Ear tubes: What are my treatment options for chronic otitis?

@upartist - I'm not sure I understand your question completely. Are you having to get ear tubes repeatedly for chronic otitis?

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.

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?

FYI - the ear tube I had placed (and soon after removed) did not help my ear problem, nor did it actually cause infection.

Whatever chronic low-grade (undetectable) infection that has been present for decades, combined with placement of the tube aggravated things to the point of localized ear drum bleeding/scabbing.

For whatever it's worth (probably not worth much), multiple ENT's I hired and paid looking for a solution -- as well as the ENT who removed the tube -- had no answers for me. In the end, I was required to figure out and direct the course of action (surgical removal) without physician guidance. The only feedback I received from the ENT'S , regarding my bleeding eardrum, gave me no reasons -- instead I witnessed confused acknowledgment that they were observing something they did not understand, and had frankly never seen or expected to see.

@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

Welcome back to Connect @bearylynn. Thank you for sharing your experience.

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.

Hello my name is Beryl ......Has anyone had long term grommets inserted for hearing problems such as glue ear and what was the results of this.....?

Hi @beryl, you will notice I moved your question on grommets or Tympanostomy tube tube placement to a conversation already taking place. How long have you been dealing with glue ear?

Thank you for answering Jamie ....I have had this condition bought on by alegies for many years , have got meds to control this but some times my ears just seem to block up and I have trouble hearing .....At attitude they will pop open and I hear well again but I live at sea level more or less .....my husband thinks I am deaf and has trouble understanding this.....
Both my Grandsons had what we call grommets in the UK when they were young .....that wasn't available when I was young .....they both now have excellent hearing .....I wonder if it would be an option for me , I am 79......would be grateful for your input.....Beryl