Services at Kogarah

Children’s ear, nose and throat care in Kogarah

Children are seen every week at Kogarah by ENT surgeons who treat both children and adults, with hearing testing in the same suite and surgery at St George Private and the group’s other hospitals.

What we see children for

The commonest reasons a child is referred to an ENT surgeon are recurrent tonsillitis or large tonsils and adenoids, snoring and disturbed sleep, glue ear and recurrent ear infections, hearing concerns or delayed speech, a blocked nose, nose bleeds, and lumps in the neck. Most of these can be assessed in a single visit, and many are managed without surgery.

Our surgeons hold public appointments at St George and Sutherland Hospitals and operate on children at St George Private Hospital, so a child who does need surgery can usually have it close to home.

What happens at the appointment

A children’s consultation takes 20–30 minutes. The surgeon will take a history from you, examine your child’s ears, nose and throat — using a small camera where needed — and, if hearing is a concern, arrange a hearing test with Precision Hearing in the same suite, often on the same day. Allergy testing and assessment are available in the same suite: skin prick testing at the time of the appointment is performed by the scientists of our nasal airway laboratory, and children with hay fever, asthma or eczema can be assessed by our allergist, Dr Jessica Tattersall.

Bring your referral, Medicare card, your child’s Blue Book or any previous hearing tests, and a favourite toy or screen for the waiting room. Both parents or carers are welcome.

Common conditions

Tonsil and adenoid problems · Snoring and sleep apnoea in children · Glue ear and grommets · Ear infections · Blocked nose · Nose bleeds · Neck lumps · Nasal allergies

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see a children’s ENT specialist?

Yes. A referral from your GP or paediatrician allows a Medicare rebate for the consultation. Referrals can be addressed to a named surgeon or to the clinic.

How long will my child wait for an appointment?

Each surgeon manages their own bookings, so waiting times vary. Call the rooms of the surgeon you have been referred to; if a child needs to be seen urgently the surgeons will discuss it with your GP directly.

Can my child have surgery locally?

Yes. Our surgeons operate on children at St George Private Hospital, and hold public appointments at St George and Sutherland Hospitals.

Will my child’s hearing be tested on the day?

Often, yes. Precision Hearing’s audiologists are in the same suite and can test children at the time of the ENT appointment when a slot is available.