PEDIATRIC ENT

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.

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Conditions treated

Paediatric ENT involves the assessment and management of a wide range of common and complex conditions, including:

Breathing and sleep disorders

• Snoring in children
• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
• Nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing through the nose
• Chronic nasal congestion

Tonsils and adenoids

• Enlarged tonsils
• Enlarged adenoids (adenoid hypertrophy)
• Recurrent tonsillitis
• Sleep-related breathing problems caused by upper airway obstruction

Ear problems and hearing

• Middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion / glue ear)
• Recurrent middle ear infections
• Hearing loss in children
• Hearing problems that may affect speech and language development

Speech and language development

Hearing plays a crucial role in the development of speech and communication skills. Early identification of hearing problems allows timely intervention and may help prevent delays in speech and language development.

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Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

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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.