PEDIATRIC ENT

Breathing and Sleep

Snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, sleeping with an open mouth, or frequent tonsillitis are some of the common problems children may experience. These symptoms are often associated with enlarged tonsils or adenoids and can affect the quality of their sleep.

Ears, Hearing and Speech Development

Frequent ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear), or hearing difficulties are common during childhood. Good hearing plays an important role in speech and communication development, making early identification and management of hearing problems particularly important.

Surgical Procedures

• Adenoidectomy
• Tonsillectomy / Intracapsular Tonsillectomy
• Myringotomy and Ventilation Tubes (Grommets)

Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

When should adenoids be removed?

Adenoid removal may be recommended when enlarged adenoids cause significant nasal blockage, snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, recurrent ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid affecting hearing.

My child has fluid in the ear but can hear well. Does it need treatment?

Not always. In many cases, middle ear fluid resolves on its own. Monitoring is often recommended, especially if it persists or affects hearing, speech development or school performance.

Is snoring in children normal?

Occasional snoring can be common, especially during colds. However, frequent snoring, particularly with pauses in breathing, restless sleep or daytime symptoms, should be assessed by a Paediatric ENT specialist.

When are ear tubes (grommets) needed?

Ear tubes may be recommended when persistent middle ear fluid causes hearing loss or when a child experiences frequent recurrent ear infections.

Paediatric ENT is the specialised branch of Otolaryngology (ENT) that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions in children. Children are not simply “small adults”. During childhood, the ear, nose, throat and airway undergo continuous growth and development. Conditions affecting breathing, hearing, sleep and speech development require a specialised approach tailored to each child’s age and individual needs. Early recognition and appropriate management of ENT problems can support healthy development, including hearing, speech, language and overall quality of life.