How young is too young to put tubes in an infan'ts ears? My son is 12 weeks
and will have to have surgery scheduled next week if antibiotics don't clear
up fluid.
Hearing loss is suspected, but we can't be sure until we clear up the fluid.
I understand that it is important to determine whether his hearing is normal
or not, but do you think it should be done this soon? Please give me your
opinion.
Thank you
Reply: ---------------------------
It would be exceedingly rare to recommend a surgical procedure to drain middle ear fluid in an infant of 12 weeks age. The main indication would be persistent infection refractory to antibiotic therapy and the purpose of the surgical intervention in that case would be for tympanocentesis - to obtain a sample of the fluid behind the ear drum to culture thereby allowing for more specific antibiotic therapy. Unless the child has been persistently septic - running persistent fevers and seriously ill, there would be little indication to put tubes in the ears. I would suggest a second opinion. Unless the child were sick with persistent fever, there would be no risk in holding off on this until obtaining another opinion.
--
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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