My son got tubes in his ears last March. He had constant ear infections before that (at least 20), with only a few days between his antibiotics for 4 months. After the tubes, he didn't get any ear infections at all (he had one they day of surgery, but it went away without meds). He was 23 months when he got them, so close to the age that some kids outgrow infections. I just found out last night when we went to the Dr that the right one fell out, but the ear looks good. They said that they can stay in anywhere between 4 months and a year, so I knew it could be anytime. I think it fell out on Sunday, because I had been watching him since then because he has been sticking his finger in that ear, and telling me it was itchy, and I was afraid he might be getting an ear infection. His ear is still really itchy, he woke up this morning telling me that and playing with it. How long does that last? My biggest concern is that he will start to get ear infections again, and need them put back in. A little boy in his daycare just got them for the 2nd time last week. I guess if he starts up again, I will just have them put back in right away. We tried chiropractor and everything before, and nothing else helped. His infections were bad and constant... and if it is still going to be that way, it will probably not take long to find that out. What have other people had to do? Have a lot of kids needed them twice, or outgrown them by the time they fell out? He is now 31 months, and I'm just not sure what to expect. I'm hoping we are done with the infections... but who knows. My cousin had tubes in twice too. Thanks for your responses!
J.
My son has never had tubes but both my nieces have had constant ear infections for years. Their Dr did not put tubes in, they both had a small surgery to put a hold in their ear to help it drain and after a time it heals on its own. No more infections for them at all. They still had to wear ear plugs in the bath and pool but there is no fear of the tubes falling out.
My daughter got tubes put in July due to chronic EIs. In fact, she had EI #6 the day of surgery. Her left ear started to drain, and I called the ENT and they gave me a prescription for antibiotic ear drops. The infection has cleared, but she had a check with the ENT who told us that her right tube fell out. He said he'd only put it in again if she continuously had ear infections - 3 within a certain period of time. Our ENT said eventually they do fall out - but not until usually 1 year. Unfortunately flu and cold season is upon us, and that's when she gets them. GL!
My oldest son had tubes put in due to all the ear infections he was having. He had the tubes in, and within a couple weeks, had another one. The goop that was (literally) draining out of his ears--it was so gross!! But, it let it drain, which is the point. MY ENT had told me it doesn't "prevent" ear infections, just helps the ear drain. I'd also wait a bit to see how he does, and if it becomes a chronic issue or not.
Both of my kids have tubes. My son who is 9 mo just got them last month. My 2 1/2 year old daughter got them at 11 mo. Her ears were checked recently and the ENT said the tubes are still in but are blocked (with wax/debris) and are not functional. However, even though her tubes are blocked she has not had any ear infections yet...knock on wood. So I think I would wait and see what happens with his ears. He may not get the infections again now that he is older.
He could get another ear infection or he could get a ton more ear infections. I wouldn't put him through getting tubes unless it becomes a cronic problem again.
Bryana should have had tubes but our life was chaotic and she was in different urgent cares for her ear infections so her real doctor didn't know how many she was really having. After 2.5 or 3 yrs.old I think she's had maybe one infection. It seems to me when she has a bad cold with the snot and runny noses that contributed alot to her ears getting infected.
I would try and do a wait and see approach or talk to the doctor that had him get the tubes in the first place.
I'm betting he will be fine.
