Tubes in ears

My DD's ped referred us to an ENT due to 3 consecutive ear infections. He thinks DD may need to get tubes placed in her ear or even her adenoids removed because she's pretty much always a little congested.

I would love to hear others' experience with ear infections and tubes. My heart sank when the ped told me that DD would be put under anesthesia with an IV for the surgery.

Tubes in ears

my 3 boys have all had tubes. It had helped their hearing. They still do get infections - they are the rare ones - but infections leaks out so it does not hurt them

What I learned in my research is the fluid is the issue. Is the ear clear after the infection is cleared. What motivated me was that the fluid can cause scar tissue in the ear and more permenant problems

my older son had his adenoids and tubes at the same time. Recovery was about a week but it was not bad at all. The worst part is when they wake up from anestisia. But in the end they hear better and hearing at young ages is so important plus it can help balance

Re: Tubes in ears

For just tubes, they typically don't need to start an IV. My son had them in september...its a quick, painless procedure that takes about 15 minutes. He hasn't had any infections since :)

As for adenoids, I'm sure they do an IV for that. But it its recommended I'd look into it and do both at once. Can't hurt!

Re: Tubes in ears

Thanks ladies. I guess it's a pretty routine procedure, but I can't help but get a little nervous.

Re: Tubes in ears

My ds has had 2 sets of tubes and his adenoids out. His first surgery was when he was 8 months old and then second surgery which was a second set of tubes and adenoids was at a year later at a year and 8 months. I was nervous for both surgeries but honestly it was the best thing for him. He had constant ear infections, was failing hearing tests and was just miserable. Since his last surgery last march he has not had 1 infection his hearing is perfect and he is speaking up a storm.

I was nervous as well both times! but it was the best for him. I love his ent and his whole practice. They are located in garden city, let me know if you would like a recommendation for a 2nd opinion.

Tubes in ears

Best THING ever!!!!
I had pushed for it nearly since birth. As she got tons of ear infections, I fought more. If only I fought harder but I was filled with the BS line that it was unnecessary and risky blah blah. BEST. THING. EVER. Finally found me an ENT who was shocked I'd waited as long as I did.

I SWEAR it is the fastest surgery every 15mins and done. That's it. Over!

Id do again and if I had a chance I'd have done it earlier!

Re: Tubes in ears

My son just got tubes in his ear, after having continuous ear infections (6 in 5 months) and constant water in his ears for 5 months. He also has an extreme allergy (admitted to hospital for it) to penicillin. It has been a wonderful thing for us. Before going in for surgery he had a hearing test and had hearing loss... Which now his hearing is back 100%. My son is only 9 months old.
But, I believe there is a guideline of 5-6 ear infections in 6 months to get tubes..and least at my ENT doctor. Honestly I may hold off and see how your child is for a while longer. My first DD had lots of ear infections for the first 2 years of her life and then outgrew them, which most children do. My pediatrician always felt as long as they were going away with antibiotic and it wasn't ongoing longer wait on the surgery. Its still a surgery under anesthesia and a object being put in your body.. A serious thing.
Lots of luck, its a hard decision.

Re: Tubes in ears

Re: Tubes in ears

Best thing we did. DS had adenoids removed, and tubes put in, in March 2014. He has not had an ear infection since, and it's helped his speech. The whole procedure was like 10 minutes. We were then allowed into recovery, and I will admit, he was inconsolable for 45 minutes. All the kids who woke up from the anesthesia were the same way, but as soon as we got home, DS was back to to his normal self.

Tubes in ears

Sent you FM

Re: Tubes in ears

DS had tubes at 2... he will be 4 in 3 months and never had another ear infection....best thing we ever did