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Ear tubes: What are my treatment options for chronic otitis?
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: Aug 4, 2021 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
@upartist - I'm not sure I understand your question completely. Are you having to get ear tubes repeatedly for chronic otitis?
Replies to "@upartist - I'm not sure I understand your question completely. Are you having to get ear..."
Thank you for clarifying Upartist. This will help others find your message and relate to it. In the meantime, I will look for members to connect you with. @dawn_giacabazi any thoughts?
So much of the information online is in the pediatric population as you must well know having worked in that area. What has your ENT recommended?
@upartist sorry for my delayed response. I however have a daughter (12yrs) that has the same problem. Her first set was placed at 3 years old. We finally went to a different surgeon and, so far so good. Sometimes it's the technique used by the surgeon. Not that anything is done wrong just one works better.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/otorhinolaryngology-ent/minnesota/overview
Thanks
Dawn
Yes there is a lot of info regarding the pediatric population and ear tubes to treat chronic infection. I have seen fantastic results in the achievement of language milestones, balance, and increased attention spans resulting from the use of the ear tubes. As for the adult with chronic infection, not so much information. If tubes had existed when I was little, my current scar tissue/infection situation may have had a different outcome. My ENT is a very very competent physician, and got the initial problems under control. The ear maintains so much better than what it was like before I first saw him, so obviously I am in no hurry to jump ship. His technique is gentle, and he has tried various tubes as the technology appears on the market. I know I am in good hands, but I was wondering if there was anything more out there. Plus my ENT is approaching retirement, but my ear is not going to retire.
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Yes. In one ear for about 30 years. The drum closes each time the tube falls out, and then it gets infected again. So the new tube is placed. I think that my Eustachian tube might be completely blocked on that side possibly? There are many symptoms that go with it of course, which I have made life style changes to accommodate as best I can; such as avoiding Submersion into water, etc. Planes are a huge logistical challenge if there is any chance the tube is plugged. I changed my job to separate myself from Pediatrics because my upper respiratory infections are getting more and more frequent now. So I am looking for potential options.