Looks like My Son Might Need Tubes in His Ears?

Hi D.,

My 10 month old had tubes at 9 months after getting 8 ear infections in 6 months. I'm sure you've heard the danger of not getting tubes is continuing to take the antibiotics, which can add to drug resistance later on. Some studies even suggest that the more antibiotics a little one takes, the greater his/her chances of developing asthma later.

Our ENT group in San Antonio specializes in pediatrics and has a FABULOUS web education slide show. Please go see it at http://pedient.com/ When you see the page, click on "ear tubes" and it will go right into the information. It was wonderful to see first hand what happens. (If you're in SA, they're on the NW side at the end of Huebner. We saw Dr. Bonilla who was fabulous and explained everything in plain English for us. We placed a follow up call to Dr. Moe on Christmas Eve and he was wonderful, too.)

We had tubes put in on an outpatient basis. Most outpatient clinic will schedule the youngest patients first, so your little one probably wouldn't have a long wait. We arrived at 5:30 AM for 6:30 AM surgery. Once Elijah was prepped for surgery, he was out within 20 minutes and literally 15 minutes later we were released to go home. We would have left sooner, but he was nursing because he had not eaten since the night before. My husband stayed home with him the rest of the day in case he had any adverse affects from sedation, but we could have sent him to daycare and he would have been fine. He went to daycare the next day with no problems.

We noticed immediately that he could hear better after the surgery. If your son hasn't been hearing well for some time, you may find he startles more easily because he's hearing things he's not used to hearing. My brother was in awe of the new sounds he could hear after his surgery. However, the daughter of some friends of ours got tubes and was suddenly freaked out by the vacuum cleaner, toilet, dishwasher and washing machine sounds that she'd never really heard before. They bought a CD of household white noise sounds and gradually increased the volume until she was ok with them.

The benefits of tubes far outweigh the risk, but be sure to ask all the questions you need to in order to feel comfortable with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. You might be surprised to know that lots of kids never get another ear infection and outgrow the problem.

Hope you find a great doc and that your little one is on the road to being ear-infection free very soon!

Best,
L.

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I just went through this a couple of weeks ago. My son had five ear infections within 3 months. It seemed like he was on antibotics forever when they stopped working they switched us to Rocephin shots (ouch). Finally we took him to ENT specialist and they suggested we get tubes. He was 10 months old when he got tubes and things have been great ever since. He has only had them for a month, but no ear infection yet. I would suggest you do it as fast as you can. The only problem we had is that he was allergic to something they gave him so he developed a rash. It is finally gone away and it never bothered him so all is well.

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Highly recommended!!! Your son will feel so much better.

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Hi D.,

My son had ear tubes put in when he was ten months old, and it was not a big deal at all. It was so much harder on my husband and I than him! In his situation, he really wasn't put completely under, just given a little gas for a very brief procedure. He was in and out in about 20 minutes. We had planned on keeping him home for two days after, but within two hours you would have never guessed he had even had surgery. The hardest part is that he couldn't eat after midnight, and the procedure wasn't until 9:00 the next morning. It is hard to explain to a hungry kid that they can't have anything to eat. It did make a difference in his overall health as well. He has only had about 3-4 ear infections in the past three years, compared to 5 infections in 6 months before the tubes were put in. Good luck and feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.

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D.,

I have 2 kids-- both had to have tubes. What a difference! My daughter (now 6) had to have them @ 15 months. My son (now 13 months)had them in @ 7 months! It has made a great difference for both of them. I would recommend it! But, talk to the ENT and see what she/he can do and then go from there.

Good Luck!

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Two of my three daughters had tubes put in under the age of 3. My oldest has had 2 sets of tubes and her adnoids (sp?)removed. We had a wonderful dr. Dr. Strange is his name. Don't let the name scare you off.. he is excellent. His office is down the street from Cook's in Fort Worth the # is ###-###-####. I was very scared about my girls being put to sleep. The first set they both had them done the same day. That was very stressful because the oldest was able to drink "giggle juice" but the younger one had to inhale the medication through the little oxygen tubes that they put in your nose. The hospital and the dr. were amazing! The results are my oldest has no hearing loss which before the tubes she had 20% loss in both ears and my middle child has only had 3 ear infections since she was 1 1/2 because of the tubes. My oldest's hearing is now 100%. I will say that putting them under makes you feel helpless because you actually see your child in a drugged state which made me feel very helpless but in the end I knew the risks were worth the cost of fixing their ears. I hope this helps, I know that it is scary but the procedure is literally 15 minutes long. I hope that everything goes great for your son!

A little about me:

I am a 34 yr old Stay-at-Home mom of 3 girls 8,6, and 3. I have been married for almost 11 yrs. I also have 4 other part time jobs - I have a home-based childcare service, I make and sell jewelry, I sell caps and gowns for grads with my mother and I do contract work for my husband. And if I actually have some spare time I love to scrapbook.

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Hi,
my son is now 20 years old and I had tubes in his ears the month before his first birthday and it was great it only took about 5 min. so not long to worry about him being under and he never had another ear infection or a cold. good luck

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My eldest was 18 months old when she had the surgery to have tubes put in and her adenoids out. At that time she was going through some stranger anxiety so she was given something to clam her down before they took her for the surgery itself. Afterward, when I was able to go back up to her a nurse was rocking her in a low-lit room and she was very sleepy. She was miserable after the surgery, ofcourse. She and I spent the day lying in bed with books and cartoons. By the 24th, however, she was enjoying a normal, fun Christmas Eve.

Madison is 6 now and only recently had her first ear infection since having the tubes, which fell out on their own when she was 3. Totally worth it for us, as she was having ear infections as frequently as your little guy.

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My 4 year old had tubes put in his ears about a year ago. He had 6 ear infections in 5 months, prior to that he hasn't had problems. It was strange. I was totally against it, until we had his hearing tested and find he had major hearing loss in both of his ears. The procedue took about 30 minutes from when we arrived at the hospital until when he was released. The actually procedue takes 7 mintues per the doctor. The worst part was when my son woke up from the anesthia. They told us what to expect, but never in my life have I heard my son scream bloody murder. I could him screaming from the waiting area. He wasn't in any pain, it was just the affect from the drugs.
He's doing great. We had some earplugs made for him. They weren't covered by my insurance, but they were not very expensive. He wears them to take a bath. Swimming was out of the questions this past summer. It's very painful for them to get water in thier ears, so I didn't want to chance taking him to the pool. I hope this helps.

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Dear D.,

As a former ENT surgical nurse, school nurse, and mom of 2 children who went through the same things as you, please let me alleviate your fears about going to the ENT doctor.

First, I am so glad that you are being concerned about this. Just know that going to the ENT doctor does not automatically mean that your child will need tubes. Of my two children, both of them had this problem....one did end up with tubes and the other was able to be treated with medication. Usually surgery is the LAST RESORT.

Please let me share from my heart now. I was a Jr. High nurse for 15 years and you would not believe the children that I saw that had repeated "untreated" ear infections and the results from it. Please know that children that have repeated ear infections....that many times its because of the shape of their internal ears ....which does not allow the proper drainage of fluids, so the fluids sit in there and are great "food" for the bacteria that cause most infections. Also, when this fluid builds up, it not only increases the chance for bacteria to grow, but it also can decrease their hearing.

In that area, let me share that some of the students I have worked with that have had repeated ear infections or just fluid in their ears.....I have found that they usually do not pass the basic hearing tests and I know of a few that had PERMANANT hearing loss. (now, the permanent hearing loss was not common, but I would never want to take that chance)

So please know that by taking your child in you can find out several things....first if the ear is properly draining, secondly is too much fluid being produced (maybe by allergies, etc.), third a check of their hearing by a professional, and lastly the next step for your child....medically or surgically.

I hope I have given you insight so that you will know that being aware of your child's health can really bring peace of mind and ultimately the best for the one you love so much.

Take care

G. P

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Well, first of all, you are lucky in that you live in Houston, home of Texas Children's Hospital. I have had children undergo surgery in many different hospitals in Texas, and the one near you is one of the best. (I don't have spectacularly bad luck, I'm a foster and adoptive parent to many special needs children!)
My youngest biological son had his first set of ear tubes placed shortly after his first birthday. He's seven now, and we're looking at having the fourth set placed sometime this spring. (waiting for him to NOT have a infection for five minutes in a row!) It's my understanding that the anesthesia used for ear tube surgery is not quite as strong as what they might use for other procedures. For example, it took my son nearly 12 hours to wake up after his first open heart procedure, but we were out the door and in the car on the way home within four hours of his ear tube placement.
The best piece of advice I can offer you is to develop a rapport with as many members of his care team as possible. Of course talk to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, but also ask questions of the nurses in the pre- and post- operative departments. Even though your son is a little young, take him to the pediatric pre-operative preparation program (say that three times fast!). The information presented will probably be a little over his head, but you may be surprised at how much it reassures you. If you have a clear idea of what to expect on the day of surgery, you'll be better able to translate the information to your son's particular developmental level, so you both can be more relaxed.
Also, don't hesitate to ask to speak to the anesthesiologist before the day of your scheduled procedure. Ask what drugs they plan to give, and what are the possible side effects of these drugs. Find out how they'll be administered, and when (I.V., by mask, etc...) If an I.V. is necessary, will it be inserted while your son is still awake, or after they put him to sleep by mask? Will they be inserting a tube down his throat to maintain his airway during the procedure? Because ear tube placement is considered by some to be a somewhat routine and relatively low-risk procedure, some anesthesiologists prefer to forego the breathing tube, but have one standing by just in case.
I know it's hard when your precious child is facing a need for surgery, but this one really will be okay. Of course any procedure carries risks, but the results of not having this particular surgery are not insignificant either (potential mastoid infection, hearing loss, speech delay due to chronic hearing impairment caused by multiple infections, etc...)I know you'll be there to fully support your son, but don't forget to bring someone along to support you. It's perfectly okay to need someone to hold your hand during the scary times, no matter how old you are!

d2

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One of the best things I ever did for my daughter! She has ear infections all of the time. We had tubes put in when she was 13 months old and she has not had once since (almost a year later). The surgery was nothing, the worst part was when she woke up from anesthesia but that was only because she was scared not in pain. Once we left the hospital, about an hour after surgery, she was back to her normal self.

You will not regret the tubes, they are wonderful.

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My daughter had her 1st set of tubes when she was 15 months old. I was very nervous about the surgery, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The surgery it self only takes about 10 minutes and by the time I got back into the recovery room she was already eating a popsicle. She had her tubes for 13 months and then they fell out……she continued to get ear infections so we had tubes put back in. She has not had an infection since. I am hoping this is the last time we have to do this! We went to Dr. Palmer in Fort Worth and my daughter and I both love him! Good luck!

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Hey D.,
My youngest son had the SAME PROBLEM, ear infection after ear infection...a lot of the time the very next week! He was about a year and a half and is doctor recommended tubes. I was nervous because I never had this with my oldest, but like others said it only took about 20 minutes, but when my son came to he cried a lot for about 20 minutes in recovery. Which they said it totally normal from waking up because he had no idea what was going on. While he still has had some ear infections, they have dropped WAY DOWN, like maybe 2 a year and he will be 5 in March! So yes, I think it is something you should do, if anything it will at least help cut them down. Hope that helps.
Good Luck!

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Hi. Guess what, my daughter just had this surgery. She had to have her tubes re-done, (because sometimes they might not work, but it's rare). She had them first done when she was 13 months old. It lasts like 7 minutes and then you take them home. My daughter has chronic ear infections, so for her, this second time, they also removed her adenoids. The ENT specialist told me that she should never have an ear infection again, so we will see. She too was getting them every month. If you have any questions about the surgery, feel free to email me. Good Luck, and it will be fine.

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Hi, My son had ear infections often as well. I went to see an ENT and he was wonderful. He is very expierenced. He charged my usual co pay and had a audiologist come into his office and test his hearing. She was so nice and my son liked the fun room where they test children. After cleansing the ears for wax,and testing his hearing, which after the cleansing was perfect, he sweared againist tubs and put him on Flonase. My son who just turned 4 has not had an ear ifection since. This is the longest ever, going on 4 months. His info is below: (Good Luck,)

ALTENAU MD MARK M
7777 FOREST LN # B434, DALLAS, TX 75230

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Hello

With my son we went to the ENT and he actually put my son on nose spray and that cleared up the issue. I really did not want to put tubes in his ears do to the fact that if they fall out the child might have to go thru the whole thing again and the child can still get a ear infections while having the tubes in. My suggestion would be to talk to the doctor and do as much research you can to make sure you are well informed. Hope this helps

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My son had tubes put in his ears around the same age as yours. I was so nervous about the procedure, but it took maybe 20 minutes. Once he woke up he was fine. He went back to daycare the next day. No more ear infections. He still gets colds and stuff, so our next step may be to do the tonsils and adenoids.
As far as tubes, not that big of a deal at all. Good Luck.

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My youngest had tubes put in his ears at 13 months and has only had 1 mirnor ear infection since then. It was so minor that we didn't even know he had one, No complaints from my son.
We saw Dr Amy Coffey which she is AWESOME. She is a Presby Plano at the Tollway and Parker. He was in and out within 15 min and it went well. The hard part was the after effects, cause everything is so much louder that it freaked him out but after 10-15 min he was fine.

Good Luck and I hope this helps. I would definitely do it again if I had to.
M.

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We went to Dr. Mehendale (ENT) and he is awesome. So kind and good. My son was 17 months old. The only thing is they can't eat after midnight the night before and until after the surgery. Take a bottle/sippy cup whatever of milk with you for post surgery or snacks or something.

They give kids some (bad) tasting med to get them very relaxed and then use laughing gas so they are not ever under general anesthesia. I felt better knowing that. But when my son came out of it, he did like how he felt (sort of drunk) and was very uneasy and upset. While other kids were fine, he was not comfortable. Just fyi. The procedure is very short under 10 minutes and the kids are fine. No biggie at all and worth it for the results.

Good luck!

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yep - been there - done that...I was scared - but these drs are great - we see dr peskind - windhaven & tollway in plano....depending on where you are - but he's great. He made a point of elling me he wouldn't do surgury on our little guy - unless he felt we had too....we actually ended up with a 2nd surgery - "T" tubes and adnoids removed....you'll both be fine...don't worry!

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Hi D.! Both of my children had tubes put in their ears. My daughter had it done at 1 1/2 and she did great! I was also stressed about putting her under but the surgery only lasted about 20-30 minutes and her recovery was quick. We gave her juice in a sippy cup as soon as she woke up and by that afternoon she was running around playing in the backyard!

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