ok, need to make this as simple as possible. last year my then 2 year old daughter had ear infections every month, 8 to be exact. in may she got tubes in. no ear infections all summer and barely any sicknesses. in september one ear tube fell out (the right ear). at the end of november during a check up for something else the pediatrician said she has blood in the ear which was supposed to have the ear tube in still. we were sent back to the ENT who then said the ear tube fell off that's why a little blood. gave her some ear drops to clear that out. this was the first week of december.
today my daughter woke up and said her right ear hurts. i have that mom otoscope thing so i looked inside, didn't see anything in the right ear but saw blood on her left (the same ear that bleed in december). so i made an appt with the pediatrician. we went in: here's where it becomes confusing. the pediatrician said right ear has an infection, left ear has some blood. she gives a rx for antibiotic. i take her to the ENT immediately. ENT said this blood is old blood nothing to worry about and that he didn't see anything wrong with the right one.
a necessary explanation:
my daughter passed the infant hearing test. because she had a high level of bilirubin (jaundice) i asked for a hearing test at 6 months. passed it. then at 15 months i noticed she wasn't responding. turns out she has a mild high level frequency hearing loss in her right ear which was diagnosed as unexplained because she had never had any ear infections.
this is a very touchy subject for me and i tend to get loonie when it comes to her ears.
at this point i don't know what to do. i read online trying to find articles that bring up connections between bleeding and ear tube falling off. i was unable to find any. yet the ENT is not worried at all. i am. obviously i am giving her the antibiotic because she still kept saying my ear hurts. but what about the ear with blood in it?
what would you do? what do i do? help
thanks so much to all of you. within the few responses i got the first few hrs i called another ENT. we were seen today by her. she confirmed both tubes were out and holes already healed and that she didn't agree that the bleeding was caused by the tubes falling off. per her words 'there is too much dried blood and the holes are completely healed." she cleaned some of the blood but it was too much. she used hydrogen peroxide and ear drops. there was still more dried blood left but close to the eardrum so she didn't try to clean that part. needless to say we're switching ENTs. now we have to have another hearing test for the good ear to see if this was affected by this 'unexplained' blood in it. we're all very emotional over this. my baby girls seems to be fine, she says she hears fine etc.
thank you all so much. i needed that extra push
As an adult who had tubes myself, I would suggest what everyone else is find a new ENT. A friend of mine just had tubes put in her daughters ears and said some thing about bloor in her ear. I asked my mom and she said mine bled when they were put in but never bled after that. Find a second opinion
Find another Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for a second opinion. If you're not satisfied with the first's answer and you think there is more to it than what you're being told, the Doctor you spoke to at the ENT office wont be offended if you ask for a second opinion.......if he/she does........they're not worth going back to. Remember you're the one that knows you're child best.
L., I would take her to Childrens Hospital for an evaluation. Sounds like your pediatrician is just bandaiding the situation and the ENT is a quack.
Hi L.,
My youngest son Jacob, had ear infections for his first two years of life. Every month we would take him and every month another antibiotic. He had maybe 25% hearing at one point. We went to an ENT when the doctor finally referred us. He had bilateral tubes when he was 2 1/2 yrs old. His stayed in for a very long time. They never bled when they came out. Have you tried a second Ear Nose and Throat specialist? I would get a second opinion to atleast ease your mind if anything. Reading what you wrote made me a bit confused also. Jake's hearing is now fine. He had to go to a speech therapist to correct his speech habits he developed from not being able to hear. And like your daughter, initially, I would call him over and over before he'd respond. Jacob's doctor was Dr. Zapanta in Harrisonburg Va. Best of luck to you and your daughter.
I can not speak from personal experience about your exact situation, however, I would suggest a second opinion. If you are getting mixed messages from various doctors and still are not satisfied, go see another ENT. Another opinion could not hurt. Good luck.
Hi L.! I'm sorry your daughter is having such a hard time with the ears. Please try to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bruce Feldman asap. He usually has a bit of a wait but you could also be comfortable seeing Dr. Mark Dettelbach or Philip Schoenfeld, both in the same practice. Office are located in Germantown, ###-###-####, (right off 270), Chevy Chase, ###-###-####, (by Maza Gallery) or Washington, DC, ###-###-####, (never been to that office). They are the BEST you can find and you can rest assured that your daughter will get the best evaluation/treatment necessary. If you need an ENT closer to Howard Co., just let me know. Clearly, I've been through this with both of my kids!!! Hope you get the help she needs and take care, S.
Hi L...
It has been MANY years but in addition to studying Speech Path in college I also took courses in Audiology. I many be mistaken, but High Frequency hearing loss is not usually due to ear infections. Ear infections (that you seem to be referring to )are "Middle Ear"infections and High Frequency hearing loss I believe is due to "Inner ear" issues ( the Cochlea & nerve endings). Please investigate this further. I don't want to send you into a tail spin, but this was my gut reaction after reading your email. One may have nothing to do with the other...Here is one A.S.H.A ( American Speech language and Hearing Association) resource on this subject. http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/types.htm
and here is another more detailed one.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030915/1125.html
Best of Luck to you.. let us know what happens
D
I am as confused as you are and not that I read your predicament, I am contemplating even more whether or not to let my 7 month old son get ear tubes. I hope that everything goes well.
K.
L., If after more than a day on the antibiotics she is still saying her ear hurts take her to a new ENT and get a second opinion. Considering all of the current issues with pain medicine safety for young children you could consider an alternate solution to make her feel more comfortable. You could go to a health store and ask for a natural remedy for ear pain that is safe for toddlers so she won't be miserable all weekend.
Let me start by saying I have two children (4 1/2 and 4 months) and I have never dealt with an ear infection. I am totally blessed, I realize this. But what I would say for you is, Get A Second Opinion. Or in your case, maybe a third or fourth. Either another pediatrician, or another ENT. It seems like you are doing the right thing by consulting both Dr.s, but if they have conflicting diagnosis, then I think the next step is more doctors, more opinions.
Hope this is a bit of support for you!
GOOD LUCK!
~katie
My son also had several ear infections that we were prescribed antibotics for. With all the info out there about the over use of antibotics we were a little worried. Since we were in Germany pediatrician also finally sent us to an ENT specialist. He also had a 25% percent hearing loss in both ears. Luckily, after the insertion of ear tubes and the removal of his adenoids his hearing is back to normal. If you still think that there is something wrong with her ears than I would suggest finding a different ENT for a second opinion. I feel I waited too long pushing for a referral to a specialist with my son's ears. I believe that you know what's best when it comes to your child. Good luck.
L.
L.,
FIND ANOTHER ENT IMMEDIATELY. There is nothing worst than a Dr whose does not take your concerns seriously. My youngest is 15 months old, He suffered from 11 ear infections in the first 12 months of his life on Halloween last year we decided to go ahead and get the tubes. We wish we had done it sooner, because he has been infection free ever since. However he has had a sinus infection. This week we took him to the ENT for his hearing test and while he can hear at high decible levels above 25, he did not respond to the "normal" range. WE are worried that this is affecting he speech as he has not said anything beyond Mama and dada. Our ENT is being very proactive with us as well as our Pede. As our children are the most important things in our lives, we always want to be sure we are getting the best advice and care for them. So Expect more from your ENT and PEDE. and if they don;t seem to share your concersn.. it is always ok to get a second opinion. Good Luck to you and your family.
L., I understand what you mean about getting loonie over her ears. My son has been tubed twice in both ears and had his adnoids out all by 2.5yrs he had the last ones done in may and since hasn't had one problem. We have a wonderful ENT that has a little one my sons age and is very understanding. Maybe a second opion would help to easy your mind. I can give you the name of our Dr if you would like. Before we knew of his ear problem he was lacking in all comunication skills and spoke hardly at all. H just couldn't hear us. After the second set of tubes you wouldn't believe the explosion in his lauguage. Just let me know if you want the Dr info. Good luck.
S.
I am a 36 year-old woman with a hx of ear infections as a child. I had several tube surgeries when I was a kid (three, I think?) Times have changed, and I don't keep up with the medical advances, but back then, it was normal for tubes to fall out. I have been told that I have a lot of scar tissue on my drums; indeed, they are very sensitive to pressure changes. One of the surgeries I had was a tympanoplasty, to close the hole made by the tube.
Your child's ears may be very sensitive, and perhaps she is now a little "gun-shy" about ear pain, since having had so many infections and surgery. The old blood may be a scab, which will probably fall off eventually. Common sense would say not to mess with the scab and let the scar heal the hole as much as possible.
The most logical advice here is to get a second opinion. But I wanted to let you know that I eventually grew out of the ear infections. I believe the last time I had tubes was around age 10. (I saw Dr. Linde in Burke). I have not had an ear infection since then, but I still can't swim under deep water and have difficulty tolerating takeoffs and landings (in planes) because the pressure on my drums so so severe. They have also told me that I will probably have high frequency deafness when I get older, but my hearing seems normal (to me) today.
Keep feeding your child lots of water and a healthy diet!
We've been very blessed for our daughter not to have much problem in the way of ear infections...however, my advice as Mom would be this--GO WITH YOUR MOMMY INSTINCT...if you are concerned and are feeling there is something just not quite right, go go go to another doc for a second opinion...one's telling you no infection, the other says there is, your daughter concurs that there is something wrong with the right ear...I've not heard of blood with tubes falling out, but I know it's probably possible...Please just go with your gutt...
If you think there's an issue, go get another opinion...
We moms are usually never wrong when it comes to our babies....Best of luck to you guys with this...M.
I can understand your confusion. All I can suggest is that if you are truly concerned,seek a second opinion.
Good Luck
Trust your instincts and there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.
Get a new doctor right away! You are your daughter's FIRST doctor, you know your daughter and her health and if you feel there is something wrong, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG! Have faith in yourself and your mothering. Don't be intimidated by doctors, or of asking questions. If they can't reassure you to your satisfaction, and your daughter is obviously suffering because of it, do move on to a doctor who is genuinely connected with you and your concerns. I can't tell you the number of times I have had to advocate for my daughter when it seems other parents don't or won't...such as at daycare when they all have snot running down their front lips and diarrhea with severe yeast diaper rash. We just got back from the doctor with that, and it seemed it took an act of congress to get them to accept a doctors note saying they had my and his permission to apply first over the counter diaper ointment, then, prescription (nystatin). I seem to be the only parent concerned that I witnessed providers changing diapers without rolling out the hygienic paper over the changing area from one kids changing to another. A small, insignificant issue? Maybe, except that even one of the teachers told me all the kids in her class had diarrhea and severe diaper rash. My daughter has been battling it ever since she returned to daycare after christmas. So, I finally spoke with the administrators. The point is, I don't want to get anyone in trouble, be a boat rocker, confrontational, or whatever it is. Most parents don't stay long enough when leaving their kids to notice stuff like this, I guess, because the trainer looked at me like I must be imagining things. I assured her that in spite of what their "policy" is, I was witnessing otherwise....and look at the health of the babies as proof! So...even if you have to be the one that (god forbid) they roll their eyes at when they see coming, if you feel there is something amiss going on, put your all your energy into chasing it down until it's resolved. I'm behind you 1000%! I don't think you're crazy. I think you are a very smart lady to be in tune as much as you are to your daughter. Stick with it!
I have a couple things for you. 1) if your doctors aren't explaining why they are or are not concerned about your child well enough to you so you understand why they feel that way, make them...if they still don't...get a new doctor. There is nothing worse than not understanding why something that seems not normal to you is just fine with them but you have no idea why!
2) my son had 2 sets of tubes and a little blood in both ears when they fell out. What I was told, for my son, is that the tube was pushed out earlier than it would have come out, by fluid and pressure in his ears (hence why he had a 2nd surgery, infections kept coming) and that since it was "pushed out" that it was irritated. Now when the second set fell out, he had gotten a double ear infection, which they treated and has been fine ever since (over 6 months), so the doctor said it was no big deal. With the first set of tubes, he kept getting the infections after the tubes were pushed out, so they put new tubes in. So, I never noticed blood, until one day a dried blood scabby looking thing was coming out of his ear. That was almost a month after the tubes had come out of the holes. So dried blood doesn't have to a concern.
3) when my sons tubes fell out the second time, he kept complaining about his ear bothering him or hurting, I took him to the Ped and the ENT and both said the tube was in his ear, stuck in wax and probably was bothering him, and once the tube in the right ear fell out (I saw that one come out) he stopped complaining. For the left year he just stopped complaining and the next time he was getting a check up they said the tube had fallen out, so I assumed they coincided. So, some of the pain maybe the tube is in there, but not in.
I don't know if anything in here made you feel better or helped, but I know it was scary for me. Best of luck!!
I can feel your pain! I've had both of my twins (also 3.5) get ear tubes, one at 5 months and one at age 1. Each time we go to the doc I hear a different answer about who still has tubes, whose are in place, whose have fallen out, which ones are working. I gather it must be hard to visualize them easily. One of my sons gets a lot of drainage from his ear when he gets a cold. That was what they wanted with the tube, but since the tube fell out, sometimes that drainage has a little blood b/c the drum erupts when the pressure gets too high and I think it opens back up where the tube used to be. Also, sometimes dark wax can be confused for blood. I would listen to your ENT b/c they are the ones who put the tubes in. Maybe next time you think she has an infection, go there first?
First of all, I have a doctorate in Audiology (Ear specialist). Audiologists are the people who do the hearing tests.
It is very normal for old blood to stay in the ear after something like a tube falling out. Also old ear wax in some people can look just like blood, so sometimes when people are think their ears are bleeding it is just wax. However, if it is bright red and dripping out of the ear or something, get a second opinion. If it is dry I wouldn't be too worried about it.
About the right ear - use all of the antibiotics (even if she says it stops hurting) and then follow-up with your ENT to be sure that it has resolved. Some kids need more than one set of tubes, but since this is only her first infection since the tubes fell out, it is probably a little premature to even talk about that.
Generally I would not expect a mild high frequency hearing loss to be associated with past ear infections anyway. It is more likely to be associated with genetics or fevers or something along those lines (assuming it is a "sensorineural" hearing loss and not a "conductive" hearing loss.)
It is good to be very tuned in when it comes to your child's hearing and health, but don't let it drive you crazy. Just keep up with those antibiotics!! Good luck!! Unfortunately this probably wont be your LAST ear infection, but she should out grow them in a few years. :)
I agree with everyones advice, get a second advice, however I also have another thing to share with you. We have been dealing with a similiar situation, except with my husband. He had six sets of tubes as a minor, and we are on our fifth set as an adult. We finally found a doctor that would listen to us about everything and found out that the ear infections, pain, fluid, and blood was all due to a unique allergy. Turns out he is allergic to wheat. Once we cut that out, no problems. Just another avenue to look at possibly.
Although I am by no means a doctor, I am a mother of two boys (15yrs and 3yrs). If you are not confident or put at ease with your ENT's diagnosis, I says get a second opinion. Doctors tend to forget that they are human and subject to misdiagnosis. Besides, a second opinion will either give you a new avenue of treatment for her ears, or a new found confidence in your original ENT. Doesn't seem a bad situation either way.
Good luck
T. L
get another opinion from another ENT at a different practice. follow your instincts and dont give up.
Hi L. Not sure if I can help but back in 2005 my daughter then 2 yrs old had 9 ear infec. the ENT kept putting tubes off he said we are getting to the time of the year when she should not be getting them and she should also soon grow out of them (ear infec)well after about 25 visits between family doc and ent and at $20 a visit I started asking around I was recommended to try a chropractor, knock on wood I now take both of my girls to one about once a mth or everyother mth. He only charges $5 and neither one of my girls have had any ear infec.Hope that can help with you ear infec problems.
My third daughter went through that about the same age. You have to remember the ear is a moist place and it takes time for the blood to clear out. My daughter one time actually had blue mold in one of ears and did it ever stink but with some antibiotics it cleared up in a few weeks she also has some deafness to certain ranges but she is 26 now and it hasnt effected anything in her life so far.
Your daughter will probably more then likely have ear wax issues as she grows older. My daughter ended up 3 sets of permenant tubes before the ear matured and grew the way the ear does. I am not sure when it changes but as they are little the ear canel is straight and so the fluid pools as they grow it does the curling thing. This is why all children should be up while drinking a bottle or sippie no lying down. I am not sure if I helped but hopefully explained some of it for you.
