The Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist-led assessment, diagnosis and management of ear, nose and throat conditions affecting infants, children and young people. ENT problems are among the most common reasons for childhood healthcare presentations and may range from self-limiting developmental issues to recurrent, chronic or potentially serious conditions requiring timely specialist input.
The service is delivered by clinicians with specialist expertise in paediatric ENT, supported by access to appropriate diagnostics, imaging, audiology and pathology services. Children’s ENT conditions often differ in presentation, progression and impact compared with adults, and require assessment that takes account of age, growth, development and communication needs.
Nottingham Road Clinic adopts a structured, evidence-based and child-centred approach to paediatric ENT care. Assessment focuses on establishing an accurate diagnosis, identifying red-flag features, excluding serious pathology and developing management plans that are proportionate and age-appropriate. ENT conditions in childhood can significantly affect hearing, speech and language development, sleep quality, feeding and school performance. Care pathways therefore recognise the importance of holistic management and multidisciplinary working, with access to NHS services where onward or specialist care is required.
The Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist-led assessment, diagnosis and management of ear, nose and throat conditions affecting infants, children and young people. ENT problems are among the most common reasons for childhood healthcare presentations and may range from self-limiting developmental issues to recurrent, chronic or potentially serious conditions requiring timely specialist input.
The service is delivered by clinicians with specialist expertise in paediatric ENT, supported by access to appropriate diagnostics, imaging, audiology and pathology services. Children’s ENT conditions often differ in presentation, progression and impact compared with adults, and require assessment that takes account of age, growth, development and communication needs.
Nottingham Road Clinic adopts a structured, evidence-based and child-centred approach to paediatric ENT care. Assessment focuses on establishing an accurate diagnosis, identifying red-flag features, excluding serious pathology and developing management plans that are proportionate and age-appropriate. ENT conditions in childhood can significantly affect hearing, speech and language development, sleep quality, feeding and school performance. Care pathways therefore recognise the importance of holistic management and multidisciplinary working, with access to NHS services where onward or specialist care is required.
Paediatric ENT Services are suitable for infants, children and adolescents who present with ear, nose or throat symptoms requiring specialist assessment beyond primary care.
This includes children with:
Specialist input is particularly important where symptoms are recurrent, persistent, impacting hearing, speech, sleep or learning, associated with developmental concerns, or where initial management in primary care has not been effective. The service supports both self-pay and insured pathways and provides clear guidance for GPs and referrers regarding assessment, investigation and onward referral.
The Paediatric ENT Service assesses and manages a wide range of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and associated structures.
Ear and hearing conditions
Children may present with recurrent otitis media, glue ear, ear pain or hearing difficulties. Assessment focuses on identifying middle or inner ear disease, evaluating hearing impact and determining the need for monitoring, intervention or referral. Hearing impairment in childhood can affect speech and language development and educational progress.
Hearing loss and speech-related concerns
Suspected hearing loss, delayed speech or educational difficulties may be related to conductive or sensorineural hearing issues. Audiological assessment plays an important role in diagnosis and management planning.
Nasal and sinus conditions
Chronic nasal blockage, discharge or mouth breathing may be related to adenoidal hypertrophy, allergic rhinitis or chronic infection. These conditions can affect sleep quality, behaviour and concentration.
Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
Snoring, restless sleep or witnessed apnoeas may indicate upper airway obstruction, often related to tonsil or adenoid enlargement. Early assessment is important to reduce the risk of behavioural, cardiovascular and developmental consequences.
Throat and tonsillar conditions
Recurrent tonsillitis, sore throat or difficulty swallowing are common presentations. Specialist assessment supports appropriate management and referral decisions.
Balance and vestibular symptoms
Dizziness, imbalance or delayed motor milestones may have an ENT contribution and require careful assessment to exclude neurological or systemic causes.
Head and neck lumps
Congenital neck lumps, lymphadenopathy or salivary gland swelling require assessment to determine cause and need for further investigation.
Red-flag ENT symptoms in children
Urgent assessment is required for persistent unilateral symptoms, significant hearing loss, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, airway compromise or rapidly enlarging neck masses.
Assessment begins with a comprehensive history obtained from parents or carers and, where appropriate, the child. This includes symptom onset, frequency, severity, impact on sleep, feeding, speech and behaviour, as well as past medical history, developmental milestones and family history.
Clinical examination may include:
Diagnostic pathways are guided by clinical findings and may include:
All investigations align with national paediatric and ENT guidance, with careful consideration given to minimising distress and avoiding unnecessary testing.
Management is tailored to the child’s age, diagnosis, symptom burden and developmental needs.
Treatment pathways may include:
Conservative management is prioritised where appropriate, with escalation guided by symptom persistence, functional impact and clinical risk. Follow-up arrangements support monitoring of hearing, speech development and overall wellbeing.
Paediatric ENT care often involves multidisciplinary collaboration. The service works closely with:
This coordinated approach ensures comprehensive and child-centred care.
Appointments are consultant-led and designed to be child-friendly, supportive and family-centred.
Families can expect:
Clear written communication is provided to families and referrers to support continuity of care.
Are ENT problems common in children?
Yes. Many children experience ENT issues, though most are benign and improve with time.
Will my child need hearing tests?
Hearing tests are arranged when there is concern about hearing, speech or learning.
Is snoring in children normal?
Occasional snoring may be normal, but persistent snoring should be assessed.
Can glue ear affect speech development?
Yes. Ongoing hearing impairment can impact speech and language development.
Will surgery always be required?
No. Many conditions are managed conservatively with monitoring or medical treatment.
Can this service link into NHS care?
Yes. Findings can support NHS referral and shared care pathways.
To book an appointment or discuss which clinician you should see first:
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
