Ears and Speech

Charlie will be having his tubes put back in February 3rd. He had an ear infection about 2 weeks ago. At that point we found out that his right tube had fallen out. His pediatrician was concerned since Charlie already has a speech and developmental delay. We made an appointment with the ENT so that we could discuss our options with him. His ear doctor looked at him today and said there was quite a bit a fluid in the right ear and with his speech problems the tubes need to be put back in. This mom was not against it one bit. We have come a long way with Charlie's speech and I don't want him regressing. Charlie's teacher came on Wednesday and noticed a little change in him that made her concerned. It is amazing what one ear infection can do! The poor kid is listening to us and it must sound like we are talking under water. The doctor insisted that the tubes be put in before our trip to Disney World. He said that the flight would be miserable for Charlie with the fluid that is in his ear. Now Nick and I just have to make the decision between permanent tubes and temporary tubes. There is a risk that the permanent tubes could leave a hole in his ear drum that would have to be patched later. Braeden had the permanent tubes and didn't have a problem. We are leaning more towards the permanent but want to make sure we know all the options first. Charlie does risk having to have a 3rd surgery in 6 months when the tubes fall out again. If he has to have tubes a 3rd time the doctor would automatically put in the permanent tubes anyway. Sometimes these choices that seem so simple are really very difficult to make!!