My daughter has tubes in her ears. It was an easy and necessary procedure (for her). She has not had an ear infection since and has had only a couple of minor colds. The only pain is the ear plugs. We use them in the bath tub and every time she goes swimming. She loves the water.... so the summer was a bit of a bummer... but she's so use to them now, it's like 2nd nature.

I would make an apt. with a pediatric ENT for another opinion.

Chrisy is right. It is a simple procedure. My son had constant infections until he was about 18mo and they put the tubes in. The kids don't even know they are ther except for plugs when they go swimming. The tubes will fall out on their own after time and you won't even know when they do.
Definately get a referal to an ENT for eveluation it is worth it for the kids.

Bob

My 3 year old had 6 ear infections before her first birthday. Because my daughter got ear infections that occurred not only during cold/flu season but also at times where there weren't that many illnesses and because when she did get an ear infection.... one round of antibiotics didn't always take care of the infection....my doc felt that tubes would benefit her. We had the tubes put in when she was 18 months old and one side stayed in until she was almost, 3 and the other one is still in. The tubes come out as the ear drum heals and pushes this teeny tiny plastic cone out. The one that fell out, I had no idea... we never saw the tube. Having to have your child put under anesthesia is no fun, but it's the best thing we ever did. My daughter still got ear infections but not as severe and to treat them she didn't have to take oral antibiotics... just antibiotic ear drops.

Just because your daughter has had 4 ear infections does not necessarily mean she will need tubes. It depends on many factors. My older daughter also had 5 ear infections before her first birthday (what is the deal with my kids!) but after she turned one, she stopped getting them (even during cold/flu season) and her ear infections could be treated with homeopathic measures, so it was a totally different situation than my 3 year old.

Hope that helps. And good luck.

THe ENT told us that the guidelines are 6 or more infections in one year or fluid in the ears for more than a month (or maybe it was 2). My son had tubes put in at 16 months. It's been wonderful. We were told by both the ENT and the pediatrician that plugs are not necessary unless they are diving underwater. And at this age, he's not. His tubes are still in place.

The anesthesia is just nitric oxide (laughing gas). Just enough to stop the squirming. If it was us they wouldn't use anything (my mom actually got tubes a few years ago). The whole surgery takes about 10 min. My son was mad after it, but he got over it fairly quickly. By that afternoon he was himself again.

I've been very happy with them. He hasn't had a single infection since then and I'm not at the doctor every week to see if there is still fluid in his ears.

Thanks so much to each and everyone of you. I was not able to have the discussion with my doctor at my last visit, they had an emergency and he had to leave, I was just curious on how everything worked if it happened to be something we have to do in the near future. All the information was wonderful, and I do not feel so stressed about it now, I so appreciate your time!!!!

Tubes were the best thing to ever happen for my girls! They have both had to have tubes.. my pediatrican says that if they have six or more infections in a 12 month period they need tubes, it was awful having so many infections and having to fight with the antiboitics twice a day! They will come out on their own when they grow more.

My oldest girl had tubes put and adenoids removed at age 2. Shje had tonsils and adenoids removed again at age 3. That FINALLY made a difference in the recurrent chronic ear and sinus infections she had been having for over 2 years. The tubes was a simple and short procedure, and she did well. It did help, but it did not eliminate her problems, hence the later surgery.
3 ear infections in 4 months is too many. But, I am not a doctor and cannot tell you that surgery is needed. One thing that may help, if you are not doing it now, keep her from getting ANY water in her ears at all. You can use cotton balls with vaseline rubbed on them, on the side that goes into the ear. The vaseline acts as a seal. My daughter had specially fitted ear plugs that she got from the ENT. So, you might be able to get the same.
The tubes involve making an incision, and the tube is inserted. They usually fall out after a period of time. It varies. I hope she gets rid of those ear infections, and feels better soon. I know they are no fun at all! Hope I have been helpful.