Trying Otovent for glue ear

Isaac has always had grommet surgeries performed on him, one when he turned two and the other when he turned four. The first operation showed significant improvements in his hearing, while the second did not.

Isaac has profound to severe hearing loss, and his audio aids work at maximum strength. The cochlear implant assessment process has been done twice. The hearing aids are performing better at the moment for Isaac. They decided that the cochlear implant risk was too high due to his cochleas’ shape. We may try it in the future if Isaac’s hearing worsens. But for now, he is doing well with his hearing aids.

Isaac’s hearing was tested last week, and there was a noticeable drop in certain frequencies. After doing additional tests, it became clear that Isaac had more glue on both sides. His school noted that he had a few days where he was having difficulty with his ling sounds. We sometimes received more than just the usual “huh” or “what?” It was nothing to worry about.

We’re now trying the method. The balloon has to be blown up twice daily on both sides. This will open the Eustachian tubes and drain the fluid behind the eardrum over time. It was a little difficult at first, but he soon got the hang of it, and now it is a part of his daily routine.

It’s not easy. It felt like your ears were popping. We will continue to use the device and hope that it reduces the work of his hearing aids at his next check-up in three months.