Any ENT experts here?! DS's grommets refuse to come out!

[TulipsAndDaffs]

Hiya
DS had grommets put in when he was 7, and he is now 11. Due to various NHS cock-ups, we haven't seen his ENT person for over 18 months .
I remember being told that they should come out by themselves, but they definitely haven't (I got our GP to have a look), even though it has been 4 years.
Does the fact that they haven't come out by themselves suggest there is still fluid/goo in the ear and so we shouldn't get them taken out? I read somewhere that it is dangerous to hearing to have them in for too long, but I am not sure why.
Is it rare for them to not come out on their own?
I would hate for them to be taken out and for DS to have to struggle to hear again , as he was late getting them and they have made such a difference.
I am about to shout at the ENT dept tomorrow and demand an appointment asap, but want to know what we should do for the best re DS's hearing.
Thankyou.

I think that the danger is that the hole in the ear drum will stay if the grommets are in for too long. DS had grommets that came out way too easily, which meant eventually he had 't' tubes, which have to be 'extracted'. From memory, the ENT surgeon who took out the tubes cut around them, so that there was a wound, and the hole would hopefully heal itself - if that makes sense.

Good luck with the appt.

It is possible they have come out but are sitting in a position in the ear canal that looks to the GP as though they are out. ENT told me that happens, but they can usually tell.

Hiya
The grommets are definitely still in the right place, the GP was sure. He said he didn't know enough about what happens when they are in too long though.
I have now got an appointment for two weeks time for DS, so I will be asking about holes in the ear drum etc and finding out if he be be taking them out soon.
I would still be interested in hearing from anyone who has had grommets taken out and then had their hearing issues return, esepcially after them being in the ear for so long.
Ta

Hi
I've just come accross some fantastic information videos about grommet surgery and after care that I wanted to share with everyone - the videos are at www.littlegrommets.com/