+65 6253 7296 
Overview
Unlike adults, children may find it difficult to express their discomfort clearly. General symptoms like fever and irritability can indicate an ENT infection and behavioural issues might suggest obstructive sleep apnoea. Additionally, learning difficulties or speech delays can sometimes be signs of hearing loss, while frequent “colds” could be a pediatric ENT condition like nasal allergies. Recognising these subtle indicators is crucial, as timely and appropriate care for children is essential to support their hearing, speech development, and overall well-being, leading to healthier growth and development.
Common Reasons For ENT Problems in Children
Children are often more susceptible to ENT problems due to a combination of their developing immune systems and unique anatomical features:
- Immature immune system: Their still-developing immune system makes them more vulnerable to common viral and bacterial infections that frequently affect the ears, nose, and throat, leading to conditions like ear infections and sinusitis.
- Anatomical Factors:
-
- Immature Eustachian tube: Shorter, narrower, and more horizontal Eustachian tubes in children facilitate the movement of germs from the back of the nose to the middle ear, increasing the risk of middle ear infections. Less efficient drainage also contributes to fluid buildup.
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids: Proportionally larger tonsils and adenoids in children can obstruct airways, contribute to snoring and sleep issues, and increase the likelihood of recurrent infections like tonsillitis and adenoiditis.
- Higher allergy susceptibility: Children are more prone to developing allergies to environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. These allergic reactions can manifest as various ENT conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, causing inflammation in the nasal passages, congestion, and potentially contributing to sinus and ear problems.
- Environmental influences: Exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke and air pollution can further irritate their developing respiratory systems, increasing their overall risk of experiencing ENT conditions.
Common Children’s ENT Conditions
Ear
- Impacted Earwax Removal for Children: Buildup of earwax can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, and even ear infections in children. Gentle and safe removal by a specialist is often necessary.
- Paediatric: Hearing Loss: Hearing loss in children can range from mild to profound and can impact speech and language development. Early detection and management are crucial.
- Ear infections: A very common pediatric ENT condition, ear infections involve inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, often causing pain and fever. Recurrent infections may require specialised ENT care.
Nose
- Paediatric: Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal passages in children, often due to allergies (like allergic rhinitis) or irritants, leading to symptoms like runny nose, congestion, and sneezing.
Throat
- Frequent tonsil Infections (Recurrent tonsillitis): Repeated infections of the tonsils can cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever, potentially requiring medical or surgical management.
- Enlarged lymph nodes (Cervical lymphadenopathy): Swollen glands in the neck are a common sign of infection, but persistent or unusually large lymph nodes in children may require evaluation.
Common Children’s ENT Investigations and Procedures
- Hearing test (Audiogram and Tympanogram)
- Nasoendoscopy
- Gentle removal of ear wax under microscope guidance
- Removal of foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids)
- Myringotomy and grommet tube insertion (insertion of tube in the ear drum to drain fluid in the middle ear)
Common Children’s ENT Investigations and Procedures
- Hearing test (Audiogram and Tympanogram)
- Nasoendoscopy
- Gentle removal of ear wax under microscope guidance
- Removal of foreign bodies in the ear, nose and throat
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids)
- Myringotomy and grommet tube insertion (insertion of tube in the ear drum to drain fluid in the middle ear)
Why Visit Our Paediatric ENT Specialist in Singapore?
Choosing the right ENT specialist in Singapore for your child’s ENT concerns is crucial. Here are three key benefits of entrusting Dr Gan with your child’s care:
Trusted, Comfortable Care for Children
Dr Gan and his team prioritise creating a reassuring and stress-free environment for young patients and their families, fostering trust through clear communication and a gentle approach.
Specialised Paediatric ENT Expertise
With focused knowledge of pediatric ENT conditions, Dr Gan offers accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans that address the specific anatomical and developmental needs of children.
Comprehensive & Compassionate Children’s ENT Care
From common ear infections and allergies to complex issues, Dr Gan provides thorough evaluations and effective treatment strategies with a dedicated and caring approach to your child’s well-being.
When to See an ENT Specialist for Your Child’s Condition
Don’t delay seeing a children’s ENT specialist if your child has persistent ear, nose, or throat issues. Be mindful of:
- Ears: Frequent infections, ongoing pain or discharge, hearing difficulties, or balance problems.
- Nose & Sinuses: Constant blockage causing mouth breathing/snoring, chronic congestion/runny nose, recurring sinus infections (sinus treatment in Singapore can help), or trouble breathing through the nose.
- Throat: Frequent sore throats, persistent hoarseness, or enlarged tonsils affecting breathing/swallowing.
Seek prompt medical help for sudden hearing loss, breathing difficulties, severe ear pain with fever, persistent nosebleeds, new neck lumps, or significant voice changes. Trust your instincts; early assessment ensures appropriate ENT care for children.
Dr Gan provides comprehensive management of a broad array of Ear, Nose, and Throat as well as Head & Neck conditions. He has a special interest in treating various nose and sinus conditions, including snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Dr Gan Eng Cern
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist · Rhinology & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Dr Gan is a fellowship-trained ENT specialist with deep expertise in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery. He completed subspecialty training at St Paul's Sinus Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver — a globally recognised centre for nose and sinus care. He has served as Senior Clinical Lecturer at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and has published research in international peer-reviewed ENT journals.
Medisave & Insurance Accepted
Practical ENT articles written or medically reviewed by Dr Gan Eng Cern
Expert articles on sinus, sleep apnoea, ear and throat conditions — written by Dr Gan Eng Cern.
Allergy, Nose & Sinus
Thick Yellow Mucus in Your Nose? It May Be Coming From Your Sinuses!
👤 Medically Reviewed by Dr Gan Eng Cern ✓ QUICK ANSWER Thick mucus in the nose may come…
Snoring & OSA
Signs of Sleep Apnoea in Singapore: 8 Symptoms & What to Do
A practical, evidence-based guide to recognising possible signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, understanding your risk factors and exploring…
Ear & Balance
Sudden Hearing Loss in Singapore: 9 Warning Signs
A sudden, unexplained drop in hearing — usually in one ear — requires prompt medical assessment because it…
Allergy, Nose & Sinus
Allergic Rhinitis Singapore: When Antihistamines Are Not Enough
What a specialist assessment for allergic rhinitis in Singapore involves, why the local environment matters, and when to…
Allergy, Nose & Sinus
Chronic Sinusitis in Singapore: When to See an ENT Specialist
What “rhinologist” actually means, when you need one instead of a general ENT specialist, and how to make…
General ENT
8 Common Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions Treated by an ENT Specialist in Singapore
Quick Answer: ENT specialists in Singapore treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, hearing, sleep, and neck.…
Children's ENT
Tonsillectomy for Children Singapore — Parent Guide
Dr Gan Eng Cern, ENT Specialist Singapore, answers every question parents have about tonsil removal — from when…
Throat & Voice
Signs You Need a Tonsillectomy in Singapore — Adult Guide
Not sure if you need tonsil removal? Dr Gan Eng Cern, ENT Specialist Singapore, explains the clinical criteria,…
Throat & Voice
Tonsillitis Singapore: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide
Persistent sore throat? Dr Gan Eng Cern explains tonsillitis types, how it differs from pharyngitis, home remedies, and…
Head & Neck
What Are Thyroid Lumps & How Are They Diagnosed?
The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, can sometimes develop growths or nodules. While over 95%…
Visit Dr Gan's ENT Clinic in Novena
Address
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-45, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore 329563
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9.00am–5.00pm · Sat: 8.30am–12.00pm · Sun & PH: Closed
Contact
Call: +65 6253 7296
WhatsApp: +65 9058 2480
Email: enquiry@drganent.com
Getting Here
Accessible from Novena MRT Station (North-South Line). On-site car park available.
Appointments
Patients may contact the clinic directly by phone or WhatsApp to arrange an ENT consultation. A referral is generally not required for a direct appointment.
Make an Enquiry
Fill up the form and our clinic staff will get back to you within a few hours!
