Zeffie Poulakis is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist based in Parkville, VIC, Australia. She looks after children with ear, nose and throat needs, with a strong focus on hearing and how kids listen and communicate.
For many families, the first visit starts with worries about hearing. This might be picked up in baby check-ups, through newborn or infant hearing tests, or because speech and sound responses seem slower than expected. Zeffie helps parents understand what the results can mean and what the next steps might look like.
Her work also involves conditions linked to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cytomegalovirus infection. CMV can affect hearing in some children, and it can be confusing and stressful for families who are still learning the details. In these situations, she aims to be clear and practical, so parents know what is being checked and why.
She treats a range of hearing loss concerns in infants and children. That can include hearing changes that happen early in life, ongoing monitoring needs, and making sure hearing support lines up with the child’s development. At times, hearing problems are part of a bigger picture, so care often involves thinking about how hearing affects learning, language, and everyday social moments.
In clinic, Zeffie keeps things calm and grounded. Appointments are usually focused on listening, examining relevant areas, and talking through the plan in plain language. She works alongside other health professionals, and when referrals or teamwork are needed, she helps coordinate care so families aren’t left chasing answers.
Because children grow and change quickly, care can also shift over time. Zeffie’s approach is about staying steady as you go—checking progress, revisiting concerns, and making sure the care plan fits the child and the family’s situation. In many cases, that means more than one step, not just one appointment.
Zeffie also supports families through the waiting and uncertainty that can come with hearing-related issues. It’s not always simple. But she tries to keep the focus on what matters most: your child’s health, comfort, and hearing support where it’s needed.