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Ear infections and hearing loss are some of the most common reasons people visit an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, reduced hearing, or concerns about your child’s ear health, early diagnosis and personalised care can make all the difference.
Dr Brett Leaver is an ENT Specialist providing individualised care for both adults and children across Newcastle, Sydney, and regional NSW. This guide explains when to seek help, what to expect during your consultation, and how ENT care can support your hearing health and wellbeing.
If you’re noticing signs of hearing loss—like asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume, or having trouble following conversations in noisy places—an ENT specialist can help determine the cause. Dr Leaver uses specialised tools and assessments to identify whether your hearing loss is due to fluid in the ear, nerve damage, or other medical conditions.
Common questions:Can an ENT help with ear infections that cause hearing loss?
What will an ENT do for clogged ears?
Should I see an ENT for muffled hearing?
What is the best treatment for hearing loss?
Related concerns:
Can your ears recover from hearing loss?
How do doctors treat mild hearing loss?
How to improve hearing loss due to nerve damage?
When is hearing loss an emergency?
What is the most common cause of hearing loss?
Certain symptoms suggest a need for prompt evaluation by an ENT specialist. These include persistent dizziness, one-sided hearing loss, frequent ear infections, or ear pain not improving with treatment. These may indicate conditions such as Meniere’s disease, tumours, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Watch for:
Unexplained hearing changes, especially in one ear
Ongoing ear fullness or pain
Dizziness or balance issues
Ringing in one ear (tinnitus)
Search-driven questions:
What are the red flags for Meniere’s disease?
When should you refer to an ENT for ear problems?
What cancers can affect hearing?
What are the red flags for Eustachian tube dysfunction?
What are secondary conditions to hearing loss?
Fluid trapped in the middle ear can affect hearing and cause discomfort. If it doesn’t clear on its own, an ENT may recommend gentle drainage or the placement of ear tubes to allow air into the middle ear and prevent infections. This is common in both children and adults with chronic fluid build-up.
Common questions:
Can an ENT help with fluid in the ear?
What causes fluid in the ear but no infection?
Does draining fluid from the ear hurt?
Related conditions:
How long after ear tubes will hearing improve?
How to get rid of fluid behind the eardrum in adults?
Can fluid in the ear cause permanent damage?
What is chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction?
How to unblock the Eustachian tube?
For some people—especially children—ear infections become frequent and disruptive. Chronic ear infections can affect hearing and lead to more serious problems if not treated effectively. ENT management may include medical treatment, allergy review, or minor procedures like ear tube placement to prevent future infections.
Questions answered:
What is the root cause of chronic ear infections?
How are chronic ear infections treated?
When should I see an ENT for ear infections?
Is there surgery to stop ear infections?
Related concerns:
Can an ENT drain middle ear fluid?
How many ear infections before referral?
What happens if your ear infection doesn’t go away with antibiotics?
Is it possible to have an ear infection for a year?
Not all ear problems need specialist care, but if your symptoms persist, are severe, or keep coming back, a referral to an ENT like Dr Leaver is appropriate. This includes chronic fluid build-up, sudden hearing loss, ongoing ear infections, or symptoms not improving with GP treatment.
ENT care is especially valuable when:
Children have multiple ear infections in a short period
Hearing loss interferes with daily activities
There’s concern about structural or nerve-related ear conditions
Dr Brett Leaver works closely with GPs and other specialists to ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care.
Dr Brett Leaver provides ENT consultations and care at clinics across:
Dr Brett Leaver is an experienced ENT Surgeon in NSW, providing compassionate care tailored to individual needs. He offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for ear infections and hearing loss in both adults and children.
While it is extremely rare, persistent lumps in children should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out any serious conditions.
Signs of infection include tenderness, fever, and redness around the lump. Swollen lymph nodes often accompany infections like colds or tonsillitis.
An ENT may use diagnostic tests such as nasendoscopy, imaging (ultrasounds, CT, MRI, PET scans) and/or biopsies to determine the cause of a neck lump and guide appropriate treatment.
This article is intended for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, speak with your GP or ask your GP to write a referral to see Dr Leavers.
Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Head and Neck Surgeon. He has been practising across NSW for over ten years.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms vary from person to person — if you're concerned, it's worth getting assessed
Meet Dr Leavers
Dr Leavers, BMedSci MBBS (Hons) FRACS (ORL-HNS), is an ENT Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon who treats adult and paediatric conditions.
If you’re experiencing ongoing ear pain, fluid, or hearing difficulties, book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Early support can make a lasting difference.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our ENT services.
Send us a message
You can call us on (02) 9037 6373 to make an appointment or discuss our medical services. One of our team members will be available to take your call during business hours. If you would prefer email, you can send us an enquiry using the form below.
St Vincent’s Clinic Suite 1008, Level 10, 438 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010