7 Month Old Recommended to Get Ear Tubes

Hi K.! Before getting the tubes put in, go see a chiropractor. It's amazing what chiropractic work can heal. If you're in the Corpus Christi area, I recommend Dr. Krugman at Island Chiropractic. Good luck!!

Hello! I have 4 children the 3 older ones have tubes and my youngest was just told today at 7 months that he needed tubes also. The first two boys had no problems and never had another ear infection after receiving them. My daughter at 10 months had tubes put in and with in 1 hr she started bleeding a lot from one ear. I took her to our local hospital bc the one that performed the surgey was 1 1/2 hrs away. They could not get the bleeding to stop so they sent her to Children's Hospital where they suctioned the blood from her ear, packed it, repeated this and finally 2 days later it quit. She then had to go back a month later and remove the tube and another one was put in bc of the dried blood. No one had ever heard of this happening and no one ever told us why it happened...needless to say we will never go back there and I am not too thrilled about having his tubes done after this but I will. My daughter tubes just fell out and she will be 4 in April. She was ear infection free until they fell out and she has had one. Just thought I would share bc no one mentioned that this could ever happen. I was always told that this is a simple procedure and had few risks. Take care!! B.

We had ear tubes put in our two year old two months ago. It has made her life so much more comfortable. I would highly recommend doing it, especially because at this age, your baby isn't able to really communicate his pain so well and you never know how much pain and discomfort he may be experiencing. The only hard part is when they come out of anesthesia and that is only in some cases and over within 30 min. It is a quick procedure and very safe. I know its scary, but overall, we are so happy that we did it and wished we would have done it sooner.

Hi K.! My son got ear tubes after ear infection, acid reflux, day care and all those risk factors too! He was 10 months old. I was very concerned about the anasthesia too! The surgery was a piece of cake. We went around 6:00 a.m. We waited in the waiting room forever,and then they took us back to the prepping place. My son was pretty fussy, so I rocked him and he fell asleep in my arms. The nurses took him away from me which was hard b/c I knew they would give him the knock out drugs. But, at least I didn't have to see it. They just give them a mask to wear, so at least it's not some kind of shot. Then, after, I promise 10 minutes, the Dr. came out and said the surgery went great and we could go get our son. We went to the recovery area and he was still asleep with the mask on. I hated seeing that mask. The nurses said he would probably be fussy all day. He woke up right after they took the mask off. He was groggy, but not fussy. We went home and he played like a little maniac all day long. He pointed to his ears alot and smiled! It was good to see. That Sunday, he actually started saying some things after being completely silent for what seemed like a life time. It's wonderful! He has not had another infection since then and has been feeling tons better! It's very worth it. Good luck!

I can't say about 7 mos., but my girlfriend just had her daughter's done--she's about 15 mos.--says it's the best thing that ever happened. Everyone is happy. No more infections. My girlfriend is a nurse and her husband is a surgeon. They obviously thought it was okay. Good luck!

My daughter got tubes at 19 months my son at 9 months. I would highly recommend the tubes. The entire procedure lasted no more than 10 minutes and that was taking them and returning them to the room. I feel it is better to get tubes than continued use on antibiotics and delayed speech from continues ear infections and ear pain from fluid trapped in the ear which can rupture the ear drum. neither of my children had ill effects from the anesthesia. They woke up a little fussy and that lasted up to 10-20 minutes but then you would never know anything happened at all. Good luck

My daughter got tubes when she was 15 months, so unfortunately I can't comment on the age question... except to suggest you research any side effects or possible risks from putting him out at his age.

However the reason I responded is to mention that my daughter was constantly on antibiotics as an infant through 23 months, and developed reactions to antibiotics. So, if you haven't considered this, one positive for getting your son tubes is that you might be able to decrease his overall exposure to antibiotics (and therefore, decrease his chances of developing reactions to them). Because, reactions to antibiotics is considered a life long allergy... If you can avoid this from developing, its best to do so.

Now, that being said, everyone told me that once she got ear tubes, it would be a "new dawn" and I would see significant changes in her health... No. She got another sinus infection 8 weeks later (and those didn't subside until her sinus cavities naturally matured around 24 months). The reason I mention this is that, the tubes can address the frequency of ear infections, however if the ear infections are caused by chronic sinus problems and/or constant congestion or some other situation, then those causes will continue... So, he might still develop infections in associated areas even with the tubes...

(If I had to decide again, would still get the tubes in my daughter even though they were not the 'cure'... I figure it could have been worse for her to go through all the congestion without the tubes, if that makes sense).

Try a Sacral Cranist who specializes in children. I've read that they have great sucess with that kind of problem. Without surgery.

Hi K.,
I have two girls 8&5 and the oldest did not have tubes put in until she was 2 1/2, I battled ear infections which triggered her breathing problems, and I wish someone had reccommmended surgery earlier. With my youngest again same problem earinfections= respirtory problems which ended her in the hospital at 4 months, the Dr. did not wait and we puts tubes in at almost 5 months, one of the best things I did. No more Dr. visits for the ears, ears started dripping I knew to put in the drops.

Hi My daughter had tubes when she was six months old It was the best thing in the whole world. We were at the DR at least once a week. The benefits definitely out way the risks. It is a five minute surgery all they did with my daughter was give her something to drink that made her fall asleep. She was up and around thirty minutes later. The only thing that was not good about the whole thing was the whole day after the surgery was she was very cranky the rest of the day I don't think she was in any pain I just think the medicine they gave her made her a little groggy the rest of the day. She was ear infection free for the next year and a half. But as sometimes goes with chronic ear infections We had them replaced when she was five My daughter was outside playing a few hours later. I hope this has been helpful for you and hope everything goes smoothly for you and your son.

My little bro had them put in when he was little, this was 19 years ago. The only lasting effect they had on him was for a long time, till they came out, we were told to NEVER put his head under water. So a few years of that and he became afraid of putting his head under water once it was time for swimming lessons at age 4 or so (after his tubes had already fallen out). Other than that the tubes have helped him, if it wasn't for those tubes he'd have had a lot more infections and he was already losing some of his hearing so it would've gotten worse. Lucky your son is much younger so hearing damage probably isn't there yet. My brother was 2 when they figured out his hearing was deteriorating because of the problem. The tubes saved his hearing and gave my parents an answer to his speech delays and seeming "quiet personality" (poor kid didn't know what was going on because he couldn't hear lol).

Anyway, yes, you're going to be worried about anestetics but personally I think the tubes will do your son a world of good in the long run. Perhaps if you have any fears you can wait until your son is a little older but also you could be doing better by him if you just do it now. I'm not sure, it's a decision only a mother could make but I think he'll be fine. Good luck on your decision!

my son had tubes put in right around that age. Best thing we ever did, never had another problem again, antibiotics are not good either which was my concern. The procedure literally takes like 10 minutes, and aside from crying for like 30 minutes afterwards(I think he just felt confused) n being tired the rest of the day from getting up so early (they usually schedule the babies first so they won't get too hungry) you would have never thought he had anything done.

Hello. I just wanted to give you another option. I use a great chiropractor for my son, and he sees many kids that have been in your babies situation, and is able to help them without surgery or medication.. just thought I would drop you a note since an awesome mom did the same for me a year ago when I was in a very similar situation. Email me for his name, and I will gladly answer ANY questions.
____@____.com
Good luck in whatever your choice is.

Hi K.,
I can understand your worry. My son is 5 years old and had reflux and still does. His reflux started probably at birth. We had him sleep on a wedge until he was about 12 months old. THis helps to stop the acid coming up and getting into his ears. We did not have any ear infections luckily. I would see another ENT if I was you. I don't think that surgery is recommended in such a young baby. I am not certain of that but I was told when my son was about 6 months old that they don't like to give an anaesthetic until they are at least 18 months old.
I hope that you get a happy solution. Try to avoid antibiotics if you can. If not make sure you give probiotics as well.
Best of luck.
W.

Hi K., Last November, my daughter was put under at 12 days of age to puncture her ears from a double ear infection (to drain the fluid). Then at 8 weeks, she had her third double ear infection and she was put under again for tubes. Like you, it was the anesthesia I was SO worried about. It's a twilight anesthesia. The procedure itself only takes about 5 minutes. Tubes are the greatest thing!!! She's had a ridiculous amount of colds over the last year and I didn't have the stress of ear infections and constant ear checks throughout the year. You are making a great decision. I will advice that you use Strictly Pediatrics as your surgery center. It's right across the street from Dell Children's Hospital and the same staff as the hospital (they deal with children only! When I expressed my anesthesia concerns, they reminded me there are newborns who have to be put under for major surgeries and not to worry too much). I don't know what ENT you are using but we used the Austin Pediatric ENT office near ____@____.com. Nowlin, Connelly and Sawyers. I highly recommend Nowlin! He's great. ...and they have privileges at Strictly Pediatrics. Good luck and don't stress about it much. The anesthesia is not as serious as if they were going under for a major surgery.

My son had this done at a later age and I wish that he had, had it done earlier. He did have the recurrent ear infections and we both hurt with it. The high fever's and the pain that just kept happening made life very hard. The constant visits to the Dr. and all the Med.s that he had to take $$ and time. He was so much better after having it done that I wondered why my childs Dr. kept putting it off. Get it done it is worth it.

Hello K.,

I hope this isn't too late.

My daughter was 4 1/2 months old when her pediatrician referred us to an ENT and were told she would need ear tubes. Her surgery was done when she was 5 1/2 months. I was very scared and my biggest concern was the anesthesia as well. Because of her age her ENT did the surgery at Texas Children's hospital, because the anesthesiologists (sp?) there only work with children and babies. He also explained that the surgery is very quick so they are not under very long.

My daughter also had a second set of tubes at 18 months. She is a beautiful, sassy eight year-old now.

To make a long story short, I would do it all over again for the results. My daughter's ear infections almost never cleared up. When they did they always came back as soon as she finished her medication and even ruptured her ear drum several times.

If your interested, we used Dr. Newton Duncan. He is a Pediatric ENT and he has been interviewed on the local news a couple of times regarding children's ENT health issues. He and his staff were wonderful.

My prayers are with you. I know exactly how you are feeling.

T.

Hi K.,
My son got his first set of tubes at 6 months. We were at the doctors every month prior to the tubes. Afterwards we didnt see the dr except for reg visits. We also started giving him Echinacea, which is a natural herb that you can get in liquid for infants, for allergies and colds. He eventually had to have another set when he was about 3. He is now 13 and has no problems with his ears.
K.

I personally would wait and for sure get a second opinion. Many doctors rush for tubes when it may not be necessary. Some kids need them, don't get me wrong. But, many don't and just have many ear infections. So, don't jump the gun. Make sure it is what he truly needs and not just one doctor's opinion. If you need just a second opinion, I highly recommend Dr. Craig Kuebker, ###-###-####. He's very experienced, knows when to send to a specialist, and doesn't push anything on anyone.

My yonger daughter had tubes put in at 5 months. She got an ear infection at 3 months and was on three different antibiotics until she had the tubes put in at 5 months. She did fine as far as the anesthesia. She did have to have one of the tubes surgically removed a year later because it never settled in her ear properly. My daughter is 11 now and has no lasting effects from having tubes and/or ear infections as a child.

Hello K.,

My youngests son had ear tubes put in at 7 months. This was after like 5 months of ear infection and stronger and stronger antibiotics that had no effect on it. The surgery was quick and he was taking a bottle within half an hour.

He never acted like it bothered him. In fact he seemed to be a much happier baby after that. He still has one of the tubes that hasn't fallen out yet and he just turned six. This kid has the most goop coming out of his ears all the time than anyone I have ever seen! He had a burst eardrum once when he was four in the ear that had the tube, but it became clogged because he had so much thick stuff oozing out.

I guess there is always the risk of anesthesia and you have to weigh the pros and cons for your child's situation.

Good luck whatever you decide.

K. Howell

your ENT is a professional. He probably knows what he's doing. I wouldn't worry.

Hi K.,
Seven months seems awfully early for ear tubes. Your son may have a food allergy or food intolerance. Definitely get a second opinion! It seems your pedi is eager to do surgery based on your son's "risk factors", without exploring the causes of his recurring ear infections. The ear changes shape around the age of 3 and ear infections are much less common after that. Get a consultation from a holistic or a pediatrician who is will consider alternate approaches first and surgery as a last resort rather than a first resort.

Good luck!

My daughter got tubes at 9 months. Like you I was very nervous about her going under. She was away from me for 15 minutes tops and then it was done. She was mad as a hornet when she came out, but it was the right decision for us. She had had 8 ear infections in 5 months. She had also failed her newborn hearing screening 3 times in the hospital due to the fluid taking so long to move through her ears. We knew she had to have very tiny e tubes. Her surgery was in April and she just this month got her first ear infection since. It was comforting to see many other parents with young children in the surgery center for the same procedure the morning of her surgery. It is such a common thing and many others will be in the same nervous state as you. Good Luck!

We waited until my daughter was two because of the same anesthesia concerns. I regret having waited. Right now the fluid can be inhibiting his hearing and affect his speech long-term and the infections just hurt them so much, why put them through that. There are just some kids who are prone and I am sure they wouldn't take unnecesary risks if the benefits weren't greater than the risk...go ahead Mom and we'll keep you in our prayers.

I know this acupancturist specializing in children's health. I copy-pasted her ad that I found on this site below. I would try a noninvasive metods that are available first!

Mommy's E.R.

Phone: ###-###-####

Austin, TX 78703

Category: Alternative Medicine

At Mommy’s ER, we are licensed health professionals and moms who have dedicated ourselves to increasing the awareness and availability of natural health solutions for children.
We've put together a 3-DVD set that shares easy natural health remedies for treating common ailments, ranging from coughs and colds, fevers and flus, to ear infections, eczema, disturbed sleep, and more, plus information on how to keep your child healthy and strong. www.mommyser.com

Hi K.,
My son had surgery at that exact age, 7 months. Now, this was in 1995. He had tubes put in both ears, and also had tubes placed in his tear ducts in his eyes, because they had closed and were blocked. He had no problems whatsoever. Had the surgery, and was home the same day. I'm sure things are even more advanced now than they were then also. Good luck, with whatever path you choose to take!
J.

my son and daughter were both ten months when they had tubes put in and their adnoids taken out and they were the best thing that ever happened..your baby will be so much better after the tubes

My son had to have ear tubes when he was 6 months old. When he went under, the operation took about 15 minutes and he was out with us again. The anesthesia was given to him as a liquid (like cough syrup). I understand your concern, I cried I was so worried at the hospital. I hadn't even stopped crying when they brought him back to me. He was a little sleepy for a couple of hours but was back to normal by the end of the day. The tubes fell out on their own by the time he was 6 years old. It certainly helped -- he wasn't as sick all the time.

Only have tubes put in his ears if they need to replace the ones God gave him. He doesn't need tubes. He needs the Docs to find out WHY he is having ear infections. It is either an allergy or his neck is subluxated and needs to be adjusted.
Find out what it takes to have environment and food allergy tests done. Take him to a chiropractor that has experience adjusting babies and knows alot about herbs and nutrition. Watch the ear infections go and stay away.
I almost forgot the 'downside' of tubes. They are a symptom fix and do not address the cause of the problem at all. If the symptom goes away then you will have no push to try and find out the problem. The problem won't go away and will continue on causing other problems that aren't always noticeable at first or have symptoms. My nephew had 23 sets of tubes when he was baby to 8 years old. Always trouble hearing and ear infections with fluid behind the ears and all. Well the tubes would help and then fall out. The doc would just repeat the tubes never looking any further into the problem ( and this is how almost all of the MDs handle this so don't kid yourself about how wonderful yours is). So 23 sets of tubes later my nephew is sick and with weird symptoms and they scanned his head. He had a cholostioma. A soft tissue cell tumor about the size of an adult male thumb in the middle of his skull around his ear bones. He had to have surgery where they drilled his skull. The surgeon said these tumors were not malignant but threatened space in the skull as they continue to grow.
This is not to say that I think your child has a tumor. Because the tumor was not the problem causing the ear infections. The problem was food allergies. For him, dairy and yeast. He drank milk and at bread everyday. These food allergies were causing his ear infections. The constant intake of these foods causing chronically repeated allergic reactions and the irritation in the inner ear is what caused the sinus tumor. So the tubes just made the symptoms improve. No other symptoms were noticeable for a long time. No one was looking for a problem. All the while the problem was sneakily causing other more serious issues like forcing a tumor response from the constantly irritated cells.
So there is a downside that the MDs don't bother to mention to anyone. They won't even talk about searching for the problem. You just hear common robotic answers like 'some kids are just more prone' to the infections. I think they are lazy, they like bonuses from big pharma, and your kid is just a number with insurance.
But I do wish you luck. I would get tubes for my baby if I had tried other things, they didn't work, and I had to wait a long time for him to get old enough for more tests. But I don't think I would go over 3 sets without changing doctors completely and asking for all options to be explored.
My kids were treated with herbs and adjustments only.
God Bless

My daughter had tubes at age two and then again at age three. The first set worked and the second set didn't. They just fell out about two months later. She is seven now and has only had about 2 ear infections a year for the past 3 years. I am hoping that she just outgrows them. The down side to ear tubes is the scarring that the surgery leaves on the eardrum. That scar tissue can sometimes lead to hearing problems later on. Especially with several sets of ear tubes.
It's hard to figure out what is best for your child, but I would also recommend trying to find out the cause. My daughter's pediatrician is trying to figure that out now. It could be the way that her ear canal is positioned so that when there's fluid in there it doesn't drain properly, or it could be allergy related (upper respiratory or even sometimes due to a milk protein allergy). I hope this helps.

My little one was not quite that young when she got tubes, she was 10 1/2 months though. It was the best thing that I ever did for her and may even have to do it again. My 2yo daughter lost her tubes this past summer and has already had a sever ear infection. When I took her to the doctor he said between 4 & 6 infections within a year and she will have to go back and get longer tubes. All I can do is wait and see but, having the tubes in her ears the first time was the best thing I could do for her. My son, who is 9, had tubes put in at the age of 3 and they lasted a year but, he has not had an infection since he lost them. Having tubes put into my childrens ears was the best thing I have ever done and I would do it again in a heart beat if I felt it was needed and being at the doctors office every 3 weeks with my children for ear infections was not very fun!! If the infections are bothering your child and you have been to the ENT then I would go with whatever he suggests, that would be the best thing for your child and that is what is important!!!

I'm not one for medications much less surgeries but I have to tell you that my grandson had tubes inserted when he was close to a year old and it worked well for him. I hope you get all the information and assurance of your decision that you need. God bless!

Both my daughters got ear tubes , one at 18 months, the other at 11 months. I was worried about her being young, but everything worked out well. I think it was actually better getting them when she wasn't yet at the point that she could get nervous. She came out of anesthesia really well, took a 4 hour nap when we got home and was her old self again. I think you should always consider the risk factors since every child is different and talk with your pedi and ent about any effects you may be worried about and how they could impact your child with their specific health needs.

K.,
I would strongly recommend that you fully explore some other options before doing this.

My husband had tubes in his ears as a child for the same reason; they didn't come out properly and/or didn't heal properly and now he cannot dive or scuba dive--ever-- because he has permanent holes in his ear drums. While this complication is probably rare, it's very real for us. Just even swimming means he has to put Silly Putty in his ears. Even with the Silly Putty, he can't go very deep because of the pressure.

I love my pediatrician, but the unfortunate reality is that most doctors now look at the symptom and try to eliminate it--instead of looking for the cause. The tubes are a short-term solution for something most doctors can't really explain, but they can have lasting, unforeseen consequences.

I would suggest looking into all of the following before going with something this serious. I know it's a pain, especially when we all want fast fixes when our little ones are sick, but I think you would be happier in the long run.
1. Sometimes ear infections are the result of nasal / sinus infections. Basically, it "backs up" into the ear tubes because everything's connected. In adults, you can solve this by using homemade saline spray and a bulb syringe (see mayo clinic "nasal lavage") or a neti pot. When I start having bad allergies, doing this 3 times a day solves them within 2 days and keeps them at bay--it cleans the problem particles out before your body mounts a response. In the Eastern world, this is considered basic hygiene. It's starting to be more popular over here. If the bulb doesn't work for your little one, you can buy "sea spray" over the counter--premade saline that you can squirt or drop for the same effect.

2. Another possibility that I would highly suggest you look into is allergies. Recurrent ear infections can be the middle stage in the progression towards asthma. Has your little one had any rashes, eczema, digestive issues? Do the ear infections hit after rain (mold exposure) or high pollen times? I would really look at this if any of those have been present--acting now could prevent your little one from ending up with asthma. You can find more information at http://www.isitallergy.com/IsItAllergy/PediatricMarch/Dis....
My recommendation if you decide to explore this further is to work with a certified nutritionist (who will use food logs and diet to determine the allergies) instead of an allergist (as your little one is too young for a full panel and you probably don't want to start allergy shots). I have had positive experience with Dr. Osbourne at Town Center Wellness in Sugar Land. His intake procedure is good enough that it probably wouldn't take too many visits to figure out what it is.

3. Another possible solution is chiropractic treatments. I worked with a grad student whose daughter had the same problem. He was adament she never have tubes--he was from Europe, where tubes are not used at all for this. Also, as an underwater archeology student, he was passionate his daughter be able to dive. He found a chiropracter who did some treatments on her, and they had total success within a month or so. This was about five years ago, so I'm not sure who he saw.
This was seconded by my doula, a certified massage therapist, who said sometimes during birth the bones in the skull can be rearranged such that a child is more predisposed to ear infections, and that chiropractic adjustments can solve that. That being said, before you see one, get good references and be aware that your pediatrician would have a fit (most Western trained folks don't hold with chiropractic work). The key is to find a good one. I've had two good experiences, but neither for ear infections.

Good luck!

Just yesterday my 4 month old had to get a cast put on from her chest down. They had to shoot a dye into her but had to put her to sleep first. They took her and I didn't see any part of it. She came out an hour later just like they said. I was nervous the whole time. Only think of the best outcome.

I would trust what the doctors say. My dd had tubes and adnoids removed though she was 2. She started gettig ear infections when she started day care. Furthermore, my cousin is deaf due ear infections when she was a child so I would trust what your doctors have to say. The surgery in its self goes very smoothly. The surgery itself does not take that long and the recovery is very quick. I wish you luck on your decision.

Married Working mother with 2 fabulous children ages 7 and 6.

Hi! My daughter had them when she was 9 months old, and it was the best decision ever, for us at least. The surgery had no complications, she was back in my arms alert and standing up after 30 minutes (no kidding!). Before the surgery she had 10 ear infections, one lasting the 6 weeks prior to the surgery. Since, she has had 2 ear infections, and she is 2 years old! I know this is a personal decision and is not right for everyone, but it was wonderful for our family.

Good luck,
Sherri

K., Both my boys had tubes. My first one had them at 6mo and then again at age 2. My youngest was 3mo when he had his tubes placed. I was nervous at first also, but our ENT's practice was Pediatrics only. He explained everything and we also were allowed to meet w/the anesthesiologists prior to surgery date. Make you a list of questions and ask to s/w the ansthesiologist if they have not offered. One of the questions I asked was how many peds cases he has worked and what if any side effects can/could happened and what is the procedure for adverse reactions.
Everything went well w/my boys. When they woke up which was very quickly after the procedure they cried, but not b/c of pain, they cried b/c it was a different enviroment, they settled down quickly after they came and got me. As soon as they are awake they should bring you back to the recovery area to be with your son.

Hi K.,

I have a 9 month old son and he got ear tubes when he was 7 months. Our ENT recommended the tubes because he had fluid in his right ear since birth that hadn't resolved and then started getting fluid in the left. Since having the tubes he has passed his hearing in both ears, thank goodness! Unfortunately he has had 4 ear infections since having them placed, which was more than he had before they were placed. The ENT said the tubes are doing their job, which is to all the fluid to drain when there is an infection. Ear tubes do not prevent ear infection, although the occurence may lessen. The ENT said his ear infections are probably because of daycare.

As for the surgery itself, it went very smooth. It was very quick. After they took him back, I just barely had enough time to use the bathroom and they were calling me back to be with him. They didn't put him all the way out to sleep. After we got home he was playing and acting as if he didn't even have anything done.