Parents are often told to “wait and see” when it comes to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) concerns, especially if symptoms seem mild or inconsistent. In this episode, I share general, educational information to help parents recognise possible red flags related to sleep-disordered breathing and hearing difficulties in children.

We talk about signs that can be easy to miss, including disrupted sleep, snoring, mouth breathing, recurrent ear infections, and speech and language warning signs that may be linked to hearing issues. I also walk through the different roles a GP, audiologist, and ENT specialist might play, what referrals can look like, and common treatment pathways parents often hear about, such as grommets, adenoid removal, or medical management like nasal sprays.

This episode also builds on the previous advocacy discussion, offering guidance on how to raise concerns, ask follow-up questions, and seek reassessment if things don’t sit right.

This is not medical advice and isn’t a substitute for assessment by a qualified health professional. If you have concerns about your own child, please speak with your GP or relevant provider.

Resources mentioned:

Speech warning signs related to hearing difficulties: Banter Speech & Language https://www.banterspeech.com.au/do-you-recognise-any-of-these-12-speech-related-warning-signs-that-your-child-might-have-a-hearing-problem/