Vicki Lansky - Koko Bears Big Earache: Preparing Your Child for Ear Tube Surgery

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Table of Contents

Introduction

By the time your child is a year or two old, you are probably a veteran of several middle ear infections and many sleepless nights.

Middle ear infections are of particular concern because even after the infection subsides with medication, fluid often remains behind the eardrum, causing hearing loss. Even temporary hearing loss, we now know, can seriously affect learning and speech development in young children and also cause behavioral and discipline problems. Remember, a young child cant verbalize hearing loss and simply adapts to a problematic situation.

For this reason doctors today often recommend the placement of tiny ear tubesPE (pressure equalization) or tympanostomy tubesto ventilate the middle ear. This procedure involves a small incision in the eardrum (myringotomy) to drain the ear. A hollow ear tube the size of this o is then inserted. It is a simple, short operation performed at day-surgery centers that has successfully and dramatically improved hearing for thousands of children.

Because this procedure requires general anesthesia and a hospital setting, there are concerns for both parent and child alike. Knowing what to expect can help prepare your child and reduce anxiety for both of you. We believe that this story about KoKo Bears ear tube surgery will help insure that your child has a positive experience.

Its the middle of the night. KoKo is crying.

MaMa, MaMa, says KoKo, it hurts!

Oh dear, where does it hurt, KoKo? asks MaMa.

It hurts inside my ears, says KoKo.

Oh, KoKo, it sounds like another ear infection. Well go see Dr. Polar in the morning. She can help make you feel better, says MaMa.

Ear infections are often more troublesome at night because your child is horizontal and fluid behind the eardrum creates pressure and pain. Small children with ear infections often pull on their ears or cry when they cough.

For nighttime relief, try a nonaspirin pain reliever or a hot moist towel against the hurting ear.

KoKo usually likes to visit Dr. Polars office. Dr. Polar has lots of books and toys, and best of all, a large aquarium with pretty fish and plants.

Hi, KoKo, says the nurse at the desk. Im sorry you have a problem, but I know Dr. Polar will be happy to see you.

What? says KoKo. The nurses voice is hard to hear.

Hearing loss clues to watch for: you must speak louder; your child uses the word what more frequently and also turns up the volume on a TV or tape recorder.

Avoid promising your child that doctors and nurses will not cause discomfort. The mention of no pain may give a child concern where none existed before.

The nurse takes KoKo and MaMa Bear into the examining room to see Dr. Polar.

Hello, KoKo, says Dr. Polar. I understand your ears are hurting you again. I need to use my otoscopethis special ear flashlightto see inside your ears. Now lets have a look. Do you think there are some butterflies hiding in there?

No. Thats silly, says KoKo.

Your attitude at a check-up will be reflected in your child. Be relaxed and positive. It is normal for a child to resent and resist ear checks because of the pain. Do not become upset with this behavior and thereby add to the unhappiness.

Encourage your child to role-play the visit to the doctor. Most childrens medical kits include a toy otoscope.

I need to check both your ears, says Dr. Polar. Some bears think this tickles. What do you think, KoKo?

Yes, says KoKo. The otoscope tickles.

I can see your eardrum and now I know whats causing your earache, says Dr. Polar. You have an infection, but I can fix that with some medicine. Heres my otoscope, KoKo. You can look into Chumleys ears now that Im finished.

Administer antibiotic medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Even when the pain has subsided, the infection is still there and needs to be treated.

Role-playing and role-reversal often help children have a sense of control over their environment, reducing fear and tension. This can also alert you to your childs concerns so you can discuss them.

MaMa Bear, says Dr. Polar, the medicine will fix KoKos earache for now, but I think KoKo needs ear tubes. Theyll help KoKo hear better and not have so many earaches.

Are you going to put tubes in my ears now? asks KoKo.

No, no. My friend, Dr. Enti will put them in for you at the hospital, says Dr. Polar. They are very, very tiny, but you need to be napping when he puts them in.

Can Chumley come with me? asks KoKo.

Of course. Chumley will like visiting the hospital, says Dr. Polar.

Its important for a child to understand that these tubes are very small and arent visible externally when in place.

Be sure to take advantage of your hospitals preoperative tours and preparation information. They are significant in reducing anxiety for parent and child alike.

One morning MaMa, PaPa, and KoKo Bear drive to Honeycomb Hospital. KoKo was not supposed to eat or drink anything before coming to the hospital. Chumley didnt have any breakfast either.

Will I have to be here overnight? asks KoKo.

Oh no. Well only be here for a short time, says MaMa. Well be home tonight for dinner.

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