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Children's health

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Original poster

Ear infection - hearing

8 replies

whenitrains5 · 06/07/2023 07:39

My son was given antibiotics on Monday for an ear infection. I have noticed that he either doesn't realise I'm talking to him or needs me to speak loudly unless I'm right next to him.

Do I need to be concerned here? Please tell me things will go back to normal when the infection clears up....

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TravelDazzle · 06/07/2023 08:13

It can take quite a while for hearing to go back to normal after an ear infection. Have symptoms started to improve since taking the ABs (pain, temp, etc)? I'd give a week or so, but I honestly wouldn't be overly worried. If he gets recurring ear infections, I think that is when you need to worry about hearing impact, but you can talk to the GP if his hearing doesn't seem improve after a while.

Original poster
whenitrains5 · 06/07/2023 08:28

Thanks @TravelDazzle - in himself he seems a lot better since taking the ABX but he's not 100% yet. He had a really really nasty ear infection last year and now we have another so I think I'm overly worrying as prior to that he had never had one

OP posts:
mdh2020 · 06/07/2023 09:22

Dont leave this too long. If you are worried go to the GP. My GD was almost completely deaf before she was diagnosed as needing grommets.

Original poster
whenitrains5 · 06/07/2023 09:37

@mdh2020 was this alongside an ear infection?

OP posts:
Ibizafun · 06/07/2023 10:19

Your son needs oral steroids as fast as possible to avoid possible permanent hearing loss. Not all gp's are aware of this.

Original poster
whenitrains5 · 06/07/2023 10:41

Thanks all. I'm waiting for a call back from the GP

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LauraPausini · 06/07/2023 11:29

I think it can be normal but, not to frighten you, I have permanent hearing loss from a childhood ear infection. Hopefully this will be checked out and monitored by your GP (or a referral can be made to a children's ENT specialist). Sending get well wishes to your little one, ear infections can be miserable.

Original poster
whenitrains5 · 06/07/2023 11:31

LauraPausini · 06/07/2023 11:29

I think it can be normal but, not to frighten you, I have permanent hearing loss from a childhood ear infection. Hopefully this will be checked out and monitored by your GP (or a referral can be made to a children's ENT specialist). Sending get well wishes to your little one, ear infections can be miserable.

Thank you. I've spoken to GP - she didn't seem concerned and said it was common but if we were still worried in a week or two to definitely call back

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