To find a specialist, Call 309-343-7773.
Almost every child by the age of five has at least one ear infection, which usually resolves on its own or with antibiotics. But, if your little one suffers with frequent, painful ear problems, you may consider another solution for long-term relief.
At Cottage Clinics, our board-certified ENT, Dr. Gary Shaw specializes in ear tube insertion, or tympanostomy—a highly common, safe and reliable procedure. Tubes not only help reduce chronic ear infections, but may also eliminate hearing loss, speech development problems or other complications due to fluid build-up.
Dr. Shaw usually performs ear tube insertion as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to go home the same day. Immediately following surgery at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, skilled nurses will care for your child in recovery as they awake from the anesthesia. Dr. Shaw and a dedicated team of surgical nurses will provide detailed instructions on caring for your child’s tubes. Most tubes fall out on their own within six months to a year, and the holes heal shut on their own. Dr. Shaw will monitor your child’s progress through regular follow-up visits, and will answer any questions you may have.