Tubes clear the airways for our infant son

Our youngest son got tubes put in his ears last week. This was recommended to us after about five ear infections in six months time.

The more I talked with folks about this, the more I came to realize just how common it was. Our oldest two sons never needed them, so it was new to me.

So, they went in, pierced his eardrums to allow the fluid to drain and, I guess the tubes are in there somewhere. I can’t see them. But, I’m told they’re in there.

The doctors said he had experienced some moderate hearing loss and this would help improve many things – among them his speech and perhaps his balance. And, of course, it would curtail the ear infections.

What a minute? Talk more?

Most people tell us that his vocabulary is strong for a kid 20 months old.

So, is it possible there’s more in there that he wants to say?

The doctor said he was hearing well enough to make out words, but the hearing was muffled.

So, everything probably seems loud to him now.

Most people – friends, doctors, nurses, etc., — said the procedure was harder on the parents that it was on the baby.

They’re probably right. After it was over, he just wanted breakfast.

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth basketball dad and changes diapers. He’s hoping the “diapers part” will end someday soon.