Glue Ear Archives - Forever In Mom Genes

Glue Ear Can Be A Sticky Situation

Jun 10 2011

We’ve been down the ear tube road (or should I say canal?) before. I wrote about it here. It was a success and Avery’s hearing and speech improved immediately and dramatically. Now two years later, the initial tubes long since gone, Avery’s speech has taken a nose dive. We had her hearing re-tested and she failed, but not by much. We decided to put the tubes in again and the ENT doctor suggested her adenoids be removed as well. Adenoids may obstruct the Eustachian tubes, so removing them may prevent “Glue Ear” from reoccurring. Under normal circumstances the patient is sent home the day of the procedure, but I asked if we could CHOOSE to stay the night? Sleep apnea, seizures and potential heart issues made coming home immediately afterward a scary prospect. The doctor thankfully agreed that having her monitored for the night would be wise. So last week we checked into Sick Kids hospital. Some of us were more excited than others. Clearly Avery has NO fear of hospitals. Perhaps her brother has played a part in her feeling safe and secure around the medical profession? Avery was taken to the[…]

May 05 2009

Our daughter had ear tube surgery today. Not a major procedure, but to me it may as well have been a brain transplant. Avery is 33 months old and isn’t talking. She has underlying genetic issues that are likely the cause, but we also know she has fluid in her ears. A whole lot of gunky fluid. What is “Glue Ear?” She failed hearing test after hearing test. They finally put a number on it – 40% hearing loss which is like listening while pressing both hands tightly against your ears. We decided to go ahead with the ear tube insertion. It would help Avery hear and hopefully speak clearly. We hesitated only because her genetic condition also includes cardiac issues which can make anaesthesia more risky. We arrived at the hospital at 7 am and took a seat in the surgical waiting area with the other gowned patients. Everyone wore the same expression of exhaustion, fear and nervous anxiety. I tried not to touch anything and probably used the community hand-sanitizer more often than would be considered NOT INSANE. While we went through the pre-surgery protocol, I kissed Avery’s little blond head a hundred times. We sat and watched[…]

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Glue Ear Can Be A Sticky Situation

Paging Dr. McDreamy—Ear Tube Surgery