ENT conditions (Mr Gaurav Kumar)

  Retracted Eardrum in Children: Ear Infections, Glue Ear and Hearing Concerns Explained Parents are sometimes told after an ear examination that their child has a retracted eardrum . This can sound worrying, especially if the child has had repeated ear infections, glue ear, blocked ears, hearing problems or speech concerns. A retracted eardrum means the eardrum is being pulled inwards towards the middle ear space. It is not the same as a burst eardrum, and it does not always indicate an active infection. However, it can be a sign that the middle ear is not ventilating normally. In children, this is often linked to the Eustachian tube — the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When this tube does not open and equalise pressure well, negative pressure can build up behind the eardrum. Over time, this may pull the eardrum inwards. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear infections, glue ear, hearing concerns and paediatric ENT ...

  Is It Hay Fever or a Constant Cold? A Parent’s Guide to Allergic Rhinitis in Children Some children seem to have a cold that never fully goes away. They wake up sneezing, rub their nose, sniff constantly, breathe through their mouth, cough at night, or have a blocked nose for weeks. Parents often ask: “Is this just another cold, or could it be hay fever or allergy?” This is an important question. Viral colds are common in children, especially at nursery and school. But if symptoms keep returning, last for weeks, follow a seasonal pattern, or include itchy eyes and sneezing, allergic rhinitis may be part of the problem. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation and irritation inside the nose caused by something the child is allergic to, such as pollen, house dust mites, mould or animal skin flakes. NHS lists symptoms including sneezing, blocked or runny nose, itchy nose and reduced sense of smell. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with nose, ear, throat and paed...

  Is My Child Using Headphones Too Loudly? A Parent’s Guide to Safe Listening Headphones have become part of everyday childhood. Children use them for tablets, music, gaming, schoolwork, online videos, audiobooks, long car journeys, flights, and quiet time at home. For parents, this raises an important question: could my child’s headphones be too loud? The concern is sensible. Exposure to loud sounds can affect hearing, especially when repeated over time. The risk is not just about one loud moment. It is also about how loud the sound is, how long the child listens, how often they listen, and whether they are trying to drown out background noise. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with ear, hearing, and paediatric ENT concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford, and the wider Essex area. This guide explains why safe listening matters, how parents can reduce risk, and when a child may need a hearing test or ENT review....

  Why Does My Child Keep Asking for the Volume Louder? A Parent’s Guide to Hearing Concerns Many parents first notice a possible hearing problem in a very ordinary way: the television is too loud. Your child may keep turning up the TV, tablet or music. They may ask for films to be louder, hold devices close, say “what?” repeatedly, or seem not to hear when called from another room. It is easy to assume this is behaviour, a preference, or a habit. Sometimes it is. But in some children, asking for louder volume can be an early sign that they are not hearing clearly. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with ear, hearing, and paediatric ENT concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford, and the wider Essex area. This guide explains why children may keep asking for the volume to be louder, when a hearing assessment is sensible, and what parents can do at home and at school. Is Loud Volume Always a Sign of Hearing Loss? No. S...

  Why Does My Child Get Travel Sick? A Parent’s Guide to Motion Sensitivity Travel sickness can turn a family journey into a stressful experience. A child may become pale, quiet, sweaty, dizzy, nauseous or suddenly vomit during a car journey, coach trip, ferry crossing, flight or theme-park ride. For some families, it happens occasionally. For others, every long drive becomes a challenge. Parents often ask: “Is this just normal travel sickness, or could there be something wrong with my child’s ears or balance system?” The reassuring answer is that travel sickness is common in children and is often manageable with practical steps. However, some children have symptoms that are more severe, persistent or associated with other problems such as dizziness, headaches, hearing symptoms or balance concerns. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with ear, hearing and balance-related concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford and...