When
children are very young the Eustachian tube that allows the middle ear
to drain and equalize pressure is small and drains poorly. Because of
this very small children, and those with craniofacial
disorders are predisposed to getting infections of the middle
ear. Children exposed to second hand smoke and those in large day care
groups also appear to be at higher risk. These infections are often
mild and self limited (viral) but frequently require antibiotics for
resolution (bacterial). Although this is true, ear
infections and/or persistent fluid in the middle ear may become a
chronic problem
leading to other issues such as hearing loss, behavior, and speech
problems. Rarely, these infections can spread beyond the middle ear and
cause more serious problems such as meningitis, mastoiditis and
abscesses.
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The ear tubes themselves are tiny (about the size the point on a ball
point pen - see schematic on left) and are made of a variety of materials including certain
plastics and titanium. Tubes may be classified into short and long term types. Short
term tubes typically remain in for approximately 6 months after which
time the body pushes them out of the drum and closes the hole. For
adults and children with longer term issues a more permanent tube such
as a "t-tube" can be inserted. In children that have a single set of
ear tubes about 5-10% of them will eventually need another set of tubes.
Ear tubes have been shown to improve hearing, speech and balance
problems and lessen the risk of future infections in appropriately
selected patients. Complications with ear tubes are rather low and can
include damage to the small bones in the middle ear and creating a hole
in the drum that won't close. Occasionally the tube comes out
more quickly than anticipated, or does not come out over a long period
of time and needs to be removed.
If you think you or your child need
ear tubes then please give us a call.
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