Ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions in children often follow a different course than in adults. This is largely due to the natural dynamics of growth and development. Frequent upper respiratory infections, adenoid and tonsil problems, ear infections, allergic rhinitis, snoring and sleep-related breathing issues, as well as conditions that can affect hearing and speech development are among the most common reasons for pediatric ENT visits.
The goal of a pediatric ENT assessment is to identify the source of the complaint accurately, plan the most child-friendly and comfortable approach, and protect long-term health by avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.
A pediatric ENT assessment is recommended if one or more of the following are present:
Because the Eustachian tube is narrower and more horizontal in children than in adults, middle-ear problems are more common. Recurrent infections or persistent middle-ear fluid can reduce hearing and, indirectly, affect speech and learning.
When does it become important?
When needed, the evaluation may include hearing tests (audiometry) and tympanometry in addition to the clinical examination.
Enlarged adenoids can cause nasal blockage, mouth breathing, drooling, snoring and frequent infections. Tonsils may contribute to recurrent infections, swallowing difficulties and sleep-disordered breathing.
If snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing, assessment is important for sleep quality, growth and overall development.
Allergic rhinitis typically presents with sneezing, a runny nose, nasal itching and nasal congestion. It may be seasonal or persist throughout the year. Accurate diagnosis helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and can improve sleep quality and school performance.
Some cases that look like a “never-ending cold” may actually be related to sinusitis, allergies or post-nasal drip. The right approach is determined based on symptom duration, accompanying findings and examination.
Hearing is the foundation of speech. Middle-ear fluid, recurrent infections or chronic nasal obstruction can affect the quality of hearing. In children with speech delay, an ENT evaluation and age-appropriate hearing tests are important. Children need to hear well in order to learn, and they need to learn in order to speak.
The aim is to perform a fast, safe assessment that does not exhaust the child.
The approach is individualized for every child, taking into account age, symptom frequency, examination findings and overall health status.
Prompt evaluation is recommended in the following situations:
My child gets sick all the time - is this normal?
Children may have frequent infections, especially during daycare and school years. However, if infections are very frequent or prolonged, if ear problems recur, if sleep quality is affected, or if hearing seems reduced, a pediatric ENT assessment can be helpful.
How can I tell if my child has enlarged adenoids?
Symptoms such as sleeping with an open mouth, persistent nasal blockage, drooling, bedwetting related to mouth breathing, snoring, recurrent middle-ear problems and post-nasal drip may suggest enlarged adenoids. Examination clarifies the diagnosis.
Does snoring always mean enlarged adenoids?
No. Allergies, nasal cavity issues, tonsil size and sleep habits can all play a role. The underlying cause is determined during the examination.
If there is fluid behind the eardrum, is an antibiotic always required?
Not always. The type and duration of the fluid, as well as its impact on hearing, are key. Depending on the case, observation, medical treatment or surgical options may be considered.
At what age can a hearing test be performed?
With appropriate methods, hearing can be assessed at any age. The test type is chosen based on the child’s age and ability to cooperate.
For a pediatric ENT evaluation, you can book an appointment at the private clinic of Op. Dr. Timur Batmaz on Bagdat Avenue (Istanbul). If available, you may share your child’s symptoms and any previous test results or medical reports with our team before the visit.
Appointment and contact: https://timurbatmaz.com.tr/iletisim
Our all services: https://timurbatmaz.com.tr/en/our-services
