Children’s ENT: tonsils, glue ear, snoring and hearing
Gentle, unhurried care for small patients, from babies to teenagers. Mr Vithlani treats children at a specialist paediatric centre and sees families privately at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital.
Common problems
What brings families to clinic
Most consultations end with reassurance and a plan rather than an operation.
Fluid behind the ear drum causing muffled hearing, usually after colds. Watchful waiting, then grommets if it persists.
About this condition
Recurrent sore throats that keep a child off school; when tonsillectomy is the right step.
About this condition
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing and restless sleep, often from large tonsils and adenoids.
About this condition
Hearing that is not developing as expected, from glue ear to permanent loss needing a hearing implant.
About this condition
What to expect
A first appointment with your child
01
Talk first
What you have noticed, how often, and what nursery or school have said. Both parents welcome.
02
Gentle examination
Ears, nose and throat examined with child-sized instruments; nothing is forced.
03
Hearing test
Age-appropriate hearing tests on the same day where possible.
04
A clear plan
Watchful waiting, treatment or surgery explained in plain English, with a letter for your GP.
Day-case surgery
Children’s procedures Mr Vithlani performs
A 15-minute day-case procedure for glue ear that keeps coming back.
About this treatment
Often combined with grommets or tonsillectomy for blocked noses, glue ear and snoring.
About this treatment
For parents
Surgery for a child is a big decision. It is never rushed.
Where surgery is the right step, it is a short day case under a paediatric anaesthetic team, with most children home within hours. Every question is answered before anything is booked.
- Day-case grommets, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
- Paediatric anaesthetists and children’s nursing staff
- Written aftercare and a follow-up appointment
Questions
Questions parents ask
Will my child need a general anaesthetic for grommets?
Yes, a short one. Grommets take about fifteen minutes and children are usually home within a couple of hours.
How do I know if snoring is a problem?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Can both parents come to the appointment?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Vithlani privately?
Not for self-paying patients. Most insurers ask for a GP referral before they authorise a consultation, so check your policy first.
Book a children’s ENT consultation
Private clinics at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital on Tuesdays · alternate Thursday mornings · alternate Fridays. Reply within one working day.