Ear Infections

[Podmog]

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cranial osteopathy- can work wonders with this problem. Best to get a recommendation- but the Sutherland Society (don't have the url- but google will get you there) will have a list of qualified practitioners in your area. If you're either in the SW of England or Bromely, Kent I can recommend one.

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Wy is the GP reluctant to refer her for a hearing test? I would make that the first priority, at least you will know how much of an effect its having. My youngest DD had the same thing (including the allergies) and hearing tests did show that she was only v slightly down, but she did struggle when there was a lot of background noise, and her teacher should be aware of this. Other things at school were to make sure dd sat in the middle of the group when they were on the carpet etc, as that is where she could hear the best. If she is having repeated burst eardrums, you need to check that the perforation has healed (I think they can only do this at the hospital, as they have to measure the pressure inside the ear). My dd has still got a very small hole in one eardrum. Although this is not affecting her hearing at the mo, it can result in more infections, particularly if she gets water in her ears. We were able to get 'made to measure' earplugs from the ear hospital and she has only had 1 ear infection since she's had them (3 years). You don't say how old your dd is, mine is now 5.5 and appears to be growing out of the problems, although she will probably have to have an operation to patch the eardrum when she's older (they like to leave it as late as possible if it doesn't seem to be affecting their hearing).
Anyway, hope this helps.

In Plymouth I can highly recommend Alison Cameron- not sure if that's too SW :-)

Your daughter sounds the same as my son. We were against grommits, too. After getting a second opinion and having his hearing horrible for four months (he heard normal speaking as something quieter than a whisper) we decided to get grommits and the difference was amazing. Because he could hear, his behaviour changed (for the better!), his speaking improved and he was a much much happier child. They were put in when he was 2 1/2 .. young, I know. We've never had problems with his ears since (he's five). Grommits aren't the answer every time, but just because they are overprescribed, doesn't mean they aren't the right choice sometimes.

Why on earth won't your GP refer your son for a hearing test?

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Podmog - both my dds suffered from terrible ear infections from about 3/6 months old.

dd1 had febrile convulsions when she had a raised temperature associated with the onset of the infection, and also could not talk properly as she had glue ear, and could not hear words properly. She had grommets at 20months - and her ear infections since then - shes 3 now - have been maybe 1 or 2, and she started to speak straight after the operation - no kidding - and hasn't stopped since.

dd2 had them 4 months ago for the same reasons, they both had had months of recurrent ear infections - and she has had one since.

They have worked really well for our dds, they don't stop the infections, but they stop the build up of fluid in the middle ear, as it just pours out of the ear canal, and it is this I think that kept getting infected, and also stops them hearing properly.

Hope this gives you another viewpoint.

An alternative approach : I have a lovely book "what really works for kids", and I followed all the advice in there when dd had ear glue ears before xmas and no probs since touch wood ! some stuff from book is online - www.whatreallyworks.co.uk/start/kidszone.asp?article_ID=151 Also osteopathy and homeopathy (you'd need to see a homeopath to get the best advice - might also help with allergies and eczema) to cover all bases ! hth

Also reduce mucus - producing foods - swap cows milk for goats milk (and cheese), no yoghurts / fromage frais. Plenty vitamin C (kiwi fruits good) but not oranges which are also increase mucus. hth

keep forgetting what I wanted to add ! I also propped her head up at night, and massaged downwards right in front and behind of the ears to aid drainage. sounds odd i know, but really seemed to help.

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poor you, poor dd1 pdmog. Good luck with whatever you try - let us know how you get on.

I don't know whether this will help, but as a child I went completely deaf for a few weeks due to severe ear infections, I know what the pain can be like (I have just got over my second ear infection in 2 months, I can tell when they are starting so can catch them and get medication straight away0,

The main i'd advise is, do as tomps advises and if your child is in real discomort, get a hot water bottle, wrap it in a soft towel and keep it hot enough so it is not burning your childs ear, the warmth really really does help ease the pain.

Podmow - how are the ears ?

Who is podmow ? I meant to address that to podmog