david1@aluxe.UUCP (nelson) (04/09/84)
My 2 1/2 year old son has had ear infections and fluid retention in
his ears since before he was 1. Our pediatrician recommended that he have
tubes placed into his ears. My wife and I were familiar with the procedure
since both of my sister's kids have needed them. My son got the tubes
about 6 weeks ago. We went to the hospital at 7:30 AM. By 10;30 AM
we were home and he behaved as if nothing had happened. The only time
he cried was when we weren't by his side when he awoke. Since the
operation he has had 2 colds, neither of which have resulted in ear infections.
The procedure takes only 5 to 10 minutes, the surgeon's fee was $250
and the anaesthesiologist's fee was $120. Of course our insurance
paid 95% of the doctor's fees, and 100% of the hospital bill.
If the procedure is not done and the fluid is not premoved
a permanent hearing loss may result.