Question 1

are there any risks or possible side effects when using cortisone cream to treat inflamed ear tubes in a 17 month old?

Accepted Answer

Please don't!: Please don't put any cream, ointment, or liquid into the ear canal, particularly with tubes through ear drums. There are only few suspensions appropriate for a perforated ear drum should it become infected. Please discuss with baby's doctor. A hole means no barrier to the inner ear. Any medication not specifically approved for use in this situation could cause hearing and other damage.

Question 2

had ear tubes put in 2 days ago. right ear is muffled/clogged w/ringing. now right side of face neck tongue head is numb. should i go to er?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You  should have these symptoms evaluated ASAP!
My opinion only!

Good Luck!
Dr Z

Question 3

how well do ear tubes work?

Accepted Answer

Very well: Children or adults that get tubes see a significant reduction in the number of ear infections and usually have an immediate improvement in hearing.

Question 4

what to expect when getting ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

Less infections.: Ear tubes help about 80% of people who get them for recurring ear infections.  For most patients who have had tubes placed, no subsequent treatment is necessary unless there is an ear infection and/or drainage.  The ENT doctor can tell you what to expect, based on whether the tubes are to be temporary or permanent.

Question 5

is peroxide okay for cleaning if ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

No: Do not use peroxide in an ear with tubes or a perforation. If the peroxide goes through the tube it will cause significant discomfort.

Question 6

is my child a candidate for ear tubes? what are you basing your recommendations for ear tubes on?

Accepted Answer

5 / yr & 1 wont clr: There are multiple parameters for deciding on tubes. One basic mantra "5 in a yr or 1 that won't clear" (in 90  days). An evaluation by an ENT that would do the tubes would give you an idea if your situation would benefit. Some 5yo kids are at the point that their infection frequency is declining & the benefit would be minimal.

Question 7

what is the procedure like to insert ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

Simple: I do this in the clinic for adults with topical anesthesia (phenol). It takes no more than 5 minutes. In children, they need to go to sleep but is just as simple and very quick. It involves making an incision in the ear drum under a microscope and placing a small tube which comes out on it's own in 6-12 months.

Question 8

is debrox drops okay for people with ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

No: Debrox should not be used in any ear that may have a hole, and a tube by definition is holding a hole open in the ear drum.

Question 9

i have ear tubes. is it safe to use a neti pot?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Hi. I'm Dr. Ivy Fisher, pedi MD with health tap.
It is ok to use a Neti pot with S/P BMT ear tubes. 
If swimming, consider ear plugs to avoid water in the ears.

Question 10

how do doctors remove ear tubes? is it a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Ear tubes: Ear tubes are quite often expelled spontaneously after the problem is solved ie if placed for increased pressure or persistent pus in the muddle ear, they are expelled when the problem is cleared  and stays cleared ie pressure is relieved or pus is all discharged. Sometimes the tubes are removed if they are causing trouble or are not needed any more. This is done by the ENT surgeon.

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Doctor answers about:

Ear tubes in infants side effects

A member asked:

Are there any risks or possible side effects when using cortisone cream to treat inflamed ear tubes in a 17 month old?

A member asked:

Had ear tubes put in 2 days ago. right ear is muffled/clogged w/ringing. now right side of face neck tongue head is numb. should i go to er?

A member asked:

How well do ear tubes work?

A member asked:

What to expect when getting ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is peroxide okay for cleaning if ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is my child a candidate for ear tubes? what are you basing your recommendations for ear tubes on?

A member asked:

What is the procedure like to insert ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is debrox drops okay for people with ear tubes?

A member asked:

I have ear tubes. is it safe to use a neti pot?

A member asked:

How do doctors remove ear tubes? is it a surgical procedure?

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