Child ENT Check-Ups in Singapore: What Parents Need to Know

• ENT problems in children can be subtle and are often mistaken for other issues

• Common conditions include glue ear, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, recurrent ear infections, and speech delay related to hearing

• This post helps parents understand which signs warrant an ENT assessment

• Written from the perspective of a consultant with both clinical and personal experience as a parent

By Dr Vyas M.N. Prasad, FRCS (ORL-HNS) — Consultant Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore

As a father of three, I understand the mixture of concern and uncertainty that comes with noticing something is not quite right with your child's health. When it comes to ear, nose, and throat problems in children, that uncertainty is very common — these conditions can be subtle, easy to miss, and sometimes look like something else entirely.

I have been seeing children with ENT conditions for over 20 years, with training at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London — one of the world's leading paediatric centres. I see children of all ages, from newborns through to teenagers, both through referrals from paediatricians and GPs, and directly from parents who have sought a specialist opinion on their own initiative.

This article is for parents who want to understand what a child ENT assessment involves, what conditions are commonly found, and when it is worth seeking a specialist opinion.

Why Children Need Specialist ENT Care

Children are not simply small adults when it comes to ENT conditions. Their anatomy is different, their immune systems are still developing, and the impact of untreated ENT problems on speech, hearing, sleep, and learning can be significant during critical developmental windows.

A child who is not hearing properly may struggle to develop speech at the expected pace. A child with obstructed breathing at night — from enlarged tonsils or adenoids — may be sleeping poorly without anyone realising it, which can affect behaviour, concentration, and growth. A child with recurrent ear infections may be in intermittent pain that they cannot always articulate clearly.

Early assessment and treatment, where needed, can make a meaningful difference to a child's development and quality of life.

What Conditions Do I Commonly See and Treat?

The most frequent conditions I see in children include:

Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) — a build-up of fluid in the middle ear that causes temporary hearing loss. It is extremely common in young children and often follows ear infections or upper respiratory illnesses. Many cases resolve on their own, but persistent glue ear affecting hearing and speech development may require treatment with grommets.

Enlarged adenoids — the adenoids sit at the back of the nose and can become enlarged in young children, causing nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, and recurrent ear problems. Adenoid removal (adenoidectomy) is one of the most common procedures I perform.

Tonsillitis and recurrent throat infections — some children experience frequent bouts of tonsillitis that disrupt their schooling, sleep, and general wellbeing. Where infections are frequent and significant, tonsillectomy may be recommended.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children — enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the most common cause of OSA in children. Affected children may snore loudly, have restless sleep, and wake unrefreshed. In some cases parents notice pauses in breathing during sleep. This warrants prompt assessment.

Allergic rhinitis — nasal congestion, sneezing, and a persistently runny nose in children are often allergy-related. I assess and manage allergic rhinitis as part of my general paediatric ENT practice.

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) — a tight or short frenulum beneath the tongue can cause feeding difficulties in newborns and affect speech development in older children. I see tongue tie from birth onwards and can discuss assessment and treatment options at consultation.

Hearing concerns — parents who are worried about their child's hearing should not wait. I assess hearing concerns at any age. Depending on the child's age and the nature of the concern, I arrange appropriate hearing tests through specialist paediatric audiology services rather than conducting these in clinic, to ensure the most accurate and age-appropriate assessment.

What Happens at a Child ENT Consultation?

I know that medical appointments can be anxiety-inducing for children — and for parents. My aim is always to make the visit as calm and straightforward as possible.

The consultation begins with a conversation. I will ask about your child's symptoms, how long they have been present, and how they are affecting daily life — sleep, hearing, speech, school, feeding. Parents often have more useful information than they realise, and I encourage you to share anything that has concerned you, however minor it seems.

I then examine your child. This typically includes examination of the ears using an otoscope, assessment of the nose and nasal passages, and examination of the throat and tonsils. In children where it is clinically indicated and the child is cooperative, I may also perform a nasal endoscopy — a brief examination using a thin, flexible camera to look higher into the nasal cavity. I only do this when necessary, and I explain it to the child beforehand in terms they can understand.

I share my findings clearly. After the examination, I explain what I have found, what I think is causing the problem, and what the options are. I do not recommend treatment unless I believe it is genuinely needed. Many children I see can be managed conservatively, with watchful waiting or simple measures. Where treatment or surgery is indicated, I explain the procedure, what to expect, and what recovery involves.

Surgery When Needed: Where I Operate

Where surgery is required — grommets, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or tongue tie division — I operate at Raffles Hospital Alvernia and selected day surgery centres in Singapore. Paediatric ENT surgery is generally well-tolerated, and most procedures are performed as day surgery, meaning children go home the same day.

I take particular care to ensure both child and parent feel informed and prepared before any procedure. A well-prepared child — and a well-prepared parent — makes for a smoother experience all round.

When Should You Seek a Child ENT Assessment?

Trust your instincts as a parent. If something does not seem right with your child's ears, nose, breathing, or speech, it is worth getting it checked. You do not need a referral — you can contact the clinic directly.

Specific situations where I would recommend seeking an assessment include:

• Recurrent ear infections (three or more in a year), or a single infection that is not resolving

• Concerns about your child's hearing at any age — including a newborn who does not seem to respond to sound

• Persistent mouth breathing, snoring, or noisy breathing during sleep

• Suspected pauses in breathing during sleep

• Speech delay or unclear speech in a child old enough to be speaking

• Feeding difficulties in a newborn, particularly with breastfeeding

• A persistent blocked or runny nose lasting more than a few weeks

• Recurrent tonsillitis significantly affecting school attendance or quality of life

• A lump in the neck that is new, growing, or not resolving

  
  

If your child has any of the above, an ENT assessment is a sensible next step. Many of these presentations turn out to have straightforward explanations and simple solutions — and for those that need more, early intervention makes a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from a GP or paediatrician? No. Parents can contact the clinic directly to arrange a consultation. I also accept referrals from GPs, paediatricians, and other specialists.

From what age do you see children? I see children from birth onwards, including newborns with tongue tie or feeding concerns.

My child is anxious about medical appointments — what should I tell them? I would suggest explaining that the doctor will look inside their ears, nose, and throat using a small light and a camera — and that it will not hurt. Children are usually more cooperative once they know what to expect. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item is always welcome.

Will my child need surgery? Many children I see do not require surgery. Where surgery is recommended, I explain the reasons clearly and ensure parents feel fully informed before making any decision. There is no pressure — the right choice is always made together.

How long does a consultation take? A typical first consultation takes around 30 to 45 minutes, including examination and discussion.

Can both parents attend? Yes, absolutely. I encourage both parents to attend where possible, particularly for the first consultation where findings and options are discussed.

A Final Note to Parents

ENT problems in children are common, and most are very treatable. The important thing is not to leave symptoms unaddressed for too long — particularly where hearing, speech, or sleep may be affected.

If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, the answer is almost always: it is worth finding out. A reassuring consultation with nothing concerning found is still a good outcome.

Find out more about Children's ENT care at Absolute ENT, or contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.

Dr Vyas M.N. Prasad is a UK- and fellowship-trained Consultant Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon based at Camden Medical Centre, Singapore. He trained in paediatric ENT at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and has over 20 years of experience managing ENT conditions in children of all ages.