Otorrinolaringología pediátrica

The Aerodigestive Program at Montefiore Einstein (ADAM) represents a paradigm shift in pediatric aerodigestive care, offering integrated, multidisciplinary approaches for optimal outcomes. ADAM addresses the complex needs of children with aerodigestive disorders. We provide comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered care for children with airway, esophageal and swallowing issues.

Our team of board certified pediatric otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists provides specialized care for children with dysphagia, using tests like modified barium swallow (MBS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) for diagnosis and treatment. At our monthly Dysphagia Clinic, both specialists assess patients, review findings with families and offer tailored recommendations, including airway surgery if needed. Complex cases are managed collaboratively by our multidisciplinary aerodigestive team.

The Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) Clinic comprises a multidisciplinary team of pediatric otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists who specialize in the evaluation and medical and surgical treatment of patients with hypernasality and other resonance disorders. The goal is to assess the patient’s speech, resonance and velopharyngeal function, and to form a treatment plan. Through a comprehensive team assessment, these specialists try to determine the cause of the speech problem and the contributing factors.

The Pediatric Thyroid Nodule and Cancer Clinic (PTNCC) provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children and adolescents with thyroid nodules and cancer, ensuring accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment. Patients undergo a same-day thyroid ultrasound, followed by evaluations from both an endocrinologist and thyroid surgeon, with ultrasound-guided biopsies performed if necessary. Complex cases are further reviewed by a specialized thyroid tumor board, ensuring thorough and expert-driven management.

The Cochlear Implant Program provides expert, personalized care for children with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss, using surgically implanted devices to restore auditory perception. Through early diagnosis with auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing and audiology evaluations, our team determines candidacy for cochlear implantation and ensures long-term follow-up care and rehabilitation. Partnering with the Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) and specialized schools, we support families in optimizing their child’s hearing and advocacy.

The Pediatric Vestibular Clinic evaluates and treats children with symptoms of dizziness and imbalance. Patients with symptoms of unexplained dizziness or vertigo, frequent falls, periodic episodes of nausea or vomiting or clumsiness may be candidates for the clinic. Our expert team of multidisciplinary specialists understands the way that balance disorders and dizziness can adversely affect gross motor development, neurocognition and quality of life. Patients are evaluated on the same day by an audiologist who performs hearing and balance testing, as well as a pediatric ENT physician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. After evaluation in the clinic, an individualized treatment plan is developed, which may include a course of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medications or referral to other subspecialists.

The Pediatric Voice Clinic provides multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for children with voice disorders, including vocal fold nodules, cysts, paralysis and muscle tension dysphonia. Patients are assessed by a pediatric ENT specialist and a voice therapist using videostroboscopy and voice recordings. Individualized treatment plans range from vocal exercises to surgical management, depending on the patient’s needs. Our goal is to deliver compassionate, tailored care that acknowledges the impact of voice problems on a child’s communication, academics and self-esteem.