When we were first learning about Benjamin’s potential diagnosis, one of the things Daryl had read about was Achondroplasia related ear infections and the possibility of hearing loss.
When our geneticists assistant called us on our first day home from the hospital she put our minds at ease about a lot of things, including the risk of hearing loss. She informed us that ear infections are extremely common among children with Achondroplasia because fluid doesn’t drain out as well due to their anatomy. She told us to let our pediatrician know to always check Benjamin’s ears really well for fluid, and that if he does get an ear infection we need to have him checked a week or two afterwards as well to make sure the fluid is gone. Unfortunately, ear tubes are all too common for these kids (upwards of 80% end up needing them, sometimes more than once). Now we know that as long as we are properly treating any ear infections, and following up afterwards, we don’t have to worry about Benjamin losing his hearing.
UPDATE 2-21-16
Benjamin experienced his first ear infection at 8 months old. He had a high fever that would only go down slightly with Tylenol. He didn’t pull on his ears or seem to be in any pain, but he would not eat solids and only wanted his bottle. After a day and a half of not being able to get the fever down, I took him to his pediatrician. He was diagnosed with ear infections in both ears and we were given a 10 day supply of amoxicillin. We scheduled a 2 week follow up to make sure the fluid had drained out. The fever went away immediately and a couple days later he was eating normal again. We were fortunate that his infection cleared up easily, as this is not always the case. He did still have some slight fluid in one ear at the followup appointment, and we will continue to have that checked. As always, we are hopeful that his ear problems are few and far between. We now we know better what to look for and to get him to the doctor as soon as possible!
If you would like more information regarding Achondroplasia in general see our Achondroplasia page. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding Achondroplasia related ear infections, or share any information you may have to add.
Freddi-marie Mccormack says
My son is waiting for a diagnosis he is 4 months old but we just returned from Barbados on holiday, when we arrived home his ear started bleeding from a hole in his ear drum caused from flying could this also be linked to Achondroplasia do you think?
Lauren Vavala says
Hi! So sorry to hear about your son. We haven’t had any major ear issues with our son, except for 2 ear infections (in 8 years) so I’m not the best to answer this questions. I was definitely call his doctor ASAP!
– Lauren