Question about Grommets (Glue Ear)

[Kimmy1080]

My son had grommets fitted a few years ago (he is now six). Today he had a hearing test and we are delighted that his hearing is now 'normal' in both ears. However, there is still a grommet in the right ear but the left grommet is on its way out but still there.

In my haste to rush out and tell hubby the good news, I failed to ask the Consultant whether it was still necessary for my son to wear ear plugs when swimming, having a shower etc.

What do you think? Do you think I should still continue to cover his ears even though his hearing is now normal? Would it be detrimental if the water flushed these out or should they be left to drop out naturally by themselves? Your opinions greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Kim

[Belle]

Hi there,

my son is quite a bit younger (22 months) and has only had his since May, but just a different perspective: our surgeon told us not to bother with protecting the ears during hairwashing, swimming etc. We actually went on holiday right after the op, and were concerned about the swimming but he told us not to worry at all. He suggested if we were concerned that the ear had become wet, we should dry it carefully and gently with a bit of tissue.

From what I understand, they do drop out naturally - my son's right one has dropped out recently, we have discovered. I'd have thought the consultant would have given you more specific advice if it was a concern.

[Kimmy1080]

Thank you for for your reply Belle. Yes, I had similar thoughts that if it was that much of a concern, the Consultant should have pointed it out to us. We have always tried to keep his ears dry ever since he had his op - we have not always succeeded but obviously it made no difference to the grommets.

Interesting perspective, that you were told not to worry about getting it wet - I was told the exact opposite.

I appreciate your opinion - I think I will relax with this one now, perhaps keep him with ear plugs for swimming (as he's quite used to it now) but keep his ears uncovered for hair washing/showers.

[Belle]

yES, must say we were v suprised by our consultant's approach! Obviously we've employed common sense - no unecessary splashing, and my son HATES having his hair washed so that's not a v common occurence anyway...plus we haven't got round to swimming with him other than on holiday. The grommet that has come out is as a result of his ear peforating, we think (i.e. unconnected to the water/ears incidences).

[ludoscotts]

hi they do come out on their own so dont worry, I had them as a child and had them put in both ears twice as they worked themselves out on their own and was nothing to do with ears getting wet, must was anal about keeping my ears dry so it was def not though that. think as you grow and your ear canals get bigger they come loose. cant give advice on wether to keep ears dry now as honestly cant remember when I started going swimming etc and advice may have changed since I grew up.

[EmilyE]

The reason that you are supposed to be careful with water is that you have a hole into the inner ear (the grommet) and so infection is more likely. In practice, I think the evidence on this is slightly questionable - hence some people advising differently.

I have an adult version of grommets, and personally I don't worry about showers/hair washing, but I don't dive/swim underwater and have not had any problems.

[Pugwash]

My Grandson is due to have grommets, daughter advised - no swimming for at least 6 weeks after op, then ear plugs to be worn at all times