One of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the doctor’s office is because of ear infections.
Ear infections are the result of fluid becoming built up in the middle ear, usually due to inflammation after picking up a virus at Sandy Springs Park. Common signs of ear infections in small children include pulling at the ears, fussiness, trouble sleeping, fever, fluid draining, balance problems and hearing loss.
While most ear infections clear up on their own, some require intervention. Ear tubes are often recommended for chronic or recurring ear infections.
What Are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are small plastic or metal tubes that are surgically placed in a child’s eardrum. They allow fluid that is trapped behind the eardrum to drain, which relieves pressure and clears up the infection in most cases.
The reason children sometimes need ear tubes is because their Eustachian tubes, which are the passageways between the middle ear and the throat that allow fluid to drain, are much shorter and more horizontal than adults’. This means they can become blocked more easily.
How Long Do Ear Tubes Stay In?
Typically, ear tubes remain in place for six months to a year. In most cases, they fall out on their own. If not, the doctor may let them stay in place for a few years before removing them.
When Are Ear Tubes Necessary?
An ear, nose and throat physician won’t recommend ear tubes for every ear infection. However, they may recommend them if:
- Your child has had more than three ear infections in six months
- Your child has had more than four ear infections in one year
- Fluid has remained in the ears for more than three months
- The ear infection is causing hearing problems, which can impact speech and language development
What Are the Benefits of Ear Tubes?
Not only can ear tubes treat an infection, they can also:
- Lower risk of future ear infections
- Improve a child’s hearing and speech-language development
- Allow the Eustachian tubes to do their job
- Improve behavior, sleep and communication
For more information about ear tubes or to schedule an appointment for your child to be seen for an ear infection, call the ear, nose and throat experts at Foothills ENT and Allergy and Hearing Center today.