My son is having tubes put in his ears in a week and when I told my mom about the surgery she asked if he will be able to swim this summer. I have no idea if he can. So, do you know if tubes effect going swimming?
Thanks
I know answers vary, but my son (now 7) had tubes put in last June and his doctor told us that if he swam in lakes or the ocean he had to have earplugs in his ears because of bacteria. She also wanted him to use earplugs in the bathtub (so he no longer bathes, just showers). He does not have to use earplugs in the shower or in swimming pools with chlorine. So far he hasn't had any problems. Good luck!
the doctor should be able to make molds that fit neatly in your son's ears to protect him from water getting in.
some doctors say put earplugs when bathing/going into water, some say no need. here is the problem: unless you want to risk getting a swimmers ear, or ear infection, increasing the chances of the tubes coming out early, i say use earplugs. we always do, before swimming, bathtub etc. the headband which you can order through amazon.com is pretty useless. it gets wet. so that is not for protection, more so to keep the tubes in (even that varies), but the earplugs we use are bright pink or bright green, target carries them (cheapest about 3 dollars for a pack of 6 sets), CVS, grocery stores etc. a lot of moms reuse the earplugs. i don't (fearing bacteria). anyway we have been using them for going on 4 years now.
Ask the doctor, but my daughter had her tubes in maybe 6-7 years ago and the doctor at the time told me I HAD to put silicone earplugs in her ears every time her ears might get wet - even showers. After the silicone (putty-like) ear plugs, we put a neoprene headband thing on her to really keep the water out - can't think what it's called. May have gotten it from an online catalog - One Step Ahead? Try Google & good luck.
I would think you could ask the doctor this question prior to the surgery. They should go over things like this with you at length. Call them, their job is to answer questions.
My daughter just got tubes in her ears on March 9th (the most amazing thing in the world - she is like a different little girl!!!). The ENT dr said that typically swimming is not an issue, although that sometimes kids can have problems. If they do, then there are ear plugs they can wear. She said that unless their ears go deeper into the water than 4 ft (diving), that there is usually not a problem.
I wish you the best of luck! It really has made all the difference in the world for us!
yes if you put plugs in first
Back when I was a child with tubes in my ears, I had to wear earplugs when swimming. That could have changed, but looking at some of the responses, it doesn't look like it has.
yes but the ear plugs might fall out. buy him a band you should be able to buy it from your ent's office. my son had tubes as a toddler and we used one my mom also has horrible ears and she wears ear plugs and a band but hates the plugs and usually takes them out. she said the band keeps the water out she just puts the plugs in for extra protection...(hole in ear drum that can't be repaired)
should be able too..my baby has tubes and the doc said the tub and basic swimming is ok....as long as the child is not going under 3 feet or more..My child is just over 2 so if she was under 3 foot of water she would be in serious trouble.
we went boating/tubing last year and she was fine with her tubes..they eventually fell out over xmas and we are getting them replaced.
Back when I had tubes as a child, I was required to wear the ear plugs..if you are worried, better to be safe than sorry..the plugs are cheap.
Your doctor should know. I think they said initially that I couldn't get his ears wet after tubes but then once we passed that time, he was good to go. My son had tubes but that was 16 years ago. =) His tubes were in his ears for over a year before they fell out so I'm thinking that he was swimming and showering fine... good luck!
