Multiple Ear Infections

My son is 18 months old and has already had close to 10 ear infections.  He has been on anti-biotics to treat these ear infections.  I worry about this as I know that he can develop, if not already, a tolerance to these anti-biotics and they may actually impair his development to a certain extent.  

Is anyone in the same situation?  Has the same concerns?  Can anyone shed light on my situation?  Am I worrying for nothing?

[LRM1021]

My son had chronic ear infections. We avoided the surgery to put tubes in -- but then finally agreed. The day we did it, he started talking so we could understand him. And he stopped getting sick.
Has your son's doctor suggested tubes?

[Raine9]

Thanks for the response.  No, his doctor has never suggested tubes.  He did say that that tubes were for worst case scenarios and ear infections that were left untreated.  

[jd1419]

I would say this is a worse case scenario---My youngest who is 3 has only had one ear infection since he was born (lucky Me)  My girlfriend whose son is 8 months younger had 7 ear infections by the time he was a year old---they put tubes in his ears--has only had one ear infection since then and they did not put him on antibiotics---I would take your son to a ear,nose and throat specialsit to get a second opinion--there may be damage done already or with the tubes it could prevent damge.

[RockRose]

raine,  my firstborn had innumerable ear infections.  I ended up buying an otoscope so I could diagnose an ear infection and knew when to take him to the Dr.,  so they could confirm my diagnosis.  ;D    Soon they learned I was always right and would prescribe Rx over the phone.  

This will pass as he ages.  I feel both ways about tubes - if you get tubes,  he can't swim.   On the other hand,  I agree with LRM,  if you get tubes suddenly he'll be able to hear.

Best wishes.

[AfricanGrey]

I know several preschoolers/ toddlers who have tubes and they all swim, including my niece.  Maybe it's new technology or something.

[RockRose]

Lisa,  I'd REALLY be interested to hear of kids with tubes who swim.  

Tubes make little holes in the eardrums.  Kids who have tubes are not allowed to swim,  or even bathe.  

I would be very interested to hear any new tecology that allows for holes in the eardrums where children can put their heads underwater.  

[AfricanGrey]

I just discussed in depth with my sis in law how she checked with my nieces' ear doc and he said it was perfectly fine to swim.  Also, a couple of my daughters friends have tubes and they all swim too (we have a pool).  They all swim under water.  And they all bathe too.  I have never heard that kids with tubes couldn't swim.  We have 4 friends total (preschool) age that  have tubes and all the girls mom's said it was perfectly fine to swim.  That's all I know.  If you are really interested, maybe you could do some research. I'm not educated in the subject, just know what I've been told.

[AfricanGrey]

Here's one of many I found:
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=497

[RockRose]

Lisa - thank you for the article!

I am still not convinced,  though - the conclusion is that swimming on the surface in clean tap water should be okay.  

No one does that,  in all practicality -  kids swim in highly chlorinated pools,  and lakes and beaches.    Swimming in tap water isn't an option.  

This study also confirms no "bathtub diving" - no sticking your head under the bath water,  as it's "soapy".

I would still be very concerned about a child with tubes participating in summer water activity.  But this article does give some exemptions.

[RockRose]

This link seems to have a more balanced view of ear tubes and swimming:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/CC/00003.html