Dear Alice,
My son has fluid in his ear causing hearing loss. It is not painful. The
doctor has said that his Eustachian tubes are blocked by enlarged
adenoids, and wants to surgically remove them. We have found that
decongestant/antihistamine greatly improves his hearing.
Is there not some way to drain the inner ear without a surgical
procedure such as tubes or syringe extraction through the eardrum?
How can I reduce apparent swelling in his adenoid/sinus area? We
would like the least intrusive method. Could allergies be a problem?
Dear Reader,
Alice has some experience with hearing loss and tubes. She knows
how heartbreaking it can be to realize your child's hearing is
compromised. Some children develop behavior problems because of
the isolation and frustration from not being able to hear. Others
have their language development impaired.
Sometimes hearing loss is caused by an ineffective Eustachian tube
that doesn't drain. Since the angle of the Eustachian tube changes as
a child matures, children tend to get fewer ear infections, with
fewer incidents of hearing loss. Of course, Alice cannot make a
diagnosis, but she does know how important it is to have confidence
in your medical provider.
Your pediatrician should be able to suggest a medical specialist in
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), or a second ENT for a another opinion.
You can also call your local teaching hospital and ask for the head of
the ENT Department. Sometimes the department chair or even their
assistant can help you get to the physician who can best help you.
When you meet with your specialist, if there is anything you do not
understand, make sure you ask. Go with pen and paper and a list of
your questions.
Additional advice Alice can give you is to talk with other parents
who have had to make similar decisions. Use your networking
techniques to connect with folks who will talk with you about their
experiences with childhood hearing loss, fluid, and tubes.
You, may also want to pay attention to the following:
- What is the age of your child?
- How is his/her behavior? hearing? language? schoolwork?
- How loud is the TV when it is on?
- How is your child responding to you? Does he/she say "What" at
every turn?
- Do they seem to be tuning you out?
- Is your child lip-reading?
Yes, there are procedures that can drain fluid, and allergies may play
a part; however, the cause of his hearing loss needs to be determined
before you can select one of the treatment options. Then, this
decision concerning the next step needs to be made in partnership
with a provider with whom you have confidence.
As for alternative medicine resources, some people have used
homeopathy. The National Center for Homeopathy, 801 North Fairfax
Street, Suite 306, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 548-7790, may
give you additional information.
- Alice
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Hearing loss and ear tubes
