Which statement about ear tubes is true?

Which statement about ear tubes is true?

• A. Ear tubes are usually reserved for recurrent infections.
• B. Ear tubes are the first line for a single infection.
• C. Ear tubes cure RSV.
• D. Ear tubes replace antibiotics.

Answer: (A)

Ear tubes are a way to ventilate the middle ear and drain fluid, which helps prevent recurrent ear infections and protect the child’s hearing during critical years of speech and language development. Because of that, they’re typically considered when problems keep coming back or when persistent fluid with hearing loss lasts despite medical treatment. They’re not chosen for a single infection, since medical therapy with antibiotics (and observation) is usually enough for one episode. They also don’t cure RSV, a viral illness, and they don’t replace antibiotics; tubes may reduce the number of infections, but antibiotics are still used when indicated.

Ear tubes are a way to ventilate the middle ear and drain fluid, which helps prevent recurrent ear infections and protect the child’s hearing during critical years of speech and language development. Because of that, they’re typically considered when problems keep coming back or when persistent fluid with hearing loss lasts despite medical treatment. They’re not chosen for a single infection, since medical therapy with antibiotics (and observation) is usually enough for one episode. They also don’t cure RSV, a viral illness, and they don’t replace antibiotics; tubes may reduce the number of infections, but antibiotics are still used when indicated.