Paediatric ENT Surgery in Sydney

Paediatric ENT surgery treats ear, nose and throat conditions in children, including grommet insertion for glue ear, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, tongue tie release and management of childhood hearing loss and airway obstruction. At Central Sydney ENT, our fellowship-trained surgeons provide gentle, age-appropriate care across seven Sydney locations.

Common Paediatric ENT Procedures

Ear, nose and throat conditions are among the most frequent reasons children visit a specialist. Many of these conditions can be managed medically, but when surgery is required, modern paediatric ENT procedures are safe, well-tolerated and highly effective.

Grommet Insertion (Myringotomy and Ventilation Tubes)

Grommets are tiny tubes placed through the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and drain persistent fluid. The procedure is the most common childhood operation performed under general anaesthesia in Australia. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and is performed as day surgery.

Grommets are recommended when a child has persistent glue ear (otitis media with effusion) lasting three months or longer, particularly when it is affecting hearing and speech development. They are also considered for children with recurrent acute ear infections that have not responded to medical treatment.

Most grommets extrude naturally after 9 to 12 months as the eardrum heals. During this time, water precautions may be advised depending on the type of grommet used. Your surgeon will discuss specific ear care instructions after the procedure.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) and adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) are among the most commonly performed paediatric surgeries. They may be recommended for:

Recurrent tonsillitis: seven or more episodes in one year, five per year for two years, or three per year for three consecutive years
Obstructive sleep apnoea caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids
Significant snoring, mouth breathing or disrupted sleep
Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
Persistent glue ear or recurrent ear infections linked to enlarged adenoids

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia through the mouth with no external incisions. Recovery typically takes 10 to 14 days, during which a soft diet and regular pain relief are important. Children are monitored in hospital for several hours after surgery and most go home the same day.

Tongue Tie Release

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short or tight, restricting tongue movement. In infants, this can cause difficulties with breastfeeding. In older children, it may affect speech articulation, eating and oral hygiene.

For newborns, a simple frenotomy can often be performed in the clinic with minimal discomfort and immediate improvement in feeding. Older children with thicker or more complex ties may require a frenuloplasty under a brief general anaesthetic as a day procedure.

Paediatric Airway Assessment

Children with noisy breathing, stridor (a high-pitched sound during breathing), or suspected airway narrowing require specialist assessment. Our surgeons perform flexible nasendoscopy in the clinic and, when indicated, microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia to directly evaluate the upper and lower airway. Conditions assessed include laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis and vocal cord abnormalities.

Childhood Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in children can be conductive (caused by fluid or structural problems in the middle ear), sensorineural (caused by inner ear or nerve abnormalities), or mixed. Early detection is critical because hearing is essential for speech, language and cognitive development.

Our ENT surgeons work closely with audiologists to provide comprehensive hearing assessment for children of all ages, including those who have not passed their newborn hearing screen. When conductive hearing loss is identified, treatment such as grommet insertion or adenoidectomy can often restore hearing to normal levels.

Our Paediatric ENT Surgeons

All six surgeons at Central Sydney ENT are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and have experience managing paediatric ENT conditions:

Related Conditions

Glue Ear: the most common cause of hearing loss in children
Tonsillitis: recurrent infection of the tonsils
Tongue Tie: restricted tongue movement from a short lingual frenulum
Hearing Loss: conductive and sensorineural causes in children
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: breathing pauses during sleep due to airway obstruction

Common Questions

Paediatric ENT FAQ

At what age can a child have grommets inserted? +

Grommets can be inserted in children from around 12 months of age, though the procedure is most commonly performed in children aged two to five. The decision depends on the duration and severity of middle ear fluid (glue ear), hearing levels, and the impact on speech and language development.

How long does a tonsillectomy take to recover from in children? +

Children typically need 10 to 14 days to recover from a tonsillectomy. Pain is managed with regular paracetamol and ibuprofen, and a soft diet is recommended during this period. Most children return to school and normal activities after two weeks. A small risk of post-operative bleeding exists, usually within the first 10 days.

Does my child need a referral to see a paediatric ENT surgeon? +

Yes. A referral from your GP or paediatrician is required to see an ENT surgeon at Central Sydney ENT. This referral allows Medicare rebates to apply to the consultation. Your GP can fax the referral to (02) 9747 1499 or email it to reception@centralsydneyent.com.au.

What are the signs that a child may need their adenoids removed? +

Signs that a child may benefit from adenoidectomy include persistent mouth breathing, snoring or noisy breathing during sleep, recurrent ear infections or persistent glue ear, chronic nasal congestion that does not respond to medical treatment, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Your ENT surgeon will assess the adenoid size and its impact on breathing and ear health.

Does Central Sydney ENT treat tongue tie in babies and children? +

Yes. Our ENT surgeons assess and treat tongue tie (ankyloglossia) in infants and older children. For newborns with feeding difficulties, a simple frenotomy can often be performed in the clinic. Older children with thicker or more complex tongue ties may require a frenuloplasty under general anaesthesia as a day procedure.