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Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)

Our pediatric otolaryngologists serving throughout Orange County provide comprehensive care for children of all ages – from newborns to teens – with conditions of the ears, nose, throat (ENT) and related areas of the head and neck. No case is too big or too small, whether it’s swollen tonsils, chronic ear infections or a complex neck mass. When surgery is required, our surgeons bring the latest procedures that help your child get back to being a kid.

Our physicians are all fellowship trained in pediatrics, bringing a specialized expertise to children’s care not found at adult practices. Our commitment to research and ongoing education means we are always at the forefront of pediatric ENT care.

Multidisciplinary Programs

Issues of the ear, nose and throat often require expertise in many different areas. That’s why we collaborate closely with other CHOC specialists to offer several multidisciplinary programs. We’ll coordinate with each of these areas for you, while always working closely with your family to carry out a plan that is sensitive to your child’s needs.

Cochlear Implant Program

We specialize in offering cochlear implants, a revolutionary treatment for infants, children and teens who have profound hearing loss. The CHOC Cochlear Implant Program is designed to give your child the support they need to hear and communicate effectively.

Aerodigestive Program

This unique clinic brings together pediatric specialists in otolaryngology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and speech/swallow therapy to care for children with disorders involving the airway and digestive system. We work to diagnose and treat the root cause of a condition, rather than treating a series of symptoms.

Vascular Anomalies Center

Our Vascular Anomalies Center comprises a team of specialists who work together to assess and treat vascular lesions, including infantile hemangiomas and lymphatic malformations. In addition to otolaryngologists, the clinic is composed of CHOC specialists in hematology, plastic surgery and cardiology.

Cleft and Craniofacial Program

From cleft lip and cleft palate repair to complete facial reconstruction, we use the very latest and advanced techniques to help a child look, eat and speak just like other children. The complexity of craniofacial disorders often requires a team approach involving specialists in plastic surgery, otolaryngology, neurology, genetics and orthopaedics.

Voice Disorders Program

The Voice Disorder Program at CHOC provides evaluations, treatments, surgical procedures and therapy services for many voice-related conditions. Oue program nurtures the gift of voice by treating various voice-related pediatric conditions with a multi-disciplinary team approach. We believe every child deserves to be able to communicate, connect and share their thoughts and feelings with the world.

ENT Conditions We Treat

Health Feature: Kids and Ear Infections

young girl holding hand against ear

An ear infection is an inflammation caused by fluid and bacteria behind the eardrum.

“Usually it starts with a cold, so the child will have a runny nose and a cough. Colds can lead to ear infections in susceptible children,” says Dr. Nguyen Pham, an ENT specialist at CHOC. “Older kids will pull on their ears and tell you their ears hurt. For infants, symptoms can include fever, irritability, or changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. A pediatrician can look at the eardrum to diagnose an ear infection.”

Patient Forms

Health History

Hearing History

OSA-18

Commitment to Otolaryngology Research

Clinical research continues to be a major focus for our otolaryngologists. Our current studies in the following areas are leading to new and improved treatments for ENT conditions:

Sequencing genes in a novel craniofacial syndrome.
Developing a simplified voice scale to diagnose and manage voice disorders.
Preventing airway burns during tonsillectomies.
New testing to measure cognitive development after the placement of a cochlear implant.

Common ENT Issues

Choking Hazards
In this segment of American Health Journal, Dr. Nguyen Pham tells us that food, coins and toys are the primary causes of choking for a child.

Should Tonsils Come Out?
Tonsils are removed much less frequently than in the past, but removal may be necessary under specific circumstances. Learn more in this health feature at choc.org/health.

Tonsils and Adenoids
In this segment of American Health Journal, Dr. Gupreet Ahuja describes the difference between tonsils and adenoids explains reasons for their removal.