Our Summary

This research aimed to see if there were significant differences in hearing improvements between children with a certain type of ear infection who were treated with two different methods: a procedure that widens the upper jaw (RME) or the placement of a ventilation tube in the ear. The study involved 42 kids aged between 4.5 and 15, who were divided into three groups: those who had the RME procedure, those who had the tube placed in their ear, and a control group with no ear or dental issues. They measured the children’s hearing at three points: before the procedures, after the procedures, and 10 months later.

The results showed that both the RME and ventilation tube groups had significantly improved hearing, with no significant differences between the two groups. There were minimal changes in the control group. The conclusion was that the RME treatment should be the first choice for children with a narrow upper jaw and this type of ear infection, as it was as effective as the ventilation tube procedure in improving hearing.

FAQs

  1. What were the two methods of treatment tested in the study for children with a certain type of ear infection?
  2. How did the hearing improvements compare between the children who underwent the RME procedure and those who had the ventilation tube placed in their ear?
  3. Why did the study conclude that the RME treatment should be the first choice for children with a narrow upper jaw and this type of ear infection?

Doctor’s Tip

After ear tube surgery, it is important to keep water out of the ears to prevent infection. Your doctor may recommend using ear plugs or a special ear covering when swimming or bathing. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the tubes and ensure they are working properly. If you experience any pain, drainage, or hearing changes, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ear tube surgery are those who suffer from chronic ear infections, fluid build-up in the middle ear, or frequent ear infections that do not respond well to other treatments. Children are the most common candidates for ear tube surgery, as they are more prone to ear infections due to their developing immune systems and smaller Eustachian tubes. Adults with similar ear issues may also be recommended ear tube surgery.

Timeline

Before ear tube surgery:

  1. Patient experiences recurrent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  2. Patient may have hearing loss, ear pain, and balance issues.
  3. Patient may undergo hearing tests and evaluations to determine the severity of the condition.
  4. Doctor recommends ear tube surgery as a treatment option.

During ear tube surgery:

  1. Patient is placed under general anesthesia.
  2. Doctor makes a small incision in the eardrum and inserts a tiny tube to allow air flow and drainage in the middle ear.
  3. Procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes and is considered minimally invasive.
  4. Patient may experience temporary pain or discomfort after surgery.

After ear tube surgery:

  1. Patient may have improved hearing immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient may experience drainage of fluid from the ear for a few days after surgery.
  3. Doctor may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor the ear tubes and assess hearing improvements.
  4. Patient’s recurrent ear infections and related symptoms should decrease significantly.
  5. Ear tubes may eventually fall out on their own or require removal by a doctor if they remain in the ear for an extended period.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ear tube surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ear tube surgery?
  2. How long will the ear tubes stay in place and will they need to be replaced?
  3. Will my child need to follow any special precautions or restrictions after the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How will the surgery affect my child’s hearing and ear health in the long term?
  6. How soon after the surgery will my child be able to resume normal activities?
  7. What follow-up appointments will be necessary after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of ear tube surgery?
  9. How successful is ear tube surgery in improving hearing in children with recurrent ear infections?
  10. What is the recovery process like after ear tube surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kılıç N, Yörük Ö, Kılıç SC, Çatal G, Kurt S. Journal: Angle Orthod. 2016 Sep;86(5):761-7. doi: 10.2319/101515-693.1. Epub 2016 Mar 7. PMID: 26949997