Michigan Otolaryngology Surgery Associates

At MOSA, our ENT surgeons care for patients of all ages from infants to the elderly. The services we provide to our pediatric patient population (ages 0-17 years) are numerous. Our surgeons will frequently see patients for frequent ear infections and will assess your child to see if they need ear tubes. Ear tubes are the most common procedure done for children in the country. The tubes are made of plastic and sit in the ear drum for about 1 year before the ear drum pushes them out. Their purpose is to ventilate the middle ear and allow infected fluid to drain out. The tubes are not only meant to decrease the amount of ear infections but also serve to improve hearing and speech development.

One of the other most common reasons for a child to see an ENT surgeon is for removal of the tonsils. ENTs are the only doctors trained to remove the tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids are made up of lymphoid tissue which has white blood cells and are part of the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic system’s main role is to assist in the body’s immunity. Frequently, the tonsils and adenoids will become infected themselves.  This is a very common event in children and can lead to serious problems such as recurrent strep throat and tonsillitis. The tonsils will frequently grow to a point they cause an airway obstruction and sleep apnea. It is the most common source of pediatric snoring. If your child has problems with frequent throat infections, loud snoring or sleep apnea they will often need the tonsils removed. When the adenoids enlarge or become infected they can lead to recurrent ear infections, sinus infections and snoring. Your surgeon will often recommend removal of the adenoids at the same time as the tonsils.

Other reasons for children to see ENT doctors include hearing loss, failed hearing screens at school, ear wax impaction, allergies, recurrent sinus infections, swollen lymph nodes and other neck masses.