All children get ear infections, but what happens when they become recurring? Myringotomy tubes, or ear tubes, are often brought up as a possible option to reduce the amount of ear infections children get. Here are some pros and cons about ear tubes for children:
Pros | >Cons |
- Ear tubes will drastically decrease the amount of ear infections children get. They can, in some cases, completely eliminate them.
| - It’s hard to see your child go through surgery.
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- After getting ear tubes, future ear infections can be treated with drops instead of antibiotics. This lowers the chance for your child to develop an immunity to antibiotics.
| - Some doctors jump the gun with ear tubes. They should only be used if a child has at least four ear infections within a six month period.
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- Ear Tubes can improve hearing for children.
| - If your insurance doesn’t cover the ear tube procedure, it can be a pricey ear infection solution.
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- Tubes drain the fluid that sits in the ears, resulting in less pressure.
| - A majority of children need to have the tubes replaced at least once.
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| - Tubes can cause pus from the ear and a thickening of the eardrum over time.
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Consult with a pediatrician at Elmwood Pediatrics in Rochester, NY if you have questions about ear tubes for children.
