$Unique_ID{BRK00811}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Ear Tubes for Recurrent Ear Problems}
$Subject{ears infection infections tubes special procedure procedures Sense
senses Tympanotomy middle ear ventilation outpatient surgical surgery
surgeries operation operations discharge}
$Volume{P-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Ear Tubes for Recurrent Ear Problems


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QUESTION:  My young son has had recurrent ear problems.  The ear infections
don't seem to respond well to medications.  My doctor says he wants to insert
tubes in my son's ears.  Can you tell me about these tubes?  What are the side
effects?  Will my son still be able to participate in sports activities with
the tubes in place?

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ANSWER:  Tympanotomy tubes are used when middle ear infections fail to respond
to treatment within a few weeks.  Many physicians suggest tubes may be
warranted after other therapies have failed.  Tubes may also be necessary if
in addition to an ear infection, the child is suffering from meningitis, an
inflammation behind the ear, or any other intracranial complication.
     The ventilation tubes are inserted during an outpatient surgical
procedure, so you won't need hospitalization in most cases.  In almost all
cases, the tubes result in immediate hearing improvement for the child.  This
benefits the youngster in educational and language development, and in the
school age child can make for a more successful school year.
     For most children, there are no restrictions concerning participation in
sports after the tubes are in place.  Swimming rarely poses any danger to the
child, unless he or she swims in contaminated water.  Pool water and clean
lake water are usually perfectly safe, but heed your personal physician's
advice.
     There are some side effects with tube usage.  One to three percent of
children experience chronic discharge from the ear when the tubes are in
place.  Sometimes the tubes are spontaneously pushed out of the ears.  And
some doctors feel there is the possibility of adhesions of the inner ear
membranes when the tubes have to be replaced more than once.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.