Totally gutted please tell me something positive

[tryingtobemarypoppins2]

DS is only 6 months old. He has been diagnosed with very bad glue in both ears and the Tympanometry test (air blown onto the air drum) showed no movement at all in one ear and a tiny wave in the other :(

We are not smokers, never let our children go anywhere near a smoker, I breastfeed up until this month....I am gutted.

He is always hitting his ears and often seems uncomfortable :(

Consulatant has suggested detail hearing test and surgery. Any threads I have found have been very doom and gloom, behaviour problems, sad children etc.

Anyone have any positive experiences? Please!

DS was born with a cleft lip and palate and glue ear was diagnosed when he was 3. He had grommets and t tubes until he was around 10, and then the problem eased, although his hearing isn't perfect. He's obviously had on-going surgery to deal with as well.

We always knew that self-confidence could be a bit issue, and from when DS was small, we would get him to go and ask questions if we were shopping, or out for a meal etc. His speech isn't perfect, but it's totally understandable, and he's a popular and well loved young man. Really concentrate on building up his confidence at every opportunity.

DS's off to uni next week!

All 3 of my DC have suffered from glue ear, and have been treated diffrently.

DS - had glue ear as a baby, we were told it had cleared up when he was about 18 mnths. His speech was delayed and was very nasally, he had speech therapy for a year. When he started school the speech therapist at school suggested we have hearing check and general health check with our GP. Glue ear has returned, along with lots of scar tissue in his nose and the back of his throat, which ENT consultant suggests is caused by fluid dripping constantly.He is on the waiting list for adenoidectomy, tonsilectomy and grommits.

DD1 - had glue ear as a baby, had grommits fitted at about 18 months.The op was not nice but she bounced back within a day, the worst it was not being able to wash her hair for a fortnight, it was filthy! Her speech, which was pretty much non existent before that, developed really quickly and her speech and language is now good for her age (she's 3).

DD2 - had glue ear at 6 months,but last week (she's 15 mnths) had a full hearing screen and check up. It would appear that her ears have improved on their own. The audiologist suggested that she could be discharged ut I have requested 6 mnthly check ups after my experience with DS. They were happy to do this, so fingers crossed she'll be ok in March when we go again.

I felt very guily for a long time as I assumed that I must have done something wrong, even though I had healthy pregnancies and reastfed them all for about 15 mnths (am stil bf DD2). However, when I mentioned this to DD2 consultant he said she has small ears for her age and that the tube has quite a sharp bend. He explained that ears are the same as noses and mouths in that they are an inherited shape!

Really interesting ladies, thank-you.
Just wondering a few things.

Should I have my older son checked for glue ear??? Does it run in families? I haven't had any worries about his hearing.

If we need to consider grommits is there an age that its better to have them?? Some people have suggested that they can cause scaring and to leave it as long as possible. He is still only 6 months.

I am going to chase tomorrow about the full hearing test, I know we were only seen on Friday but our appointment to be looked at was cancelled 4 times!!

My dd had grommets fitted at age 4 because of glue ear. I tried cranial osteopathy and dietary changes first as I wanted to avoid surgery. Neither worked, but the grommets made a fantastic difference. Her speech and behaviour improved over night and her teacher noticed the difference straight away. I know she's a lot older than your ds, but in a way I wish I'd sorted it out sooner rather than delaying by trying other things. Good luck - I'm sure your ds will be just fine.