Laura L. Downey's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Downey seemed very preoccupied and I felt rushed and not really heard. I have been fortable with her anymore.going to Dr Downey for many years, but after this visit do not feel very co

Dr. Downey is professional and exceptional in her field. She was able to diagnose and assist me after I had seen many specialists. I continue to go back to her, knowing I can trust her expertise. Her staff is also wonderful.

Dr. Downey is the best ENT I've seen. I've been going to her for over 10 years and I feel I've had excellent care. She was able to diagnose and treat me after 2 years of other doctors not knowing what I had. She has gone above and beyond with me.

Dr. Downey performed the worst surgery on me a couple of years ago and I endured the pain from this surgery because she made a few mistakes that could put my life at risk. Ultimately, she shared the information with me that she experienced doing second surgeries on patients and it turned out a big lie. I had to take another surgery with different otolaryngologist to correct her mistakes. It was a very traumatic event for me.

I've been to several other ENT docs and felt frustrated that they were all unable to help me. Dr Downey zeroed in on my problem and each careful step she has employed has given me the greatest confidence that my problem will finally be solved. She has great equipment that allows you to see exactly what she is doing in your ear which has been so enlightening for me. I couldn't be happier with her expertise, her "bedside manner," and general upbeat approach to a long standing problem that others have been unable to help me with. Simply the best.

Years ago, Dr. Downey misdiagnosed me with Meniere's Disease and proceeded to administer 3 sets of steroid injections in my eardrums over the course of 2-3 weeks. Had she listened to my account of my symptoms, she would have known that I had a very different inner ear dysfunction. (Instead, she was asking me how many bedrooms my new house had.) Had she adhered to the guidelines regarding the use of ear injections, she would not have injured me to such an extent that I ended up being hospitalized for several days. My body "crashed" from the steroid overload, and I was unable to walk without difficulty; I developed scabs on my eardrums that exacerbated the problem; I experienced permanent hearing loss in one of my ears; I experienced emotional disturbances for a period of weeks not only from the steroids but also from the megadoses of anxiety medication she prescribed for me in the hospital while she was on vacation at the time. I was subsequently correctly diagnosed by another specialist and successfully prescribed vestibular therapy as my condition was not episodic but rather constant. When my internist reached out to Dr. Downey for information regarding medications I had been prescribed in the hospital, she told her a 50% lower dosage than I had actually received. The only reason I did not file a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Downey, as many (including my new doctor) suggested, was that I didn't think I could handle it at the time, and I had to focus on my health. Had I done so, I believe I would have had a very compelling and well-documented case. I should have written this years ago so as to alert other patients, particularly those who present with similar symptoms. Fortunately, I have since learned to question doctors and treatments with more frequency. Lessons learned the hard way.

Just home from surgery,at St Barnabas. I already can tell my life has been changed. The noise in my left ear became unbearable. I was to several ENT some supposedly Dr of the year with no relief. Two of them putting them finds in the air telling me I had to learn to live with the noise . The noise was so unbearable that it interrupted my sleep to where I was living on four to six hours a night for several years. If you have ear problems I would recommend making an appointment with Dr Downey.

Dr Downey has treated me for years. She is so attuned to my sinus, allergy problems. Always hears me out and thoroughly checks me. I have moved about an hour away, and still make the drive to her. She has been an incredible support with my Lyme disease and all related problems. I’m grateful to be in her care. Her asst Norma, wonderful to deal with as well. Grateful

Two appointments with Dr. Downey ... total of approx 8 very rushed minutes. Diagnosis couldn't have been more wrong - was told that the problems I was experiencing were not due to ears, when in fact it was discovered by another doctor that it was BOTH ears. Getting through to this office is more difficult than I could ever have imagined. Dr. Downey should have told me that she wasn't interested in treating me and I could have moved on sooner than I did to get the problem addressed and taken care of. I will NEVER deal with this office or Dr. Downey again.

DR. DOWNEY IS THE BEST. SHE KNOWS HER STUFF. THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT SHE CAN NOT SOLVE, AND SHE WILL NOT GIVE UP UNTIL SHE DOES. SHE IS GREAT