Does Your Child Have Chronic Ear Infections?
While most people have had an ear infection every now and then, many children suffer from frequent ear infections. If a child has an infection more than 4 times yearly, tympanostomy surgery may be a good treatment option. During a tympanostomy placement, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist insert ear tubes to promote better drainage.
How can ear tubes help?
Due to growing and development processes, children are at a higher risk of ear infections. An ear infection is often a complication of another illness, like the common cold. Because of the angle of children’s ear canals, proper drainage is often more difficult. When fluid builds up in the ears, the result can be swelling, irritation, and pain. The purpose of ear tubes is to open up the ear canal and provide better drainage.
What to expect during surgery
During the tympanostomy placement, an ENT makes a small incision in the eardrum, suctions out fluid, and places the ear tubes into the hole in the eardrum. This procedure typically only takes about 15 minutes and happens in the doctor’s office. Patients typically return home on the same day.
Immediate relief
Most children feel immediately better after an ear tube placement. This is especially true if the reason for the tympanostomy was to treat hearing loss due to fluid buildup. A child may feel a bit groggy from the anesthesia for the rest of the day but will be back to regular activity within 24 hours.
The recovery process
Children will need to return for follow-up appointments 2-4 weeks after surgery, at the direction of the ENT. This appointment is scheduled to ensure that the ear tubes are staying in place and working correctly. Additional check-ups are then scheduled every 4-6 months. In some cases, children may get a prescription for eardrops to help prevent fluid buildup between appointments.
Is removal necessary?
Most of the time, ear tubes stay in place for 6-9 months and then fall out naturally. If the tubes don’t fall out within the recommended timeframe, the ENT may surgically remove the tubes in another simple procedure. Usually, if tubes have not fallen out after 2-3 years, the doctor will recommend removal. In contrast, sometimes ear tubes will fall out sooner than expected and the ENT will have to replace the tubes.
Find treatment for ear infections
For most children, ear tubes significantly decrease the frequency of ear infections. While a child may still have some infections, the treatment makes symptoms milder and less frequent. Once ear tubes are removed or fall out, the hole in the eardrum closes naturally. To learn more about tympanostomy placement, schedule an appointment with an ENT.
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“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
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Ear tubes help children avoid the pain and hearing loss associated with recurrent ear infections by improving air circulation within the ear.
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