Pediatric Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)

Conditions we treat

We care for children with:

• Breathing and airway conditions

• Chronic tonsillitis and rhinosinusitis

• Congenital (present at birth) differences, such as cleft lip and palate

• Ear infections and eardrum perforations

• Hearing loss and other hearing disorders

• Neck masses and lumps

• Salivary gland disorders

• Vocal cord disorders

ENT care designed for your child

Our pediatric specialists provide safe, comfortable care tailored to your child's needs. When possible, families can meet with multiple specialists during a single appointment. We also combine diagnostic and treatment procedures when appropriate, helping families save time and reduce stress.

Our surgeons perform the latest minimally invasive procedures for conditions affecting the salivary glands, tear ducts, thyroid gland and tonsils. These techniques can help children avoid hospitalization, go home sooner and recover faster. We also use imaging techniques that minimize radiation exposure.

We offer compassionate, comprehensive care that helps you feel informed and supported at every step. Social workers are available to help families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of treatment. And our child life specialists can help children manage any anxiety before procedures.

Specialized programs for head and neck conditions

Our pediatric otolaryngologists work closely with specialists across many fields to coordinate care for children with complex conditions.

Hearing and communication services

Our hearing and communication team helps children with deafness and other complex hearing and communication disorders. Audiologists provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and solutions to enhance communication, such as hearing aids and assistive listening devices.

For children with severe hearing loss, our cochlear implant program provides evaluation, surgery and follow-up care.

Gene therapy for hearing loss

We offer innovative treatments for hearing loss, including Otarmeni. This is the first FDA-approved gene therapy for people with hearing loss caused by changes in the otoferlin (OTOF) gene. It's a one-time surgical treatment that places a working copy of the OTOF gene in the inner ear to restore hearing.

Airway disorder care

We offer specialized aerodigestive care for children with breathing, swallowing and feeding issues. Patients are evaluated by a pediatric otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist and speech-language pathologist. Our capabilities include advanced diagnostic procedures, such as functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and endoscopic airway surgery.

Tracheostomy and ventilator expertise

Children who have tracheostomies and use mechanical ventilators (breathing machines) at home can find expert care at UCSF. Our team includes providers specializing in ventilator care, including an otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, respiratory therapist, speech therapist and nurse.

Our tracheostomy and ventilator team:

• Evaluates the tracheostomy site, stoma and airway

• Adjusts ventilator settings when needed

• Assesses speaking valves and swallowing

• Explains at-home tracheostomy care and safety

Craniofacial care

As part of the craniofacial care team, we work closely with plastic and reconstructive surgeons and other experts to treat children with head and facial conditions. Our goal is to help your child function better, including eating, breathing and speaking, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Birthmark and vascular anomalies

We offer specialized care for birthmarks and vascular anomalies affecting the head and neck. Our otolaryngologists collaborate with dermatologists, hematologists and radiologists to deliver the best functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Sleep disorder surgery

We offer expert surgical care for complex sleep disorders in children. Our doctors were among the first in California to offer an implantable nerve stimulation device, often called a tongue pacemaker, to treat obstructive sleep apnea. We also offer other minimally invasive procedures, such as coblation tonsillectomy, to help children sleep better.