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Ear Conditions & Hearing

ENT Care for Little Ears, Noses & Throats

Pediatric Ear Care in Covington, LA (St. Tammany Parish)

If your child has frequent ear infections, fluid in the ears, ear pain or drainage, or you’re worried about hearing or speech, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common reasons families come to a pediatric ENT and the right evaluation can bring quick clarity and real relief.

At Kathy Chauvin, MD (ENT), we help families understand what’s going on, what to watch for, and what treatment options make sense starting with the most conservative plan whenever possible.

Parents can schedule directly (no referral needed). Referrals are always welcome.

When to See a Pediatric ENT for Ear or Hearing Concerns

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child has:

Frequent ear infections
Fluid in the ears that won’t clear or keeps returning
Ear pain, pressure, or tugging at the ears
Ear drainage (especially recurring or persistent drainage)
Hearing concerns (not responding, asking “what?” often, turning volume up)
Speech delay concerns related to hearing
A need for ear tube evaluation and follow-up (checking tubes, drainage, or “are they still in?”)

If you’re unsure, we can help you sort it out quickly.

Common Ear Conditions We Evaluate & Treat

Frequent Ear Infections

Some children get ear infections occasionally. Others seem to get them back-to-back. We look at how often infections are happening, how they’re responding to treatment, and whether there are patterns (seasonal illness, daycare exposure, allergies, fluid that never fully clears).

Our goal: fewer infections, less pain, and fewer rounds of antibiotics when possible.

Fluid in the Ears (Middle Ear Effusion)

Fluid can remain behind the eardrum even after an infection is “gone.” This can cause muffled hearing, pressure, and sometimes balance issues. In many children, fluid clears with time but if it lingers or keeps returning, it can affect hearing and speech development.

We assess: how long it’s been present, how it’s impacting hearing, and whether monitoring or treatment is best.

Ear Pain or Pressure

Ear pain can be caused by infection, fluid, wax buildup, irritation, or even issues outside the ear (like jaw or throat problems). We do a careful exam to pinpoint the cause and give you a clear plan.

Ear Drainage

Drainage can happen with infections, swimmer’s ear, or when a child has ear tubes. If drainage is persistent or keeps returning, we may recommend targeted treatment and, when appropriate, testing to identify what’s causing it.

Hearing Concerns

Hearing concerns are often subtle especially in young children. You may notice:

delayed responses to sound or name
frequent “huh?” or “what?”
turning volume up
trouble following directions
teacher concerns about attention (sometimes hearing is the real issue)

We can evaluate the ears and recommend hearing testing when needed to get an accurate picture.

Speech Delay Concerns Related to Hearing

If a child isn’t hearing clearly, speech can be delayed or unclear. Not every speech delay is caused by hearing but it’s important to rule hearing in or out early. If hearing may be contributing, we work with families to address the underlying ear issue and coordinate next steps.

How We Evaluate Ear & Hearing Issues

Your visit typically includes:

A conversation about symptoms, infection history, and concerns
A gentle ear exam to check for infection, fluid, wax, or irritation
Discussion of whether hearing testing is recommended
A clear plan (treatment, monitoring, follow-up, or next steps)

Hearing Tests

Hearing tests help us understand whether your child is hearing normally for their age and whether fluid or other issues may be affecting hearing. We often recommend testing when there are:

ongoing fluid concerns
repeated ear infections
speech delay concerns
parental or school concerns about hearing

Ear Tube Evaluation & Follow-Up

If your child already has ear tubes, we provide ongoing care, including:

routine tube checks
evaluation of ear drainage
hearing follow-up when appropriate
guidance on what’s normal vs. what needs treatment

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re concerned about your child’s ears or hearing, we’re here to help.

No referral required. Referrals are welcome. Call our office to schedule with Dr. Kathy Chauvin at 985-945-2677 , or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.