ATOMIC Ears Study (currently recruiting)
ATOMIC Ears is a study which will assess a new treatment for children having grommet surgery for chronic middle ear fluid (glue ear) or recurrent middle ear infections. Dornase alfa is a medication that is currently used as an inhalation therapy for people with cystic fibrosis. This medicine has been shown to break down the sticky glue from the ears of these children, which will allow antibiotic treatment to be more effective and therefore reduce the recurrent ear infections, grommet blockages and need for repeat ear surgery in these children.
Recruitment is now 60 per cent complete for 120 participants aged six months to five years of age who are having grommet surgery. Participants are followed up for two years after their surgery, including ear checks and hearing tests at certain time points.
Perth Mum Taryn and her son Harvey have been taking part for the past year and shared the following feedback about their involvement.
- How did you hear about the Atomic Ears Study
My daughter was enrolled in another study with The Kids. At the conclusion of the study our lovely Research Nurse Beth asked how our family was going and I mentioned my son was having grommets inserted. Beth told us about the Atomic Ears Study and asked if we would be interested in joining the study.
- How manageable has it been for you to participate in the study?
Very little has been required from us! Each visit to The Kids has been arranged at a time convenient for us. The research team are so lovely we always look forward to visiting.
- How do you think you might have benefited from being in the study?
If Harvey was in the study group, he may have the benefit of less ear infections in the future and hopefully no further surgery required. I was also grateful to have the moral support of our Research Nurse present at hospital when our son had his grommets inserted. The additional hearing tests have been a welcomed reassurance to monitor Harvey's progress pre and post grommet surgery.
- Would you participate again if given the opportunity?
Absolutely! It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we are participating in research that will not only potentially benefit my son, but also positively influence standard medical practice and promote better health outcomes for other families.
If you are interested in hearing more about this study please contact us on ATOMICEars@telethonkids.org.au or 0440 450 240.