Dr. Darr (ENT) is amazing at his job!! He is so patient and understanding and really validated my concerns
Glue Ear
Glue ear occurs when the middle part of the ear canal fills with fluid, which can lead to temporary hearing loss. It is common in children and may resolve naturally within three months. However, if your child shows signs like speech delay or hearing difficulty, consult a specialist ENT. Early assessment is important to prevent further complications.
It is possible to suspect glue ears if your child has a speech delay or is asking for things to be repeated, putting the volume up on the TV, computer or mobile phone, or talking louder than normal. In addition to their hearing problems, they may also complain of pain or a buildup of pressure in their ears. Some children can also struggle with balance and sleeping.
Depending on how it’s affecting your child, options may include monitoring for a few months, since glue ear often clears on its own, or with non-surgical support where appropriate. Where symptoms persist or are more significant, our specialists will talk you through surgical options, such as grommets.
We may also recommend an autoinflation device such as Otovent, a balloon you can use at home to help ventilate the middle ear.
Removal of Ear Wax - Microsuction
Microsuction is a safe method used to remove excess earwax in children experiencing blocked ears. It is most suitable for children who can sit still, as it uses a small suction probe to gently clear the wax. Though quick and usually painless, it can be noisy during the process. We use a high-precision operating microscope to ensure safe and thorough removal.
Microsuction is often only suitable for a child who’s able to remain still. While the small probe, similar to a miniature vacuum cleaner, provides a fast and painless solution, it can be quite noisy. We use an operating microscope during the procedure, which gives our specialists a clear, precise view while removing the wax.
Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is present from birth and occurs when the tongue is tightly anchored to the floor of the mouth. This condition can limit tongue movement and may interfere with feeding or speech. In many children, it causes no issues, but for some, intervention is needed. We assess and treat both anterior and posterior tongue-ties.
The frenulum in most children doesn’t cause any problems, but in some cases, it can, especially if it’s anterior (towards the tip of the tongue). A posterior tongue can also cause issues in extremely rare circumstances. For some, the natural development of the mouth causes the tongue-tie to resolve itself; however, children with tongue-tie can often struggle with breastfeeding and licking ice cream, in rarer examples. We can review and treat children with suspected tongue tie (Anterior and Posterior).
Tonsillitis and Enlarged Tonsils
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils or adenoids become inflamed and infected, leading to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Infected tonsils may have pus-filled spots and cause discomfort for several days. If symptoms persist for more than four days, seek medical advice. An ENT consultant can evaluate whether further treatment is needed.
Some children may also experience an inner ear infection and sleep Apnoea while they are infected. If your child’s tonsils present white, pus-filled spots and symptoms persist for 4 days, it is recommended to see a consultant.
Children with enlarged tonsils that are not causing additional problems will not require immediate treatment. In most cases, as your child grows and develops, their tonsils will become smaller. But if your child is struggling to sleep and snoring as a result of their enlarged tonsils, an ENT specialist could recommend day case surgery such as a tonsillectomy or an adenotonsillectomy to address the problem. The recovery time after these procedures is typically between 5 days and 2 weeks.
Snoring
Snoring in children may be caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids and can be more than just a noisy habit. It can be a sign of an underlying issue like sleep apnoea, which may affect sleep quality. If your child snores regularly, consult an ENT specialist for evaluation. Treatment can greatly improve sleep and overall well-being.
If your child is snoring, it may be a sign of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Snoring can also be a result of your child suffering from sleep apnoea. If you are considering treatment for your child, book an appointment with an ENT consultant.
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea happens when your child’s breathing is partially or fully blocked during sleep. This may cause tiredness, mood changes, or even headaches in the morning. Other signs include restless sleep and behavioural difficulties. Fortunately, it is treatable with proper diagnosis and care.
Other signs of sleep apnoea in children include:
- Snoring, gasping and snorting while sleeping
- Heavy breathing
- Restless nights
- Unusual sleeping positions
- Trouble with bedwetting
- Sleeping during the day
- Learning and behavioural problems
- Sleepwalking
- Night terrors
Fortunately, for the majority of children suffering from obstructive sleep Apnoea, it is treatable. Contact our paediatric ENT specialists today.
Recurring Ear Infection
Ear infections are common in children, especially those with underdeveloped immune systems. When infections recur frequently, they can lead to hearing issues or speech delays. Chronic infections may also lead to glue ear. If your child is frequently unwell with ear infections, an ENT assessment is recommended.
Ear infections can be extremely common in children, and some children become prone to recurring ear infections. The most common cause of infection is a build-up of infected fluid behind the eardrum. Left untreated and ear infections can be especially dangerous, causing long-term hearing loss. As your child is still developing their immune system, they are less equipped to fight off infections and, consequently, are more likely to suffer from an ear infection. They can also develop glue ear as a result of ear infections, which, in turn, can lead to speech delay.
If your child suffers from chronic recurring ear infections, there are medical and surgical treatments available to help reduce their chances of suffering from these infections. An example of this treatment is ventilation tubes/Grommets.
Airway Problems
Breathing difficulties in children can result from issues like nasal blockage, allergies, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. While some causes are minor, others may need further investigation. A paediatric ENT specialist can assess airway concerns to ensure your child breathes comfortably and safely.
If your child is struggling to breathe or experiencing a sudden blockage in their airways, call for an ambulance immediately. For non-emergency airway problems, seeking advice from an ENT specialist is advised. The following ENT issues can cause airway problems: a blocked nose, allergies, large tonsils and adenoids, the throat, the vocal cord (voice box) and the trachea (windpipe).
Recurring Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common in children and usually aren’t a sign of anything serious. They happen when small blood vessels inside the nose become irritated and break easily, often after a knock, a cold, or blowing the nose. Most settle with basic first aid, but frequent or heavy nosebleeds are worth having assessed by one of our ENT specialists.
If your child has a nosebleed, sit them upright and gently pinch the soft part of the nose until bleeding stops. Nosebleeds that happen very often, are hard to stop after ten minutes, or follow an injury may need a closer look. Our specialists can examine the inside of the nose to check for a cause and talk you through options if treatment is needed.
Nose and Sinus Conditions
A blocked or congested nose is common in childhood and can affect breathing, sleep, and how well your child copes with everyday colds. It can be linked to allergies, enlarged adenoids, or, less commonly, a structural difference inside the nose. Our specialists can assess the nose and sinuses to help understand what’s contributing to your child’s symptoms.
Our specialists will take a full history and may examine the inside of the nose to help identify the cause. From there, they’ll talk you through options suited to your child’s individual situation.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in children can be temporary or longer term, and it isn’t always easy to spot, especially in younger children who can’t describe what they’re experiencing. It can be linked to glue ear, recurring ear infections, or how the ear developed. If you have any concern about your child’s hearing, it’s worth trusting your instincts and having it checked.
Signs can include not responding consistently to sound, appearing to ignore instructions, sitting close to the television, or speech that seems behind other children of the same age. Our specialists can assess your child’s hearing and help identify what may be contributing to it.
Speech and Language Disorders
Speech and language difficulties can have a number of causes, and hearing is often part of the picture, alongside enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or tongue tie. If your child’s speech seems behind where you’d expect, or they’re struggling to be understood, our specialists can help work out whether an ear, nose or throat issue may be contributing.
Because hearing plays such a big part in how children learn to talk, an ENT assessment often forms part of a speech and language therapy programme. Our specialists will look at whether hearing, tonsils, adenoids, or tongue tie could be playing a role, and talk you through what, if anything, might help.
