Venkatesh Aithal is a paediatric audiologist based in Townsville, QLD. He looks after children’s hearing and supports families when something isn’t quite right with sound, speech, or listening.
Working with kids can be a bit different to adult care. Little ones grow fast, their ears change as they get older, and they may not always be able to explain what they’re feeling. In many cases, Venkatesh focuses on getting clear answers early, then helping you plan the next steps in a calm, practical way.
A key part of his work is infant hearing loss. Babies can be hard to test, so the approach often needs to be patient and careful. He also helps with otitis media with effusion, which is when fluid sits in the middle ear for a while. That can affect hearing even when a child doesn’t seem very sick, and it’s common in childhood.
He also supports children and families with hearing loss from other causes, including different types of otitis. Sometimes these are short, sore episodes. Other times, they can keep coming back, and the hearing impact can build over time if it isn’t monitored.
Cholesteatoma is another condition he deals with. This is not a “wait and see” problem, and it usually needs close follow-up. The goal is to keep things on track, explain what’s happening in everyday terms, and work with the team around the child.
Venkatesh’s work is grounded in paediatric audiology training and day-to-day clinical care for children with hearing concerns. Over time, he stays up to date with changes in how hearing problems are assessed and managed, so the testing and advice match what’s happening in current practice.
For people dealing with ongoing ear and hearing issues, clinical trials may be considered in some situations, but the exact details depend on each child and the services available. When research is relevant, it’s generally used to help guide better care, not replace the basics of listening, checking, and follow-up.
If you’re in Townsville and you’re looking for help with a child’s hearing—whether it’s related to infant hearing loss, long-lasting middle ear fluid, recurring ear infections, or cholesteatoma—Venkatesh Aithal provides paediatric-focused support to help families move forward with confidence.