Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

I am trying to find something out about it but can't find anything.

Any help would be really appreciated!!

Thank you so much

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Stacey's Damien had it done.

Molly was borderline and I decided against it.

You can get a 2nd opinion as well.

What is going on?

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

what do you want to know??
A co-worker's 7 month old is having recurring ear infections and is going to an ENT and they want to do surgery but getting a second opinion.
I know it has something to do with the tubes in her are are still straigt and not slanting(not sure if that is the correct term) so th inner ear fluid is NOT draining.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

I had Delaney checked a few years ago because she's in day care and from Nov - Feb, she had about 6 ear infections. We went to an ENT and he said because she is in day care and because of the time of the year, it wasn't anything to be concerned about. However, if she was getting several ear infections during April - November than that might be something of concern.

I'm not sure if your DC is in a day care environment, but I do know alot of children have had many ear infections this year and it just might be a fluke. My youngest, Peyton also has had a series of ear infections this year as well and we have an appt w/an ENT but I think he's probably going to tell me the same as above.

I think that your child has to be close to 2 before they would even do the operation. I have had friends who's children had the tubes put in and they've been happy and so has their child.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

what do you need to know? My youngest who is now 3 1/2, had reaccuring ear infections every month for about 1 year straight. I decided to have tubes put in and the infections resolved immediatly... I mean he has probably gotten 4 cince the operation. He had the operation when he was 9 months olds and the tubes fell out at about 2 years..... They heped alot and I reccommend them . I have a very good ENT if you want a recommendation... Good luck =)

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Thank you all so much. I guess I will have more questions once it is def.

Are they taken out after a certain age? Are there any side effects?

TIA

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

I also have a doctor to recommend. His name is Dr. Spencer in Huntington. He's wonderful.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

My son (14 months old) is actually getting them in about 2 wks. He has been seeing a ENT since May. He just had his 10th infection and that is when the ENT, my ped and I all agreed that it is the best remedy for him. The ENT said it takes about 5 minutes for the actual surgery and he will have to go under anesthia. The tubes should fall out after 1-1.5 yrs and they are minimal side effects. My ENT usually doesn't like to do tubes in children under the age of 2 because that is when they start to grow out of the infections but in my sons case, he thinks it is needed.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

DH had a ton of ear infections as a kid as a result of the shape of his ear canal. They suggested ear tubes, but his GF was a Dr. and he said absolutely not so I don't know that there are any side effects but he must have had a pretty good reason for being so adamantly against them. I think it had to do with the fact that it is surgery (unnecessary in his opinion) and they don't necessarily completely cure you of them so why put them through it. Again, that was his GF's opinion, not mine. It's a PIA for them to keep getting them but they survive and they do outgrow the infections eventually.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Caiden had tubes put in around 16 months old. He had a double ear infection every month for 8 months and then his Ped said it would be best to get the tubes. We went to an ENT and they highly recommended them as well. His hearing was affected during this time as well as his speech, which is the biggest concern. Well after the surgery almost immediately his hearing and speech got sooooooo much better. His hearing went back to normal. He never had side effects either. They said he'd be groggy and sleep all day, but he was the opposite! We just had to use ear plugs when he was in water (even a bath) until they fell out which was within 6 months later. I am soooo glad I had them done. The whole procedure took less then 15 minutes. I would just be concerned with hearing loss and speech problems. That's why we did it. Good luck and if you have any other questions please let me know!

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Damien had them put in at 17 months. He was averaging an ear infection at least once a month if not more before they went in. Since he has had the tubes put in he has had only 2 ear infections. (He was 3 in Sept) They are the best thing I ever did for him IMHO The tubes will usually push themselves out with in a year or two. The first one my ENT actually he was able to pull it out himself with this funky long tweezer thing. His other tube will be removed on Monday when he gets his adenoids and tonsils removed. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I hope Andrew is okay!

ETA: We never had to use earplugs in the water and never had any problems and we have a pool so he was in the water a lot.

Message edited 1/10/2007 5:41:25 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Posted by CaidensMommy

Caiden had tubes put in around 16 months old. He had a double ear infection every month for 8 months and then his Ped said it would be best to get the tubes. We went to an ENT and they highly recommended them as well. His hearing was affected during this time as well as his speech, which is the biggest concern. Well after the surgery almost immediately his hearing and speech got sooooooo much better. His hearing went back to normal. He never had side effects either. They said he'd be groggy and sleep all day, but he was the opposite! We just had to use ear plugs when he was in water (even a bath) until they fell out which was within 6 months later. I am soooo glad I had them done. The whole procedure took less then 15 minutes. I would just be concerned with hearing loss and speech problems. That's why we did it. Good luck and if you have any other questions please let me know!

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

I forgot to mention that since he got the tubes and since they've fallen out he hasn't had one ear infection!

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

Posted by 5ofClubs

Thank you all so much. I guess I will have more questions once it is def.

Are they taken out after a certain age? Are there any side effects?

TIA

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

everyone has already given you some pretty good information, but as a speech pathologist i just wanted to say that i definitely recommend them if he is having frequent ear infections. having fluid in the ear can impact hearing and lead to difficulty learning speech and language. it's a very routine procedure and can really make a big difference.

Re: Does anyone know anything about tubes in the ears?

My sister had it 28 years ago. She is 100% fine. That is really all I know.