Can Ear Tubes Treat Kids' Ear Infections?
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons why children and toddlers visit the doctor’s office—second only to the common cold. In fact, five out of six children are likely to experience a middle ear infection before their third birthday.
Children have shorter, narrower, and more horizontal eustachian tubes, which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter their middle ear. Moreover, their immune system is underdeveloped and not fully equipped to fight infections.
Fortunately, ear infections are easily treatable. In cases of chronic ear infection, where the kid experiences frequent infections, the pediatric ENT specialist may suggest ear tubes.
Keep reading to learn more about pediatric ear infections and how ear tubes can help reduce the frequency of infection in chronic cases.
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Kids
The most obvious sign of ear infections is a pain in and around the ears. If you have a younger child who cannot communicate their discomfort to you, there are still some signs you can watch out for.
● Tugging or Pulling Their Ear
● Trouble Sleeping
● More Crying Than Usual
● Very Irritable
● Fever, Especially in Younger Children
● Balance Loss
● Fluid Draining from the Ear
● Difficulty Hearing
● Not Responding to Their Name or Other Auditory Cues
If your child has a high fever, severe pain, or pus-like discharge from the ears, take them to an experienced ENT doctor immediately.
How Are Ear Infections Treated?
If the ear infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In cases where the symptoms are mild, the ENT specialist may even suggest you wait for a few days to see if the infection clears up on its own.
The problem arises when ear infections are chronic or if the fluid in the middle ear remains there for months after the infection has cleared up. In these cases, your doctor may recommend ear tubes. Moreover, you can also consider ear tubes if your child experiences four or more infections in a month, had ear infections that were difficult to treat with antibiotics, or had hearing loss from fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
How Do Ear Tubes Work?
Eustachian tubes provide natural ventilation for your ears, stabilize air pressure, and drain fluid. When inflammation or mucus buildup disrupts their functioning, a small metal or plastic tube (ear tube) is inserted into a hole in your eardrum.
This tube provides an alternative path for airflow into and out of your ear, balancing air pressure and allowing the ear to drain better. This leads to reduced bacterial and viral growth in your middle ear and less frequent infections.
There are two basic kinds of ear tubes:
- Short Term Tubes
As the name suggests, these tubes are only intended for a short period, usually between six months to a year. They will eventually fall out of your ears without professional help.
- Long Term Tubes
These tubes are designed to stay in place for a long time. Though they may fall out on their own, there are cases where you have to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist to remove them.
An experienced ENT specialist will be able to tell you which type is the best option for your child. Also, don’t forget to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
If your child is suffering from frequent ear infections, contact a specialist today to learn more about your treatment options.
