ENT For Kids
All About Ears
The human ear contains many small, moving parts that together help us interpret our surroundings by translating sound waves into something we can all understand. In children, ears are more susceptible to infections and other problems that can result in hearing loss. At ENT Specialists, our doctors have brought happy endings to recurrent ear infections and other ear problems for thousands of children. And, we've removed more foreign objects from little ears than you can imagine, from peas to pebbles to Silly Putty.
If hearing loss is a concern, our highly trained and experienced audiologist uses state- of-the-art sound assessment equipment to look for any problems. And they make those assessments more like a fun test than a scary test. Many hearing loss conditions can be treated, and the sooner we know about them, the better.
Ears are important. They provide us with the gift of laughter and alert us to danger; and help us keep our balance too. If you're concerned with something about your child's ears, give us a call. We're very good listeners.
Conditions commonly treated by the practice include:
Ear infections (otitis media)
Middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion)
Hearing loss, including failed school hearing screening
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)
Perforated ear drum
Ear canal foreign objects
Sometimes, procedures need to be performed on the ears to make them better.
Ear procedures commonly performed at ENT Specialists include:
Ear tube placement
Ear drum repair (tympanoplasty)
Removal of ear wax and foreign objects (generally done in the office)
We Know Noses
Children are fascinated by their noses. They want to find out what's up there, often by sticking their fingers or other objects up their noses.
Of course, the nose has an important function. Not only does it help us sense the world - from fragrant flowers to dangerous smoke - but it's also a filter for the air we breathe. When that filter gets clogged by allergies, infections or a misplaced toy, it can become irritated and runny.
A nose that is constantly irritated and running is a pain for both you and your child. If your little one is experiencing any of these problems, call ENT Specialists of Abilene. We know noses and we know kids. Both get special treatment here.
Commonly treated conditions include:
Nasal congestion or stuffiness
Mouth breathing
Enlarged adenoids
Allergies
Nasal polyps
Sinus infections
Recurrent nosebleeds
Foreign objects in the nose
Choanal atresia
Sometimes, nose problems require procedures, either to help our doctors determine the problem or to perform surgery to make it better.
Some of the procedures we perform include:
Fiberoptic nasal endoscopy (generally performed in the office)
Adenoidectomy
Turbinate reduction
Sinus surgery
Nasal polyp removal
Removal of foreign objects (generally performed in the office)
Notes on Throats
The throat is the gateway to the lungs and stomach and the secondary connection from the nose. Children whose immune systems are still developing may have a lot of throat problems. Sometimes, that's connected to allergies, and sometimes to the tonsils. Or maybe you've noticed your little one snores a lot and is cranky in the morning. All you know is that when your child's throat hurts, it can make life miserable, and you feel their hurt too.
When you think of ENT, you may not think about the neck, but it's all interconnected. Drs. Braaten, Goodnight, and Tidmore are skilled at performing procedures affecting the neck, including problems involving the lymph nodes, larynx (voice box) and upper airway. We know throats and necks inside and out.
Commonly treated throat conditions include:
Recurrent tonsillitis and strep throat
Enlarged tonsils
Snoring and sleep apnea
Excessive drooling
Tongue tie
Laryngomalacia
Voice problems
Noisy breathing
For your little one's throat your doctor may perform these procedures:
Fiberoptic laryngoscopy (generally in the office)
Adenoidectomy
Tonsillectomy
Tongue tie "clipping" (frenulectomy)
Airway evaluation (in operating room)
Laser and other surgery of the voice box and airway
Tracheotomy
Commonly treated neck conditions include:
Branchial cleft cysts and sinuses
Thyroglossal duct cysts
Lymph node infections
Drs. Braaten, Goodnight, or Tidmore may perform these procedures for the neck:
Treatment and drainage of infections of the neck
Treatment or removal of masses and swelling of the neck
Needle examination of lymph nodes
Excision of thyroglossed duct cysts