COLUMN: What’s up Doc
‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing. Answers will be provided weekly from specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital. If it’s a long-standing illness or simply a worry which you would like to get off your mind then send your questions to Spire Gatwick Park is a private hospital located in Horley, Surrey providing a range of treatments, from orthopaedic to ophthalmic, ENT to cosmetic. You do not need private medical insurance to use Spire Gatwick Park Hospital facilities and patients can get appointments within 2 weeks.
Hi Spire, my six-year-old is having hearing problems, she is not concentrating at school as she is complaining that she can’t hear.
She is having bad earaches and is in a lot of pain. This has been going on for 2 and half months now, I have been to see my GP and they asked that I keep monitoring it for a few more weeks.
However ,it’s getting to the point where I can’t bear to see her in any pain. Can you help?
What is the problem with her hearing?
Is there a treatment for this? Thanks.
Kate, Three Bridges
Dear Reader, I am sorry to hear that your 6 year old daughter has a combination of hearing loss as well as earache. Commonest cause of hearing loss in children is due to formation of effusion in the middle ear, known as glue ear. This condition on its own without accompanying infection can be silent; hence it can present with delayed speech development, or having a hearing issue picked up by a teacher or a nursery nurse.
Other times a frustrated child unable to hear can be branded as having behavioural problem. In superadded infective form there is raised temperature and quite a severe pain unless there is perforation of the eardrum to release pressure. Taking an antibiotic in its acute painful stage along with pain killers plus minus nasal decongestant if there is associated cold and congestion tends to help. However should the hearing loss continue due to the presence of glue ear or earaches recurring it is advisable to be in touch with your GP.
A consultation by an ENT surgeon will pave the way not only ensuring paediatric audiological assessment but also consideration whether your daughter require insertion of ventilating tubes, known as grommets until there is satisfactory function of the Eustachian tubes that meant to be ventilating the ears. The grommets are usually extruded any time between 6 months to a year or so. On few occasions removal is required. Swimming is usually allowed though use of a headband and earplugs recommended. Each child needs to have a full assessment to include whether there is associated enlarged adenoid tissue or contribution by tonsillar tissue to repeat infections. One should also be aware that the condition could be self-limiting and spontaneous resolution can occur. Hence a period of monitoring may be required depending on the severity and length of symptoms present.
Mr Kemal Bevan, consultant ENT surgeon, offers appointments at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital on Wednesday and Friday. To book an appointment call 01293 778 906 or email info@spiregatwick.com
Email to a friend
Print this page- CRAWLEY TOWN FIXTURES: Reds face Evans at the Broadfield on third Saturday of new season
- BREAKING NEWS: Oakhurst Grange Nursing Home to close
- Police officer denies shoplifting at Crawley Tesco
- New Sainsbury’s store in Horley
- Number of shops rises for first time in six years ... but tough times lie ahead
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Crawley
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
