Hi doctor,
My son, who will be 2 in May, has had approximately 8 ear infections in his life. Recently, his pediatrician referred me to an ENT to have his hearing evaluated. The hearing evaluation took place yesterday and it was discovered that his hearing is not within normal limits. I was shown a chart and the ENT told me that his hearing should fall within the range which was labeled 0-20. My son's hearing fell in the low 30s. They also performed another test to see if there was pressure or fluid in his ears. This test also suggested there might be fluid. Therefore, the ENT recommended that my son have tubes placed in his ears. His recommendation was based on the following factors:
1. High number of ear infections.
2. Abnormal hearing tests.
3. Delayed speech (My son does not really say any words clearly)
I understand that this procedure, for the most part, is rather simple and very common. Still, I feel that it is my duty as his mother, to research as much as possible and determine if it is ABSOLUTELY necessary as general anesthesia will be administered.
Do you agree with the ENT? If so, can you tell me all the pros and cons, risks, benefits, etc.?
Lastly, [and since I'm paying for this question, I gotta get my money's worth! (lol)] the ENT said that children undergoing this procedure show an almost immediate improvement in their speech. Do you agree with this?
Thank you so much!