Scared About Tubes in Ears!

Have you tried a chiropractic adjustment? It helps the body work more efficiently... boosting immune function and promoting drainage. See icpa4kids.org for more info and a referral to a chiro with specialized training.

A. Grundy, DC DACCP

Have you tried Chiropractic care? As crazy as it sounds, my daughter occasionally has trouble with her ears. On a visit to the Chiropractor she mentioned it, and he adjusted her ears. She said it was kind of weird, but wow what a relief. May be worth a try since it is a non-invasive treatment.

There is no need to be concerned both of my daughters had tubes. My oldest was 16 months old and still was not walking he balance was way off the same day she had the tubes put in she was running around with a backpack on her back. She is now 5.5 years old and never had another infection. My youngest had the tubes put in at 9 months old and was behind on her speech now she talks better than most 16 month old children and just got over her only ear infection since the tubes. To be honest I was bale to catch this infection much quicker than usual, she has always played with her ears and not always ran a fever with the infrctions so this time when I saw the drainage I was like oh ear infection and it was gone before she had much pain to deal with. Like everyone else said its really quick and the worst part for me was no food after midnight with my youngest. They were both a little groggy for a while afterwards but then they were fine. So no need to worry, all will be fine.

My youngest son (now almost 5) had tubes put in when he was 1. He had many ear infections, usually took more than a round of antibiotics to clear it, etc. The tubes were the BEST option for him. Afterward he NEVER had another infection, not even drainage out of it, and when they went in they found that the infections weren't clearing right, but were forming a gel on the back of his ear drum, meaning he was never going to hear right until they pulled that out. It was like night and day. He was literally not able to hear right before hand, I just thought he was stubborn. But the first time I told him "NO" after he got the tubes, he looked at me and cried. He was SO much happier afterwards and his speech is WAY better than his older brothers (who had infections, but they didn't think tubes were necessary). SUCH a difference.. And the procedure is very short.

Hi, I read your concern and just want to let you know you have nothing to worry about. I personally had tubes put in when I was 7 yrs old and haven't had an ear ache since. It was over 20 yrs ago and I'm sure things are more advanced since my surgery. I guess the only thing I would really be worried about is how your son is going to handle it. Just try to make him as comfortable as possible. See if you can get a childrens book about going to the hospital or surgery, I'm sure you can find something like that out there. It's never easy to see your baby in pain or scared so good luck to both of you. Take care.

I know its easier said than done..but you really need not worry. My sisters 4 kids all had them and my son had them done 3 days before his 3rd bday. They took him back and i seen him about 30 mins later, he was crying and whiney but it was cuz of the meds from him being under why they did the procedure..within another half hr we were out of there and on our way home..he was fine,, came home and played like nothing ever happened. He hhas never had drainage or problems and so far they havetn fallen out..and its been 1.5 yrs. In his case his speech improved, cuz with the tubes, he was finally hearing things clearly and not like he was under water.

Your little guy will be fine..its us moms that need the comforting more then the tough little kids..

good luck

My son had tubes put in his ears when he was 2 years old. The entire process took about 10 minutes! I went into the surgery room with him while they put him to sleep. I held him until he fell asleep then I had to leave so they could put the tubes in. They came to us with him about 20 minutes after that, he had already woken up and was looking for him. He was like new, nothing bothered him and he hasn't had an ear infection after that, not one. He used to get them all the time. He's now 5 years old and hasn't suffered from an ear infection for 3 years now. It's completely worth it, it was painless to him, the tubes fall out on their own, we didn't have to worry about him finding it and putting it in his mouth because apparently it was so small that he wasn't going to find it. The last time we took him to the ENT both the tubes had fallen out. Don't worry about it, once your son gets the tubes in he'll feel so much better.

Both of my girls had to go this route. It is a very easy surgery on them - they are only out for about 10 minutes. Neither of mine even cried, but they were a bit older than your little guy. For them the scariest part is leaving mom for a little bit. It is very routine and nothing to be scared about. And you will be amazed at the changes in them once their ears stop giving them trouble. My youngest speech improved 100%. Good luck.

It is nothing to worry about BUT you should get a second oppintion because he is only 17 months and can't really tell you how it feels when he gets an infection. Getting water in the ears and it running into the internal ear is a task and even harder because of his age. Just double check before you have it done.

Hi H.! I know it's scary, but if it's only the tubes in the ears, it will literally only take a few minutes in surgery. My daughter was about that age when she had tubes put in, but she also had her adenoids removed at the same time, and that surgery only took about 15 minutes. I would imagine with just the tubes, he will be running around like normal as soon as the anesthetic wears off. My daughter was pretty out of it most of the day, but that evening I didn't give her another dose of the strong pain killer, and instead gave her some tylenol and as soon as that pain killer wore off, she jumped up and started playing. This was after cuddling up in my lap all day long too! Don't worry!

I was the same way when my son had tubes. He was only 11 months old and had basically had 2 infections that just didn't want to go away. It was the fastest surgery ever. I was saying goodbye to him and about 10 to 15 minutes later he was done. He has been great ever since. It was by far the best thing we could have done for him. Your little guy will be O.K. Just remember he is your baby so if you have any questions ask ask ask!! The doctor should be willing to answer all of them. Good Luck and don't worry!!

I have not had this done for my kids. Fortunately they don't get ear infections often. But, I have had 2 girlfriends with little boys that have gotten tubes. Your doctor probably feels like it is the best aproach to the problem. One friends son had hearing loss due to constant fluid and infections, and the other said her son is so much happier now. I know you are scared, but just think how much better he will feel after it is all done. I presonally would do it if hearing loss is a risk. You have to do what is right for your kids, even if it scares you a litte. Good Luck.

My son had tubes placed back in July when he was 17 months old and it has helped so much. You have nothing to worry about. It took longer to fill out paperwork then it did to have the tubes placed. Good luck and I hope the tubes help as much as they have helped Evan.

H.,

No worries. My son has had 2 sets of tubes and its the best thing we ever did for him. He just turned 4 and finally his speech is basically normal.

He had the first set of tubes put in at 15 months. They fell out (we didn't see them when they fell out) and the 2nd set was put in when he was just over 3. Since then, one of them has fallen out and that ear is just fine.

After he got the tubes both times he never had another ear infection.

The scariest part of the whole thing is when they wheel him off to start the procedure. But it's a quick, easy procedure.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

My son didn't enjoy coming out of the anasthesia too well. But rememer that you don't want your son to build up resistance to antibiotics. This is the best option. It'll be a year in Jan. now and one tube is laying in the ear canal and the other one is still in. Just don't forget the earplugs!

The tubes are nothing to be scared of. My oldest son had tubes when he was 9 months old. The surgery is really fast, probably less then a half hour from the time they take him back and you go back to him in recovery. He might be a little crabby afterwards, but he'll never know they are there.

I agree with Katie M. My son had tubes in July, he was about 17mos as well. It did take longer for the paperwork than the actual procedure. My son has only had one ear infection since. I was not confortable with our first ENT the went to a recommeded ENT and loved him. The Dr. explained everything to a "T" and I was not nervous about the after care or the precautions to be taken while the tubes are in. Good Luck!!
J.

Neither of my kids have had them in themselves but my good friend son had tubes put in her sons ears. She felt the same way but everything went great and she would do it again now that it is done. I don't know if you have the same problems she did but her son was cranky alot of the time and didn't sleep well do to the constant ear infections. Since the tubes were put in he sleeps better and seems to be in a better mood and just feels better overall. I know it is scary but everything will go fine and he will be a happier little boy. Good Luck!!

Hi H. - It is perfectly safe to have tubes put in his ears. He will probably be feeling better very soon afterwards. I am a mother of three and a nurse and it is a better alternative to taking antibiotics that much or having to take several different types of antibiotics just to clear up the infection. My son had the same thing done at age 3 - and it wasn't as common then (He is 18 and a college student now!!)He also had large adenoids and frequent bouts of tonsillitis and had them removed at age 5 - and since then (13 years ago!!), I can count on ONE hand the number of upper respiratory infections he has had. And he has had NO ear infections.I myself have had fluid buildup behind the ear and it is not a comfortable situation. At his age, the tubes should stay in about a year or so, you probably won't even see that they came out and it is possible he may have to have them again in the future - some kids do. I wish you and your son well.Don't be afraid to ask your doctor or his nurse questions and it helps to have things written down before you go in to an appointment. I write down my questions when I take my kids or my mom in to the doctor, and I have 14 years experience as a nurse. Take care,B.

H.-
Nothing to worry about!! My 22 month old has tubes and it was the best decision we made....she sleeps through the night and we don't have to worry about resistance to antibiotics. Her speech also improved. I work at a surgery center and we do tubes daily. Your son will be back in your arms in about 20 minutes and he will be playing by the end of the day as if nothing happened. Good Luck.

H.,
Naturally, you should be nervous about your child having surgery. However, my daughter had to get tubes put in along with removal of her tonsils & adenoids in the same surgery. It was very hard to watch her go through so much pain, but it was well worth it. That happened two years ago, and my daughter has not had any ear infections since. She has had one case of strep throat, but that's great compared to her old track record! I wish you good luck!

H.- our son had tubes put in both ears at 16 months and it was the best decision we ever made. He had been sick with ear infections and upper respiratory illnesses and we had been going to the doctor every other week, it seemed, for a new antibiotic. Once he got his tubes, it cut down on his doc visits and antibiotics. We were so pleased! He could also hear. DId your doc explain that when they have fluid in the ears, it is like listening to someone talk under water? All of a sudden everything was so clear for him! The surgery itself was a breeze. It literally took 15 minutes for the surgery and he was back in our arms within a half hour. He was whoozy for a little while, but fine. he was playing in no time. He had a little Tylenol and ear drops and was good to go! We were scared too, but it was a really good decision. We would do it again. the tubes finally fell out about 3 years later on their own. Since then he has had a little fluid, but not enough to merit getting tubes again. Most kids outgrow it by the time the tubes fall out. good luck with your son's surgery! It is so common and he will do great!

It is such a quick, easy procedure, you have nothing to worry about! My daughter got hers in almost 2 years ago now. She had a ton of ear infections and I think some that we didn't even know about. She suffered a SLIGHT hearing loss due to the fluid sitting in her middle ear. So the tubes went in. She has had like 2 infections after the tubes, which I thought was wierd, but I guess there is a slim chance even after tubes. My ENT told me the only way an infection would clear up with tubes is with the use of ear drops from the doc..so you might want to see about that from your doctor. Hers have not fallen out ever, and since she did get a few infections, her doctor wants to keep the tubes in a liitle longer. But really we have had no problems! We use the earplugs they made for her when swimming or bathing.It is really not a big deal for them to get the tubes in...you will be surprised at how fast it really is. Good luck, and don't worry too much!

Hi H.,
I have a 16 yr old daughter that when she was 4 years old I waited to have her tubes put into her ears and now she is hearing impaired and has to wear a hearing aid. Now this doesn't mean she can't function as any regular 16 yr old but it is always in the back of my mind of the what could have beens!!! Please don't delay to much longer and try to look at the positives of your sons tubes being placed into his ears to help him get the fluid out. If you have any more in depth questions, please feel free to email me at ____@____.com. I would love to answer any of your questions or any of your fears that you have about the surgery.
Good Luck
C.

I was the same as you, I was worried to death. We had it done at 16 months after several ear infections and a third round of super antibiotics and still had fluid in the ears. The procedure was about 15 minutes and was painless to her. She has not been sick since and recovered without any issues or complications now at 23 months we would have had at least two ear infections by now but have had nothing. I was petrified too but now I am so glad we did it.

H.,
My son got tubes in his ears at about the same age as yours. It wasn't bad at all. We were with him in his room until they took him back....they put him under and put the tubes in. This whole process did not take very long. I left his room, walked to the waiting room, grabbed a dollar, got a pop from the machine in the waiting room and sat down. Just as I sat down, the doctor came out and tossed his ear drops to me and told me that he was done and I could see him as soon as he woke up. It was just about 2 minutes later when he woke up. He was a little groggy and fussy that day. He is 4 1/2 now and he has only had one ear infection since!

My sons ears drained and it was kind of orangeish color...that's good! If it stays in his ear, it would be an infection. HIs daycare was very concerned about it, but it's normal.

Good luck. I know how difficult it can be when your child had a medical procedure done!
A.

My son has had two sets...it's really nothing to be scared of. I can tell you that at their age the anesthesia makes them very discombobulated when they wake up. They scream and cry and are pretty inconsolable until it wears off, and that was the hardest thing for me to watch. But other than that, it's no big deal and helps tremendously in the long run.

Having said that, it sounds like this procedure may be a bit premature. 3 infections is not much; by the time my son had his first set put in he was 15 months old and had been through at least 8 to 10 that I can think of. However if you're going to do it, just know that the tubes can eject prematurely. After my sons first set come out, about a year after he got them, they put in a second set that came out about 2 weeks later. But he was big enough that the infections had subsided. Our ENT said that at such a young age the eustachian tubes, that drain fluid in the ears, are at about a 10 degree angle. An adults sits at about 45 degrees, so a childs ears just lack the overall ability to get fluid out of them. The fluid builds and infection intrudes, and if you can't get the fluid out the infection won't go away.

As his body grows the angle will correct itself, by tthe time he is 4 or five, sometimes even as young as 3, you will see a big improvement without the aid of tubes. Hopefully one set will do the trick, and you won't have further issues. If you have any questions you'd like to ask me, I have dealt with this a lot, feel free to shoot me an email. Don;t worry it will be fine!

i cannot say enough about this ear oil i purchased at gnc . . . they suggested tubes for my son, and i utilized this wally's ear oil that contains herbs and what not (all natural) . . . no tubes, and no antibiotics . . . i would google natural ear infection remedies online and read up a little . . .

hope that helps . . .A.

My niece on one side of the family and my nephew on the other side both have had these done at pretty young ages. It's a really straightforward, rather painless procedure. And they've really improved the tubes now because the kids can even go swimming with them in (unlike what was offered to my brother 20 years ago). I know it's hard being the mom and hearing the word "surgery," but it's probably even harder on you to see the ear infections go on for weeks on end with no relief for your little boy! One day and its over! He'll be fine... and so will you!

My little brother had chornic ear infections when he was younger. The drs put tubes in his ears. They are very helpful. They can be bothersome at times.They will fall out oon their own, but keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't stick anything in them. If they don't fall out on their own they will have to be removed. They shouldn't cause too much trouble though. In the long run it will help future ear infections. Ther's nothing really to be afraid of. My kids thankfully didn't need them yet. I hope all goes well with it.

H.,

My older son had tubes put in at a year. Here is a quote from his website that I posted when it happened (he's now 2.5):

"We did find out around the beginning of June that his hearing was being affected by the fluid in his ears that wouldn't drain since April or so. We were referred to a Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist and it turned out that Jacob needed tubes put in his ears to help the fluid drain. He had the procedure on June 9th. All went well and he was a little trooper, sitting up in the crib holding on and smiling at everyone as they wheeled him through the hospital. I'm sooooooo glad he wasn't crying when they took him away as I would have lost it. The procedure was done in like 15 minutes and was a (so far) success. We noticed a difference in his hearing later that afternoon. At first I thought I was imagining it, but then Rich asked me if I noticed. Then, we thought we were just being hopeful and then Grandma Deb noticed."

So, he had in on Friday, June 9th. On Saturday, we had a family party for his 1st birthday and there were 47 people there (we have a big family). On Sunday, June 11th, we had a party for our friends and their kids. He was fine all weekend.

At his post-tube check-up, his hearing was fine and fluid was gone. He hasn't had an ear infection since, well, maybe one. But, it was knocked out in no time.

At his 2 year check-up the tubes were still in. We still use earplugs in the bath or pool, but other than that it was a very positive experience for us.

Good luck!

T.

I just had this done for my son two months ago when he was also 17 months. It was the best thing I could have done for him. I was very hesitant at first, but after two infections and several rounds of antibotics (all done over the summer), I was afraid of how bad he would have it through the winter months. They took us to a waiting room and explained what they would do. The anethesialogist(sp?) made friends with my son and gave him a teddy bear which he got to take home. They took him back and in less than 10 minutes they came and got us and said he was fine. He woke up crying, but calmed down after a few minutes. He was fine after that. They recomended giving him Tylenol before we came and for the next 24-48hrs. Starting the second night, he was finally sleeping through the night again. He speach improved dramatically. He was a completely different child. If you have been fighting it this bad, I would deffinetly recommend tubes. When it comes to meds and surgeries, I am a firm believer of if they need it, don't do it. I am SO glad I did this for him.
As far as baths go. You can still poor water on his head to rinse and he can still splash around. Just don't let him submerge his head underwater. You will need to get special ear plugs for that and swimming. Good luck.

Hi...I was in your situation about 3 years ago with my twins...some chronic infections, etc...then they wanted to put tubes in their ears and take out adnoids. I felt that there had to be a better way...a friend of ours is a chiropractor and he suggested to bring them in for adjustments(I was willing to try anything) and I did. It has been 3 years and neither of them have had a single infection. Chiropractic care also helps in so many other ways-I saw that someone posted a website...I would check it out. I now bring my 2 younger daughters and I have never had any ear problems with them either. I would say to give it a shot, you can still have the tubes put in if you dont feel you are getting success with the chiropractor. You can email me if you have any questions. Good luck!

I would just urge you to be cautious and also seek a second opinion. I had many ear infections as a child and had tubes in multiple times. The problem with them is that they fall out of place and I had to have them redone. As an adult I have a 30% hearing loss- not related to the ear infections but related to the scarring on my eardrums from the tubes (they are immobile and don't vibrate with noise the way other people's do).

I am sure that technology has improved since I was a child, but I also know that ear infections are way overtreated. Please seek a second opinion so you can feel comfortable with the decision and weigh all of your options. Also, don't hesitate to ask your doctor all of your questions. They are being paid to answer them:)

Here is a link to WebMD info on tubes: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/tubes-for...

I honestly don't understand why so many parents are terrified of tubes. It's a very simple straigthforward procedure that takes 10 minutes. My middle child had tubes put in when she was 15 months old. We spent more time in the waiting room doing paperwork than it took for her to undergo the procedure! We checked in, filled out some forms, waited 15 minutes and went to the pre-op room. The nurse took her vitals, gave her a small squishy ball to hold onto, made sure she was holding her blankie and had her pacifier and carried her to the room. The nurse returned with her 15 minutes later - still with blankie and pacifier and ball (which she was able to keep as a souvenir) - and I held her. She was awake but a little groggy and she nursed for about 20 minutes (it was 8am, no food since midnight). She never cried or anything. By noon that day she was outside running around chasing her big brother and playing like nothing had happened. They don't give the little kids an IV or shots or even make them change clothes -- she was wearing her PJs the entire time.

I certainly never regretted it. Her first winter, (between 4 months and 10 months) she had 10 ear infections. Yes, she was breastfed (no formula at all) but big brother brought home all the germs from preschool. Her second winter, she had a couple colds and 1 ear infection -- a huge improvement! And yes, they can still get an ear infection with tubes in, but it's much less likely and when they do get one it isn't as severe.

Our son had tubes put in his ears in March of this year, after having a lot of ear infections, he was on 6 different antibiotics from thanksgiving-christmas 2006, we went to an ear nose and throat specialist, and we decided to put him on a preventative, (smaller dose of antibiotics) and if he got 1 ear infection while on it, we were to schedule tubes, well he got another one. His speech had been slighly effected so it really was THE BEST THING WE DID, I too was scared about surgery, petrified in fact, the minute we sat down to eat the snacks they provided, they said he was all done and we could come back and see him. Due to the anethsia (sp?) he cried and cried, he was scared and disoriented, when we got into the car he stopped crying, he slept, till we got the ear drops, when we got home, it was as if everything was normal he played and was happy boy.

During the time of frequent ear infections, anytime my husband said his name he wouldn't respond, the first time after the surgery my husband said his name, he turned around and acknowleged it, my husband was almost in tears.

I do recommond them. We haven't had any problem with them, they haven't fallen out, this is his first set. Although they told us that it can happen.

Any question please ask.....