It found that prompt insertion of tubes in children under 3 years old with fluid in their ears did not measurably improve their development. Infection of the middle ear, known medically as otitis media, is probably the single most common reason for children to see a doctor, experts say. Although Anna Blair was born with a hearing deficit, recurrent ear infections have posed an even greater risk to her hearing. On this day, Dr. James Thomsen is performing six such operations and removing tubes from one patient's ears. Thomsen, an otolaryngologist treating children since 1989, said doctors and parents are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating when the surgery is appropriate.
People have different criteria.
Dr. Douglas Mattox, professor and chairman of the otolaryngology department at Emory University School of Medicine, agreed that parents should not misinterpret the Pittsburgh study and dismiss the use of ear tubes altogether. Mattox said the issue has been controversial for years. Studies have shown, he said, that chronic hearing loss does cause some subtle deficits in learning. We judge each case individually. Both the Chapmans and the Sarsfields believe they waited long enough.