Hi,
My 2 1/2 year old son got ear tubes recently, one tube came out after 2 days and had to be reinserted. Since then he has had a 2 hearing tests. One showed mild to moderate conductive loss and the next showed moderate to severe. When the doctor did the ear tubes, he said that there was quite a bit of very thick gluey material that he suctioned out. He said that his ears would drain for about 3 days. There was no drainage at all. My question is, could this thick stuff still be in there and because it is so thick, does not drain out and therefore the bones in the middle ear are not vibrating as well as they should? Also, is there any way to get this stuff out and keep it out? Should I pursue this or just go with the hearing aids that are recommended? Also, if this stuff is still in there, will the hearing aids work as well as they should. I know there are quite a few questions here but I really need some answers. Thanks very much for any info you can give me.
Reply: ------------------------
> More information would be required to answer your questions. It is possible for middle ear fluid to be so thick that it may not be entirely aspirated during surgery and may subsequently congeal in the lumen of the tubes thereby obstructing the tubes. Another possibility is that the lining of the middle ear is swollen and may take a considerable amount of time to resolve even with improved ventilation via tympanostomy tubes. Finally, it is possible that there is in addition to the middle ear fluid, a specific problem with the mobility of the ear bones themselves. A physical examination of the ears can quickly determine whether the tubes are obstructed or not. The exam can be supplemented with a test known as a tympanogram which would have very characteristic findings with functional tympanostomy tubes and therefore could determine whether the tubes were working properly or not. Finally, a CT scan might be indicated to take a closer look at the internal anatomy of the middle ear and mastoid to aid in the diagnosis of the persistent hearing loss. I would pursue getting a specific diagnosis for the persistent conductive hearing loss before getting hearing aids - if the tubes were just recently placed it would seem premature to get hearing aids. It is quite possible that there is a more definitive solution to the problem.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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