Ear, Nose & Throat
pediatrics
Ear, Nose & Throat - Pediatrics
More than three million American children have a hearing loss, and an estimated 1.3 million of them are under three years of age. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to discover hearing loss in a baby, because they spend the most time with them. If at any time you suspect your baby has a hearing loss, discuss it with your doctor. He or she may recommend evaluation by an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon (ear, nose and throat specialist) and additional hearing tests.
Hearing loss can be temporary, caused by ear wax, middle ear fluid, or infections. Many children with temporary hearing loss can have their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery.
However, some children have sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve deafness), which is permanent. Most of these children have some usable hearing, and children as young as three months old can be fitted with hearing aids.
Do children lose their hearing for reasons other than chronic otitis media?
Children can incur temporary hearing loss for other reasons than chronic middle ear infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction. They include:
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Cerumen impaction (compressed earwax)
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Otitis externa: Inflammation of the external auditory canal, also called swimmer's ear.
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Cholesteatoma: A mass of horn shaped squamous cell epithelium and cholesterol in the middle ear, usually resulting from chronic otitis media.
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Otosclerosis: This is a disease of the otic capsule (bony labyrinth) in the ear, which is more prevalent in adults and characterized by formation of soft, vascular bone leading to progressive conductive hearing loss. It occurs due to fixation of the stapes (bones in the ear). Sensorineural hearing loss may result because of involvement of the cochlear duct.
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Trauma: A trauma to the ear or head may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Early diagnosis is crucial in the management of pediatric hearing loss. When diagnosis is delayed, there can be significant impact on speech and language development. Early fitting of hearing or other prosthetic aids, and an early start on special education programs can help maximize a child's existing hearing. This means your child will get a head start on speech and language development.
Downloadable Patient Education (PDF)
Chronic Laryngitis
Dysphagia
Sore throat
Strep Throat (TEST)
Strep Throat
Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillitis
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Chronic Ear Infections in Children
Otitis Media
Ruptured Eardrum
Sinusitis
Sudden Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Cochlear Implant
Ear Tube Surgery
Hearing Aids
Pediatric Ear Conditions | American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children
Cochlear Implant Health: What Parents Should Know
Pediatric Obesity and Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Pediatric Nose & Mouth Conditions
Pediatric Obesity and Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing/Obstructive Sleep Apnea
How Allergies Affect Your Child's Ears, Nose, and Throat
Pediatric Throat Conditions
Pediatric GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)
Pediatric Obesity and Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
How Allergies Affect your Child's Ears, Nose, and Throat
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Children
Pediatric Head & Neck Conditions
Pediatric Health Tips & Prevention
The Necessity of Early Intervention in Hearing
Choking Prevention: What Can I Do to Keep My Child from Choking?
Day Care and Ear, Nose and Throat Problems
Other Conditions
Hearing Loss and Ear Infection
How Allergies Affect Your Child's Ears, Nose, and Throat
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Children
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children
Pediatric GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease)
Pediatric Obesity and Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing/Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treatments & Procedures
Cochlear Implant Health: What Parents Should Know
Cochlear-Meningitis Vaccination
Pneumococcal Vaccination to Protect Cochlear Implant Patients
If you are ready to schedule an appointment at one of our Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Centers, please contact us today at (910) 235-4034 and ask to speak with an ENT specialist. Current patients of Pinehurst Surgical may also request an appointment with one of our Pinehurst, NC otolaryngologists using their online Patient Portal Page.
Pinehurst Surgical is a multi-specialty clinic comprised of ten specialty centers located in a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Pinehurst, NC. Our ENT physicians provide allergy care and treatments at our Pinehurst, Raeford, Rockingham, Sanford and Troy clinical offices, serving patients in Southern Pines, Fayetteville, Red Springs, Asheboro and all surrounding areas throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond.