By the time Linus was just eight months old, his family knew something wasn’t right...
Repeat Ear Infections: When Antibiotics Aren’t Enough
Starting in July 2023, Linus began having ear infection after ear infection — and they just didn’t stop. Through November, it felt like a constant cycle of illness. As soon as one infection cleared, another would begin. He was on antibiotics repeatedly, with little to no relief in between.
“He was such a sad buddy,” his mom, Erin, remembers. “He was uncomfortable all the time, and we felt helpless.”
Despite his young age, Linus quickly became a pro at taking medication — something no parent ever expects their baby to master so early. But even with multiple rounds of antibiotics, the infections kept coming.
A Turning Point: Ear Tube Surgery at Connecticut Children’s
By November, Linus’ care team recommended ear tubes. Linus underwent surgery with Nicole Murray, MD, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT) at Connecticut Children’s, but even that morning, his little body was still slaying dragons. Linus had a double ear infection and a significant respiratory virus, but he was luckily breathing well enough to still have the procedure.
Ear tube surgery is one of the most common ENT procedures in young children. For kids who experience frequent or persistent ear infections, tubes help ventilate the middle ear, reduce fluid buildup, and make future infections easier — and less painful — to treat.
Would you like to schedule an appointment for Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care?
“He Was in the Best Hands”
For Linus’ parents, the decision to move forward with surgery came with understandable nerves — but also relief.
“It’s always scary to see your child go under anesthesia,” says Linus’ dad, Ty. “But the whole experience was quick, organized, and reassuring. The Child Life team walked us through everything and helped us feel comfortable taking him into the operating room. We felt like he was in the very best hands.”
Just days after ear tube placement, things finally began to change for the better.
Life After Ear Tubes: Fewer Infections and Easier Treatments
While Linus did continue to have occasional ear infections into the spring, they were much easier to manage. Instead of oral antibiotics, infections could be treated with ear drops, and he was far more comfortable. His parents noticed a big difference — less pain, quicker recovery, and a happier little guy.
Even through the ever-present daycare “rodeo,” when illnesses seemed to circulate nonstop, Linus handled each bump in the road like a champ — often rocking his cowboy boots proudly through it all.
And then, something remarkable happened.
⭐We Want To Hear From You⭐
Did you have a great experience at Connecticut Children's? Tell us about it. By leaving a review, you are helping many families who are in need of care.
Thriving at Age 3
Linus, now 3, hasn’t had an ear infection since last spring.
Today, he continues to be followed by the ENT team at Connecticut Children’s, including Liz, one of the physician assistants — whom Linus absolutely adores. “Lizzie gets my wax out with a special spoon,” Linus raves. The “spoon” is a curette, a simple tool used to help kids with frequent earwax buildup. Easy peasy.
His visits are no longer about constant illness, but about making sure he stays healthy and thriving.
These days, Linus is busy enjoying life as a 3-year-old — visiting aunts, uncles, and cousins who live a plane ride away, chatting enthusiastically with anyone who will listen, and embracing the world with the curiosity and energy his parents hoped to see all along.
For Linus and his family, ear tubes weren’t just a procedure — they were a turning point.
