Expert Pediatric ENT Care for Children
At Boulder Valley ENT, our board-certified specialists provide expert pediatric ENT in Boulder, CO, treating a wide range of ear, nose and throat conditions in children. We understand how important ENT health is to a child’s development, not only physically, but emotionally, mentally and socially.
Chronic ear infections can hamper not only hearing but speech development and social interactions not to mention educational development and progression in school. Abnormally large tonsils can lead to frequent throat infections and missed school days while also contributing to sleeping problems and decreased performance in school. Untreated allergy and sinus issues can dramatically affect quality of life, sleeping patterns, overall health and enjoyment of life.
Like you, we want your children to thrive in every way possible. We are here to help identify and treat any ENT condition that is getting in their way!
Learn more about the common pediatric ENT conditions we treat here at Boulder Valley ENT:
Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric ENT
At what age can a child first see a pediatric ENT doctor?
There’s no minimum age — pediatric ENT specialists see patients from infancy through the teenage years, since conditions like ear infections, tongue-tie, and airway issues can appear soon after birth. Many children are first referred by their pediatrician after recurring ear infections, feeding difficulties, or hearing concerns are noticed. Older children are commonly referred for tonsil and adenoid issues or chronic sinus symptoms. A pediatric ENT visit can happen at any age a concern arises, not just once a child reaches a certain milestone.
Is it normal for kids to get ear infections often, or should I be concerned?
Occasional ear infections are very common in young children and usually aren’t cause for alarm, especially before age 3 when the eustachian tubes are still developing. It’s worth having a pediatric ENT evaluate your child if infections happen three or more times in six months, if fluid lingers between infections, or if you notice hearing or speech delays. In those cases, further evaluation or ear tubes may be recommended. A single infection treated with antibiotics typically doesn’t need specialist follow-up.
Can enlarged tonsils cause sleep apnea in children?
Yes, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are one of the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea in otherwise healthy children, since the extra tissue can partially block the airway during sleep. Signs include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep, or excessive daytime tiredness. A pediatric ENT can evaluate whether a sleep study is needed, and if tonsils and adenoids are the cause, removal often resolves the sleep apnea. Not every child who snores has sleep apnea, so an evaluation is the best way to know for sure.
Will my child need anesthesia for ear tube placement?
Yes, ear tube placement is almost always done under brief general anesthesia in children, since the procedure requires the child to stay completely still while tiny tubes are placed in the eardrum. The surgery itself typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, and most children go home the same day. Because it’s such a short procedure, the anesthesia time is brief and generally well tolerated. Your child’s ENT and the anesthesia team will review your child’s specific health history beforehand to confirm it’s a safe option.
What's the difference between a pediatric ENT and a regular ENT doctor?
A pediatric ENT is a board-certified otolaryngologist who has completed additional fellowship training specifically focused on ear, nose, and throat conditions in infants and children, whereas a general ENT treats patients of all ages without that extra specialized training. Children’s airways, ears, and sinuses differ from adults’ both in size and in how conditions typically present, which is why this additional training matters for more complex pediatric cases. That said, many general ENTs are also very experienced and comfortable treating common pediatric conditions.
Where can I find a pediatric ENT doctor near Colorado?
Boulder Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Associates offers pediatric ENT care at its Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette, CO offices, with physicians who treat both children and adults for ear, nose, and throat conditions. The practice has served Boulder County families for more than 50 years and typically offers appointments within 48 hours of calling. Parents can call the office or request an appointment online.
