Ear tube options for 6 year old. PLEASE HELP! - Ear, Nose & Throat Message Board

us4momos · 01-25-2007, 02:48 PM

Hello all, I'm new here and hope to find some advice. My son is now 6 1/2 and about 1 1/2 years ago had the whole adenoids/tonils/tubes surgery done due to chronic ear infection. Recently, the tubes fell out and we thought all was well. However, 2 months later, the fluid behind his ear drum is back. Hearing tests reveal that he has no damage and his ear looks great. He does however have temporary hearing loss due to the fluid build up. Apparently his Eustacian tubes are not working properly.

I'm hoping to hear some testimonials, or pro's and con's to getting another set of tubes. I have heard that repeated tube surgery can cause hearing damage as an adult. But, not getting them can also cause more damage.

Please help! He's a smart boy and I don't want him to fall behind in school or get in trouble because he can't hear. We want to do what's best, but right now the multiple tubes (maybe through high school!) seems like such a bad idea.

Thank you so much!
Dave

mkgbrook · 01-25-2007, 09:34 PM

Have you tried using decongestants and anti-histamines to manage the fluid? Have you had your son Allergy tested?

My son had the adnoidectomy and tubes at 2, and tonsillectomy at 3.5.. since he has been fine. However we must keep him on zyrtec, singular, and flonase due to allergies.

He has not had an issue with ear fluid since the tonsillectomy.

Sincerely,
MG

us4momos · 01-26-2007, 10:30 AM

It hasn't REALLY been presented as an option. We've tried them a few times with a little success. Alergy testing seems like a good idea. I've heard a milk alergy could be the culprit? What is your child alergic to? We're being told it is his Eustacian tubes that are not allowing fluid to drain. That's what makes me think it's not allergies. It gives us a good option though! Thanks!