this.

Yes. As a member of the Swiss Audiology Commission, Dr. Andreas Zehnder is authorised as an IV/AHV hearing aid expert physician. He can carry out the report required for cost coverage and issue the corresponding form.

We recommend choosing a local hearing aid acoustician, as fitting a hearing aid requires several appointments and regular checks and readjustments are also necessary in the long term. An acoustician nearby makes this considerably easier.

Our practice team will be happy to put together a list of local hearing aid specialist shops for you.

An isolated ear noise (tinnitus) without further symptoms is in most cases not to be classified as an emergency. However, if the noise has been present for more than 24–48 hours, a prompt specialist assessment should take place.

You should have a tinnitus assessed urgently if it is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, dizziness or facial palsy — in these cases please contact us immediately.

Sudden one-sided hearing loss should be taken seriously. Prompt specialist consultation and rapid initiation of treatment are strongly recommended, as treatment outcomes are significantly better with an early start.

Please call us on +41 61 693 30 30 — we will try to arrange an appointment for you promptly.

Painless ear discharge can have various causes: chronic middle ear infection with eardrum perforation, ear canal infection, cholesteatoma or, rarely, a tumour. Even if there is no pain, a specialist assessment is important, as some causes (in particular cholesteatoma) can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

One-sided or asymmetric hearing loss should be assessed by a specialist, even if there are no significant problems overall. In most cases the cause is harmless, but rarely an acoustic neuroma (a benign tumour on the auditory nerve) can be the underlying cause, which should be detected early. Diagnostics include a hearing test and, if necessary, an MRI examination.

Obtaining a medical second opinion is your right and is useful in many cases, especially for planned operations. A second opinion gives you additional certainty and helps with decision-making.

The practice is happy to offer second opinions. If another specialist would be more suitable, we also help with the referral.

Procedures under local anaesthesia (e.g. skin tumour removals, ear corrections in adults, minor plastic surgery procedures) are carried out in the practice’s own operating room.

Operations under general anaesthesia are carried out at the Merian Iselin Hospital in Basel or at the university clinic. Despite the name “private hospital”, the Merian Iselin Hospital is open to all insurance classes — patients with general insurance can also be operated on there.

No. All surgical procedures are carried out exclusively by Dr. Andreas Zehnder or Dr. Michael Schlumpf personally — both in the practice and in hospital. It is a group practice without residents in training.

Most ENT operations are covered by the compulsory basic insurance (health insurance), provided there is a medical indication. You pay the usual deductible and excess according to your insurance model.

Exceptions that are usually not covered by health insurance:

• Ear correction (otoplasty) — purely aesthetic indication
• Cosmetic part of a functional septorhinoplasty (the functional part is covered)
• Soft-palate operations for snoring without proven sleep apnoea

For planned procedures, we inform you in advance of the expected costs and, if necessary, clarify cost coverage with your insurer.

Yes: ear corrections (otoplasty) and nasal shape corrections (rhinoplasty) as part of functional procedures are part of the practice’s range of services.

No: facelifts, eyelid surgery, cheek and chin contour changes (augmentations), lip augmentations and liposuction are not performed. For these procedures we refer to specialised plastic surgeons.

Most ENT operations can be performed on an outpatient basis (admission and discharge on the same day) or with a short hospital stay of 2–4 days. Many minor procedures under local anaesthesia are carried out directly in the practice.

The inability to work depends on the procedure:

• Minor outpatient procedures (e.g. grommets, skin tumours): a few days
• Medium-sized procedures (e.g. nasal septum correction, tonsillectomy): about 2 weeks
• Larger procedures (e.g. septorhinoplasty, middle ear operations): about 2–3 weeks

Sporting activities should be avoided for 2–6 weeks depending on the procedure. You will receive precise information in the consultation before the operation.