Ear Tubes

Ann - posted on 03/08/2009

My daughter got her first set of tubes in Dec. 2007, the day she turned 9 months old.  She had almost a constant ear infection from 6 months to 9 months old.  We did have some infections with tubes in the ears.  The one tube is still in place, the other is in the canal and not working.  She continues to see the ENT, to determine if she needs to get the tube replaced in her ear.  I don't regret Kaylea getting tubes, and will do it again if she needs it.  Kaylea's speech is advanced for her age, and I know that it wouldn't be if we didn't get the tubes.  We did switch doctors due to the last one having a really poor bedside manner, and not trusting him. I like my new doctor, and will follow this recommendations.  I would be glad to answer any other questions. 

Amy - posted on 03/04/2009

My oldest got tubes in his ears at 15 months after non-stop ear infections from birth. Afterwards, maybe one ear infection over the next 6-8 months! Then, at 2 yrs he got his tonsils and adnoids out...and now he breathes sooooo much better, is rarely stuffed up, and doesn't snore anymore! Just make sure you have a good ENT!

Rebecca - posted on 03/03/2009

thanks everyone for your replies! It's been very helpful to know that tuebes are not the end of the world.



We just got our appointments for a hear test on the 23rd and surgery scheduled for the 30th. Wish us luck and I'll let you know how it goes.

Tabitha - posted on 03/03/2009

ps My children do not have to wear ear plugs for the tub or pool. The dr. said it is not needed.. WE have had no problems. I guess the only con I could think of is if one set is not enough.. Or if the tubes do not fall out on their own they have to have them surgically removed.. other than that they are a life saver..

Tabitha - posted on 03/03/2009

All three of my children have had ear tubes inserted. My middle child just had her third set put in.. If a child continues to have ear infections it can cause them hearing loss. with the hearing loss comes speech delays... My son did not speak until age three because he became deaf after reconcurrent ear infections.. He has had a long road, but we learned and the other two got help much sooner... I honestly cannot think of any cons... After three children I could probably insert them myself. lol  Good luck!!

Chel - posted on 02/12/2009

as a mom it's your decision but i can tell you what happened to me personally. although i was alot older than you're daughter. I have had tubes in my ears for the majority of my child hood until about 12. it's a pain in the butt to always have to wear swimming caps or ear plugs (ears cannot get wet ) and extremely scary to get "put under" (maybe they don't do it that way any more?)
Any ways I was around 12 the last time they put tubes in my ears, it was a kind with barbs that were long stay and had to be removed by the doctor. When the doctor went to put the device in my ear drum collapsed, had to be re packed and then the tube inserted. The reason my ear drum collapsed is because there was so much fluid built up behind it, it caused it to become weak.
My little brother had trouble speaking when he was a toddler because he coulldn't hear. he was helped by tubes. my little sister had chronic ear infections, she was helped by tubes. oh and i never quite learned to blow my nose proper because with tubes you gotta do it with your mouth open. lol

Allison - posted on 02/12/2009

Is he getting a lot of ear infections? Sometimes having chiropractic adjustments can help, as if the bones in the base of the neck are out of alignment it can cause drainage problems, thus leading to ear infections. You can check out http://www.icpa4kids.org/ for more information and to find a chiro who takes children in your area. My kids get adjusted regularly - it doesn't hurt and chiros who specialize in children don't do that "back cracking" you often think of - it's more gentle.

You can also look into Cranial-Sacral Therapy, which I've heard works really well, though I've not tried it.

Lastly, sometimes a dairy sensitivity can cause problems with mucus and lead to ear infections. I know several people who have cut back or cut out completely dairy products and have found their kids are healthier for it. Some add it back in when they get older and their bodies are more able to process it.

Deborah - posted on 02/12/2009

I saw your ENT recommended tubes for your son. I personnally think they are wonderful and wished they would have been recommended for our son sooner. He got his first ear infection when he was 6 months. The fluid either never re-absorbed or constantly rebuilt because he basically had fluid and infections for the next six months. He finally got tubes in both ears after his first birthday last year. No infections or fluid build-up since. I can say that his speech, learning to walk, and eating of people foods have all be delayed as a result of the fluid in his ears for so long during critical developmental periods. I say the sooner the better on tubes to avoid any developmental delays as a result of what is going on in their ears because that area is all connected to other parts in the head, i.e. balance, taste, etc.

Teri - posted on 02/12/2009

Yes, at first, my son didn't like it but he even comes up to me now trying to do it himself and then asks me to do it. Its just another option.....

Rebecca - posted on 02/12/2009

adjusting ears? sounds interesting

Teri - posted on 02/12/2009

Looks like Tubes have been the answer for a lot of kids, but my son has also had a ton of ear infections and I don't like the idea of tubes, so I look for alternatives. I took him to a chiropractor and they adjusted his ears so the canals line up and the fluid can drain out on its own and it worked perfect. She even showed me how to do it so everytime I see him pulling at his ears, I adjust them and no more problems. Just an idea before going on with surgery. Good Luck!!

Rebecca - posted on 02/11/2009

Thanks everyone! It's nice to hear that ear tubes are not that scary and are manageble. We went to the ENT today and the verdict is Caleb does need tubes. I'm a bit amprehensive about the whole things, wondering if it is necessary and if we should get a second opinion. Caleb has had quite a few ear infections, not 7 in 3 mths, maybe more like 3 in 7 mths. He does have fluid in his ears though, so I guess he needs them. The ENT also mentioned a hearing test as well as having his tonsils removed.

Gina - posted on 02/10/2009

My daughter had tubes when she was about two...she had chronic ear infections and our ENT thought tubes were the answer. Boy, was he RIGHT! Tubes worked wonders for us! No more ear infections! Some tubes fall out on their own, but my daughter's did not, so we had to go through one more surgical procedure to have them removed. It wasn't a big deal at all. The worst part was seeing her all "drugged up" before both surgeries. It was hilarious watching her...it was like she was a drunken sailor! We could tell right away when the meds got into her system! So if your ENT suggests it, don't be hesitant. It's safe, and in our case, it worked out extremely well! Good luck!

Jenny - posted on 02/09/2009

Tubes have been a life-saver for my son.  We went through 7 ear infections in less than 3 months and he was just miserable.  Ever since the tubes he has been a happy baby.  I know you might be apprehensive, but trust the ENT on this one.  Always remember though to follow your instinct and if you still don't feel right after the visit don't do the tubes.

Mary - posted on 02/09/2009

My daughter (will be 2 in March) had ear infections & fluid all the time. She had tubes put in in December and so far no infections...knock on wood!

The surgery was so quick & she had no problems with it. The ENT told us that if she gets an infection it can be treated with antiobiotic ear drops rather then the oral. I was starting to worry that she would devolop a resistance to the pink stuff if she kept taking it so often. That was a definate PRO to me.

A CON is that she has to wear ear plugs when she takes a bath. We had trouble with her keeping them in at first. But now she understands, and asks for them at bath time.

Please let me know if you have any specific questions. Good luck :-)