How to Determine if Ear Tube Surgery is Right for a Child

Many parents of young children have experienced the frustration of watching their child suffer a middle ear infection, otherwise known as otitis media. Unfortunately, many of these children require repeated antibiotic treatment and are at risk for hearing loss. Ear tubes can provide relief, but you'll want to consider a few things before deciding on this treatment for your child.

Instructions

• 1

  Try using antibiotics to treat bacterial ear infections. If ear infections don't respond to antibiotic treatment, or ear infections become too regular and require repeated antibiotic treatment, then ear tubes may be a good choice.

• 2

  Get a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT). The doctor should examine your child's ears over a period of time to determine the presence of fluid in the ear. Persistent fluid, for more than four months is one factor in favor of ear tubes.

• 3

  Ask an audiologist to examine your child's hearing. Fluid in the ear can cause hearing problems, which can negatively affect speech. If your child has hearing loss, ear tubes consider ear tubes.

• 4

  Think about your child's comfort level. If infections are impacting your child's ability to participate in regular daily activities, then ear tubes may be a good option.

• 5

  Consider the risks of ear tube surgery, including eardrum perforation or scaring, infection, drainage from the ears and any ordinary risks that accompany the use of anesthesia.

• 6

  Expect ear tubes to fall out themselves after several months or years and second surgery is not usually necessary.