Our children are precious, and we want the best for them. When choosing a doctor, whether an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or any medical professional, you want to ensure your child has a positive experience and the most effective treatments available.
The right ENT for children: look for the best in your area.
When looking for an ENT to treat your child, look for an ENT clinic that delivers diagnostic testing and treatments geared for children and has the following:
Excellent credentials and experience
The credentials and experience of the ENT are important, as you want your child to have testing and treatments with the latest advances in medicine. Look over the experience, certifications, and professional status of the ENT to help you choose the best in South Florida.
The ability to work with children.
The best ENT for your child will have an excellent “bedside manner,” can make them feel comfortable, and help them understand an exam or treatment, or even make it fun. Children require a special kind of interaction and should feel very safe when being examined or treated by the specialist.
Support services
The best ENT for your child will have an office that offers all the additional services necessary, such as an audiologist for children with hearing problems. The scope of services the ENT clinic provides allows you to feel comfortable that your child will be diagnosed and treated correctly.
Kid-friendly practice
Children are much happier when visiting an ENT that has a child-friendly practice, with specialized diagnostic testing appropriate for children.
Treatments for children
Children may need treatment for allergies, hearing problems, or have frequent earaches that could affect their hearing if not treated. The tonsils or adenoids may need to be removed. A child being treated at a private clinic has a more comfortable experience than in a hospital setting, as it is more personalized, quiet, and less frightening.
Friendly, warm staff
Choose a practice with a warm, friendly staff that helps make your child feel comfortable, safe, and can make the entire experience free from fear.
Referrals
Your primary care doctor can refer you to an ENT for your child. Many of the young patients at The Barranco Clinic come to us through referrals, and we welcome new patients, from the youngest to the elderly.
When to take your child to an ENT
A child that experiences any of the following conditions should be treated by a specialist – an otolaryngologist, or ENT. These professionals have had five years of added education to achieve certification, and are the experts in conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Some of the conditions that indicate the need for a specialist include:
- Frequent earaches
- Frequent sinus infections
- Frequent bouts of tonsillitis
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Trouble swallowing
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Breathing problems such as snoring, coughing while sleeping
- Hearing loss
- Speech delays
- Changes in voice
- Fluid in the ear
Keeping your child healthy may require diagnostic testing and treatment from a specialist. When choosing an ENT, look for the most qualified, kid-friendly clinic in your area. At The Barranco Clinic, we are committed to delivering caring, professional care for children of all ages.