my son has had numerous ear infections in the last year and he is now looking at getting tubes put in..... he is 2 years old.... all I have been told is that they will allow the infection to drain..... can anyone tell me the pros and cons of tubes, and also..... what exactly does this procedure consist of?????
2006-11-29 14:24:33 · 8 answers · asked by Mommy of 2 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Pros:Reduced or absent future infections, happier more comfortable child, reduced exposure to all those antibiotics, fewer doctor visits.
Cons: Earplugs (not a huge deal), slight risk from anesthesia.
Reoccurring ear infections can also impact speech-language development. When a child's middle ear is full of fluid, hearing sensitivity is affected which can prevent a child from hearing low-intensity, high frequency sounds like "th" and "s". Not only can a child's speech be affected, but the child's exposure to grammatical markings like the plural "s" is less frequent which could cause a delay in language development.
2006-11-29 15:20:42 · answer #1 · answered by Just Me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My daughter has ear infections frequently and so did I and my sister and all my cousins when we were little. I'm currently in college and was required to write a scientific paper of my choice and I chose tympanostomy tubes (aka tubes) for my topic since my daughter will probably be up for them soon. I did extensive research on the medical and pediatric journals. The results of most tests are that they have decreased occurrence of ear infections and a "general improvement in behavior" which I thought was funny because well of course a child will act sweeter if they're not in constant pain. From the hearing side of things they offer no benefit either way. The studies didn't show a decreased amount of hearing loss in the children with the tubes. Personally the less infections and "improved behavior" were enough for me. Also I should mention these studies were done in extreme frequency cases. Hope that information helps some...and I hope your son does better! Good Luck!
2006-11-29 14:57:05 · answer #2 · answered by evilangelfaery919 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a child with frequent ear infections, or an adult for that matter, there is a constant buildup of gunk behind the eardrum, and it can perforate, which are painful and can cause hearing loss. When they put tubes in, there are tiny holes they punch in the eardrum and put tiny straws in there so the gunk can drain out and not make new holes.
It involves general anesthesia, which is a bit risky, but if the doctor suggested it, there's a reason. My SIL has had it done numerous times as a child. My FIL just had it done at the age of 65!
2006-11-29 14:34:34 · answer #3 · answered by OK yeah well whatever 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a fairly simple procedure. They insert a tiny plastic tube into the ear so that the ear canal doesn't get clogged with puss from infections and so that air can flow through keeping the ears in balance. As the child's ear canals grow they may come out on their own or the doctor may remove them if he feels it is time. I can't tell you of any cons that I know of...the pros are that they help abate infections which cause scar tissue to buildup which in turn causes hearing loss which may or may not be reversable through surgery.
2006-11-29 17:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son is 18 months and when he was 11 months he had tubes put in. what a difference. no more midnight er runs because he couldn't stop screaming. we tried the chiro it didn't work. they give them a local and it only takes about 15 mins. just be prepared for when you get him back. he will scream for a while. my son wouldn't stop because he was so young, they were going to give him and another little baby codine because they wouldn't stop. all the older kids came out just fine though. and your right it allows the ear to drain. can you imagine all the pressure on their poor little heads!! i say do it. don't be afraid, it will help him.
oh yeah and about the ear plugs my son would never leave his in and we have never had a problem. some probably do, but my peds doc showed me how small they are and he said that a drop of water is too big to get through most of the time. he even went swimming and he has been gunk free since may.
2006-11-29 14:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by SARAH B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son was also having alot of ear infections and I had to find a new Dr because the old was retiring. The new Dr told me to take him off of milk products, that an allergy to milk will cause this problem. He was on a soy formula as a baby, but started him on milk as a toddler..thought all was fine but then the ear problems started. Took him off milk and no more ear aches and thus no tubes. Glad I found a solution without having to go thru surgery..even a minor one..This may not work for you. but it solved our problem.
2006-11-29 23:02:11 · answer #6 · answered by JIM D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My kid has tubes. They put him to sleep and stick these little tiny straws in his eardrums. It does allow the bacteria to drain. You have to get special fitted earplugs to take your kid swimming or he will get water in his ears and it will cause another infection. You can put 2 drops of peroxide in his ears to kill bacteria when he gets an infection. My son got tubes when he was 2. He is four now and one of his tubes has fallen out. He's only had 2 ear infections since he had the tubes put in. It is sooo worth it.
2006-11-29 14:33:39 · answer #7 · answered by sexmagnet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure on tubes, but as a child I had the same problem and with some trepidation my mother took me to the chiropractor. One adjustment and tubes didn't have to be put in and I was ear infection free for 13 years. It's worth it to look into it, if your child can avoid a surgery.
2006-11-29 14:30:28 · answer #8 · answered by Courtlyn 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋