When to See an ENT Provider

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about whether your child should see an ENT if your child:

• Has more than four ear infections per year
• Has a speech delay and ear infections
• Has fluid in the ears for more than three months
• Ruptured an eardrum due to an ear infection
• Has an ear infection that requires multiple antibiotics
• Has an issue taking antibiotics for ear infections due to medication allergies
• Has severe diarrhea or nausea and vomiting from ear infection medication
• Is unable to take oral medications well for ear infections
• Has sinus infections several times a year
• Has tonsillitis several times a year
• Frequently misses school due to sore throats, ear infections or sinus infections
• Regularly has significant nosebleeds
• Has a lump or mass on the neck that is growing, discolored or was present at birth

What Does an ENT Provider Do?

Norton Children’s otolaryngologists provide surgical and nonsurgical treatment for a range of conditions affecting a child’s ears, nose, throat, head and neck, including:

• Airway and laryngeal reconstruction
• Balloon sinuplasty for the treatment of sinusitis
• Cochlear implants
• Diagnosis and treatment of airway stenosis (a narrowing that obstructs air to the lungs)
• Ear tube surgery
• Facial nerve surgery
• Head and neck tumor removal surgery
• Hearing aid evaluations
• Hearing testing
• Minimally invasive pituitary surgery
• Pediatric complex airway surgery
• Rhinoplasty to surgically change the shape of the nose
• Salivary gland endoscopy for salivary stones and infection
• Sinonasal disease surgery and management for chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinitis
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
• Tonsillectomy (tonsil removal)
• Treatment for congenital neck masses and pediatric head and neck tumors

Why Choose Norton Children’s ENT & Audiology

• We offer an integrated, team-based approach to treating childhood hearing loss that includes the viewpoints and expertise of otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists and early interventionists.
• We have the only fellowship-trained otolaryngologists in the region who specialize in pediatric ear, nose and throat care, and the only board-certified audiologist in Kentucky with a special certification in pediatric audiology from the American Board of Audiology.
• Speech-language pathologists work with kids one-on-one and with families to maximize their ability to communicate verbally.
• Two central locations, one in the Novak Center for Children’s Health in downtown Louisville and one in NuLu, as well as remote therapy via telehealth, make it easier to access care for your child.
• Our providers work closely with Kentucky’s First Steps program to provide early intervention for children with hearing conditions. Listening and spoken language therapy via telehealth may be available at no cost.
• The aerodigestive clinic brings together specialists in gastroenterology, otolaryngology, pulmonology, speech therapy and nutrition to care for complex airway and swallowing disorders. Patients benefit from multiple opinions, and families can schedule multiple specialist appointments for the same day.
• Communicate with your child’s provider, renew prescriptions, schedule appointments and more through a free MyNortonChart account.