[shy_bear]

A. went for a hearing test today; he passed the hearing test but when they measured the fluid in his ears the one ear has more fluid than it should. We are going to an ENT later this week. The audiologist right away mentioned putting tubes in his ears; b/c he is speech delayed, he has had 4 ear infections this past year, he had torticollis and does not chew on the right side of his mouth, and he falls a lot when he walks. He digs at his right ear all the time and I thought it was b/c of his allergies. Now it all seems to be falling into place. I have never dealt with "ear" issues; any advice or websites you can point me to would be great!!!

[hesabanana]

I am an ear expert! I myself have had tubes four times, most recently when I was 18. My 4 year old has had tubes three times. My 2 year old got his first set at the beginning of the year. I can only speak from my experience....tubes have been a life saver. My kids are sick less frequently, have had improved hearing tests, and the 2 year old's speech exploded once the tubes were in. Not to mention the pain they avoid by not getting any more ear infections. Insertion is done on an outpatient basis and takes all of 5 minutes...it is very simple and quick.
Best of luck!

[greenrobin]

My little girl's PA suggested tubes--she's had 4 infections in the last 3 months! I had them briefly, but remember nothing about it because back in the dark ages they put them in when I was sedated for a tonsillectomy.

Can you tell me what happens when the kids go in to get them?

[RobinKay]

Originally Posted by hesabanana

I am an ear expert! I myself have had tubes four times, most recently when I was 18. My 4 year old has had tubes three times. My 2 year old got his first set at the beginning of the year. I can only speak from my experience....tubes have been a life saver. My kids are sick less frequently, have had improved hearing tests, and the 2 year old's speech exploded once the tubes were in. Not to mention the pain they avoid by not getting any more ear infections. Insertion is done on an outpatient basis and takes all of 5 minutes...it is very simple and quick.
Best of luck!

Had one child get tubes at 18 months ( had to do general anesthia for the baby), I had them twice as an outpatient. A little "ouchy" for me to get them in--then it's great. The fluid can drain, no more ear infections, can hear better, etc. The tube drops out by itself in about six months. I highly recommend this procedure!!

[hesabanana]

They administer brief anesthesia and it is outpatient surgery. Once the child drinks/eats, they send you home. They insert the tubes (they look like tiny macaroni) through the ear drum, creating a canal that allows the fluid behind the ear drum to drain. You will see some "gunk" dried in the outer part of the kid's ear when they drain...that just means they are working. The child likely will not get ear infections while having the tubes in. Since the fluid doesn't collect, As your child grows, they fall out and he/she may or may not need them again. Hope that helps!

[akcskye]

I am not a fan of any surgical procedures, as you never come out of it the same as before you went in, and the few cousins in my family who had tubes (albeit, years ago, so perhaps technology has changed) had more failure than success.

However, when I was a little girl, I went through the ear infections thing, too.

My doctor finally got frustrated and told my mom to put some grain alcohol (yes, everclear) in my ear.

My hearing impairment was already there from the fluid and antibiotics, so we had nothing to lose.

The Everclear dried my ear up, and I never had another ear infection (and I typically had them 2 or 3 times a month prior) since I was 6.

So, up to you if you want to try it first, but for me, worked like a charm...and no tubes were needed.