ear congestion/glue ear and hearing - experiences please

[verybusyspider]

ds (4.5yrs) had a hearing test last summer after preschool were worried about his behaviour (obsessed by routine, distressed if it changed, perfectionist) they said he had 'ear congestion and partial hearing in his left ear' and would retest. We had the retest a couple of weeks ago and the left ear is worse and now there is some congestion in the right ear so he has been referred to an ENT consultant.

I've spoken to GP to see if there is anything I can do as the school have highlighted his figitty behaviour and being unable to settle (although I have told them all about the tests and asked them to make sure he sits at the front of class/on carpet) He said based on fact dh had 5 sets of grommits as a child its probably inherited and will have to wait few months to see ENT who will most likely recommend grommits. ds also has a milk intollerance but me told me this had nothing to do with excess mucus production and excluding diary wouldn't help (fwiw dh has a wheat intollerance...)

I want to help ds now - I know this might not be possible but is there a none medical way of relieving ear congestion rather than having a procedure under ga?

I've googled it and think we've passed the 'watchful waiting' period of 3 months as we've done that and its got worse. I did find a reference to a nasal balloon - anyone tried it? does it work?
I'm also seeing a homeopath...

Anyones experience would be greatly recieved as I don't want it to have a negative impact on his school life - he loves school but I know that his (NQ) teacher finds him challenging

My ds is nearly 2 and has recently had an ear infection. I think he too has congestion. I'd love to hear from those with experience of the balloon, esp what ages it works for, and how people cope with the sleep disturbance. Sorry, have no advice myself.

Hi babybrain - this is the info I found www.gluear.co.uk/ not sure if that helps, sorry can't help you either x

You've probably heard it before but, for the record, homeopathy has no biological plausibility and when tested fails to demonstrate effectiveness beyond placebo.

You may find the NHS webpage of interest but unfortunately there is little reason to suggest any "alternative" therapy for otitis media.

I confess to not being familiar with the nasal balloon but having looked at the three studies cited it's not very impressive methodology or results I'm afraid to say.

The NHS website has some no pharmacological suggestions for reducing symptoms.
The data for xylitol isn't good but is better than anything else available before your ENT appt.

DD finally had grommets in December. She had very poor hearing and her GP prescribed saline inhalations and balloon blowing up. It made no difference despite doing it four times a day. she ended up having the surgery which helped enormously. The balloon thing may be worth doing though.

DBennett - I know the theory but even if it is placebo, placebo can be a powerful thing (even if its placebo by proxy at least I am doing something rather than waiting and watching like the GP seems to think helps ) thanks for all the other information too

I don't know waiting and watching (or active surveillance as it could be termed) is helpful.

But it is the best there is until the surgery is performed.

Are you planning to try the xylitol?

It's a relatively recent recommendation (mainly to cut the costs/risks of inappropriate antibiotic use) and I haven't heard any feedback yet.

Yes but not keen to give ds chewing gum so I'm looking for an alternative source... I need to do I bit more digging online

My DS(4) had grommets inserted this year. I noticed an improvement in his behaviour as soon as he had them in - that is on the way out of the hospital!

However, he's at school now and his behaviour has been very challenging. DS has been referred to a consultant to evaluate his social understanding and how he listens. He's learning well at school yet has very poor social skills. Apparently that's common in children who've had glue ear (and therefore cannot hear very well) as they haven't yet developed their listening skills which in turn effects their social skills.

Ask your preschool what you can do to help. DS's teacher is very supportive. Ask him to have "kind hands" and when he does something naughty explain calmly the consequence of him doing that behaviour eg if you hit a child they will cry and the teacher will be upset with you. Also, tell him you love him every day, if he dislikes change as much as my DS then whatever support and love you can provide will help him to overcome those challenges.