Paediatric otorhinolaryngology

ENT care for babies and children

Children get ear infections, blocked noses, enlarged tonsils and adenoids more often than adults, and hearing problems can quietly delay speech. The clinic sees children of all ages, with newborn and child hearing tests available on site.

In short

When should you see a specialist?

Take your child to an ENT if they snore every night or breathe through the mouth, have repeated ear infections or tonsillitis, do not respond to sounds, or have delayed speech. Hearing can be tested at any age, including newborns.

  • Snoring most nights or pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Three or more ear infections in six months
  • Frequent tonsillitis
  • Not responding to name or sounds
  • Speech not developing as expected

Conditions

Conditions we diagnose and treat

Ear infections and glue ear

Repeated infections and fluid behind the eardrum.

Enlarged adenoids

Blocked nose, mouth breathing and snoring.

Tonsillitis

Repeated sore throats and enlarged tonsils.

Snoring and sleep apnoea in children

Pauses in breathing, restless sleep and daytime tiredness.

Hearing loss and speech delay

Screening and diagnostic hearing tests, with speech therapy.

Foreign bodies

Objects in the ear or nose, removed gently.

Tongue-tie

A tight frenulum that affects feeding or speech.

Nasal allergy

Sneezing, itching and a constantly runny nose.

Diagnosis

Tests available in the clinic

Testing in the same building means fewer trips and a diagnosis you can act on sooner.

  • Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) for newborns
  • BERA for infants and young children
  • Free field and play audiometry
  • Impedance audiometry
  • Nasal endoscopy

Treatment

Procedures and surgeries

Treatment always starts with the least invasive option that works. These are the procedures offered when surgery is needed.

Adenoidectomy

Removing enlarged adenoids, often with coblation.

Tonsillectomy

Removing the tonsils for repeated infection or obstructed breathing.

Myringotomy with ventilation tubes

Draining persistent glue ear.

Tongue-tie release

A short procedure to free the tongue.

Foreign body removal

From the ear, nose or throat.

Founder & Chief Consultant

Dr. Udayakumar, MBBS, MS (ENT)

ENT specialist in otology, rhinology, neurotology, hearing sciences, and vertigo and balance disorders. Former Senior Consultant in ENT at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of ENT at Adhiparasakthi Medical College. Founder of Dr. Udaya’s ENT Wellness Centre (2018) and SAMANILAI Diagnostic & Therapeutic Centre (2023).

FAQ

Common questions

At what age can a baby's hearing be tested?

From birth. Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) is a quick, painless screening test for newborns, and BERA can confirm hearing levels in infants. Early detection allows early hearing aids and speech therapy.

Is snoring in children normal?

Occasional snoring with a cold is common. Snoring every night, pauses in breathing, restless sleep or daytime tiredness are not normal and are often due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils.

Do removed tonsils or adenoids affect immunity?

Studies have not shown a meaningful long-term effect on immunity. Other parts of the immune system continue to work. Surgery is advised only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Talk to an ENT specialist in Tambaram

Consultations Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Call ahead or send an appointment request and the clinic team will confirm your slot.