our Great Granddaughter is 21 months appears to have a hearing problem. She constantly has ear infections and occasional loss of balance (more than seems appropriate for a toddler). She is not talking as well as could be expected and we are getting very concerned. Doctor said she would be sent for investigations but months have passed and no action has yet been taken. We would be prepared to pay privately but don't know what would be appropriate. We are very near a private hospital. If we ring them would they be able to point us to the best ENT diagnostics?
Similar thing happened with one of mine- ear tubes fixed the ear infections and tripping. He caught up with speech very quickly. Good luck!
Many, many thanks for all your helpful advice. This will be passed to the parents and am sure this will help them. The information about glue ear is very interesting. Thank you all who have tried to help..
Also check with her parents that the GP definitely sent the referral. DGD's was sent to Glasgow by mistake and she lives in East Lothian so it took ages and DD had to follow it up.
Most private consultants would give a brief idea of what they do on their website. DGD was seen (she is a bit older - 5 now but was 3 ½ when she saw people first.She had a few ear infections and her speech was sometimes not clear so she had her ears checked then 2 hearing tests 6 months apart - first was sounds and 2nd was some kind of words as she is actually very articulate - never stops talking and they said she would cope - she did. She also had her soft palate checked by consultant then had speech therapy to train her not to speak through her nasal air. Not quite the same as your great granddaughter but you asked what to expect so these are the kind of tests that were done. I'm sure there will be a private ENT specialist for children. The sooner the better as it can affect nursery and school and just been listening to the delays for children's health care on BBC1.
My DS didn't speak until he was well over two, DD quite different!
I do think if she is getting constant ear infections she needs to be seen at least by the GP and then referred on.
The best thing is fir the parents to contact the surgery. We had a similar problem with our dd.
This isn’t an emergency, 21 months old is still quite young to start worrying but in the meantime parents can do their own test at home to get an idea.
Try not to worry.
It's worth mentioning that it's unlikely that a private hospital would accept a child of that age for surgery, it was certainly the case four years ago when I was helping my son and daughter in law with this.
My son and dil had concerns about my grandson’s hearing. Dil was able to get a referral to an audiologist by speaking to their Health Visitor. This was only a couple of years ago. i appreciate all health trusts are different, but it could be worth a try, if the parents haven’t already asked.
Espana, a child of 21 months may not speak much - or at all, as they're all different. The ear infections and loss of balance are a worry, though. She may just need a check up and antibiotics.
The 'fashion' for grommets, in borderline cases, has passed, thankfully (just like the 'tonsils out' when we were young). It's a shame if they can't go swimming. As children grow, their tiny ear tubes enlarge - and they soon grow out of the problem.
BlueBelle
Surely the parents first action is to contact the doctor and find a time frame before chasing down private routes She could have been missed or lost on the list or never put on it you do have to follow up when gps say they will refer as it’s been months I d ring up find out who she has been referred to and what date then ring the hospital consultants secretary and find out what s happening chances are it’s been forgotten or missed
That too - DH never got put on a list for an operation as the Consultant confessed that he forgot and then the Consultant said he'd have to go to the end of the queue!
We had to go privately.
Espana
We are aware that her parents must be the ones to make any decision but we are a close family and we are only offering economic help but want to ensure they have the information to make an informed decision.
[[https://www.spirehealthcare.com/spire-leicester-hospital/treatments/a-z/grommets-insertion-glue-ear-treatment/]
it worked
Espana Offering help as a grandparent is fine if the parents are worried - interfering is quite another.
You would not be interfering or overstepping the mark if you offer and ypthen, if they refuse, you know it's time step back.
I understand that some posters do not have very close family relationships so it could be different in those circumstances, but you say you are close.
Surely the parents first action is to contact the doctor and find a time frame before chasing down private routes She could have been missed or lost on the list or never put on it you do have to follow up when gps say they will refer as it’s been months I d ring up find out who she has been referred to and what date then ring the hospital consultants secretary and find out what s happening chances are it’s been forgotten or missed
X post with Shelflife
Espana as you say she has a lot of ear infections she may have "glue ear^ and may need grommets if it doesn't clear up on its own. Losing balance could be another symptom.
In the meantime, if she's not hearing clearly, her speech will inevitably be delayed.
The Eustachian tube in children has a kink in it and therefore it doesn't drain of fluid easily.
I think Spire Hospitals carry out this procedure and I'm sure others do too.
(I can't do a link)
You wouldn't be interfering if the parents are worried about the delay and you just say that, if they wish, you'd be happy to pay for her to go privately. NHS waiting lists are horrendous just ow.
Hope you see action soon for your GGC . It may be she has ' glue ear' this is where the eustachian tube becomes blocked so fluid builds up in the ear. A common problem that us rectified with having grommets fitted.
Not sure what happens now but my son had this problem many years ago, grommets sorted him out. Prior to the grommets he had a mild hearing loss, poor speech and was very clumsy!! Had the op. when three years old and then speech therapy. Grommets were replaced fairly often till he was about 10 years old. It was well worth it , a vast improvement happened very quickly. This may not be the problem for your GGC but whatever is happening it needs addressing asap. Good luck.
Yes Peasblossom ~ exactly! and some of you have. Many thanks .
Problematic bit "Doctor said she would be sent for investigations but months have passed and no action has yet been taken."
Have they asked you to "take action"?
Dear me. I thought the OP probably just said to family “I know, I’ll ask Gransnet. They always have the answers”?
We are aware that her parents must be the ones to make any decision but we are a close family and we are only offering economic help but want to ensure they have the information to make an informed decision.
Espana
Are you the guardian of the child? Do you have custody of her?
If not, it is not your place to do this
If you are concerned by what seems to be the lack of action, call child services
Many thanks for your advice 62Granny.AONK, and Madge . you have given us ideas as to how to move forward.
GGD hearing is not yours to sort, take a step back.
I put ‘private hearing test children’ into Google and loads of Private clinics came up.
With a bit of research you can choose one near to you with well qualified staff.?
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