We took Townes in to see the ENT last week and it looks like he is failing the hearing tests because of fluid behind the ears. He will definitely need ear tubes. I can see why they say it sounds like he is hearing under a swimming pool. It is very strange that he has never had an infection despite this problem and being in the daycare germ pool.
Additionally his adenoids are enlarged. He has always breathed heavily/snorted while awake and snored while sleeping. The doctor recommended a sleep study to see whether he has sleep apnea from the adenoids and/or tonsils. Tonsillectomies are performed less today than when our generation was young because recent studies have questioned its efficacy when no severe problems are present. The adenoidectomy is a more standard procedure.
The sleep study should be interesting as it's an all night and day nap deal. Vanderbilt specializes in pediatric sleep studies so hopefully it won't be too painful for mom and dad. If he does have sleep apnea, it sounds like he will be getting ear tubes and removal of the adenoids
and tonsils. Sleep apnea makes babies very grouchy and moody because they are not getting the deep sleep they need. Hmmm... :)
We are so thankful this is a conductive hearing problem and not something with the nerves. We can handle some temporary discomfort so he feels better.
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