Retracted ear drums

[sellarsr]

My 8 yr old daughter had a ruputured ear drum in September.  She had the typical amoxi, followed by augmentin, then finally ending about a week ago Cefdinir.  After the 3rd visit I asked for a referral to an ENTas she gives no warning her ear is bothering her and we have now had two ruptured ear drums (same ear) with the other one on the verge of going.

Today we had the consult with the ENT.  He said her ear drums are retracting so she has no pressure in the tubes.  In addition since she can't really breathe through her nose due to blockage his final recommendation is - tubes, both ears and removal of the adnoids.  My husband is not pro tubes as he had them as a kid (bad experience he contributes to the tubes).  The ENT said we could try a steroid spray - Veramyst for 4 weeks and re-evaluate.  His opinion was it will still need to be done but was ok with giving it a shot.

At this point he said there is some hearing loss.  Just curious if waiting will cause more problems and if there is anything else I need to know or ask.  Her prior medical history has not included a bunch of ear infections.  Prior to this happening she had a rupture about 1 1/2 yrs ago.

[sellarsr]

Thank you both for your comments.  I was getting up this morning (yes, worried beyond worried) hoping there would be some insight posted this morning.

Crobi - Ya know, that's the problem I saw yesterday.  My husband had tubes as a kid and relates pain during flying and even high mountains back to the tubes.  The ENT told him that it's really hard to say now if the problem was the tubes or if his ears were really just that bad.  Other consideration is just how bad it would have been without the tubes.  Got him thinking!  He did say they would knock her out all the way to do ears and adnoids.  My fear of course is permanent hearing loss.  Not something to play with for sure.  AND good for you for getting it taken care of . . . procrastination isn't a good thing.

Kitty -   Thank you for sharing your experience.  I thought it was odd that both times her ear perforated there was no warning what so ever.  The adnoid removal is I think what she's more worried about then the tubes.  He didn't sound that hopeful with the spray (due to how much mucus she has), I think it was more for the husband to exhaust the other avenue.  And now that worry thing.  lol  I just feel so bad for her, she had bottle baby teeth that required surgery when she was just a lil thing to braces to glasses, now this.  She has such a sensitive lil head that even brushing her hair can bring tears.  Just makes me hurt for her.  Thanks again  :)

[kitty51]

the problem is that sometimes an earache doesnt occur till the damage is done.I had this problem from a very small baby,perforated my ear drum had to have it grafted but the damage was more extensive due to continuios infection.Having adenoids removed is no problem no pain after.Steroid sprays can work so i guess thats why he want to try.But i doubt that it would leave permenant damage.Best thing is to ask him everything that concerns you.I understand what this is like been there and done it.Good Luck with your daughter,and try not to worry to much.:)

[crobidoux]

Just to let you know, your daughter isn't alone.  I'm 27 years old and I need tubes in my ears as well.  My right ear is protruding and my left ear is retracted.  I'm scared to death on the thought of tubes because I had them when I was little and they hurt.  But, back then I was awake when they put the tubes in and now a days, I guess, they put you to sleep.  The ENT specialist I'm going to said that he could try other treatment but I have so much hearing loss that if he tries anything else I could rupture my eardrums and lose my hearing for good.  

I would ask the ENT if waiting could do more damage that may not be reversable and follow his advice.

Good Luck!!