Patient Testimonials
Dominic had his first ear infection at 6 months
From this time on, he did not sleep for more than three hours at any time as he always had fluid in his ears, as the pressure built up every time he lay down. It took many trips to the GP to finally diagnose this problem after being told he was a "difficult baby" and "a bad sleeper". We were sent along to an ENT Specialist and had grommets put in at 11 months.
The grommets did help and for 5 months things improved (over summer) and then it started again and the grommets came out as a result of ear infections. Again we were told the grommets would need to go back in. The problem was now so consistent we had to wait months for him to be clear of infection. In this time Dominic had 4 or 5 burst eardrums and endless supplies of antibiotics.
The second set of grommets was much more traumatic than the first and to our dismay the first one fell out after 3 weeks and we were back with another infection. I decided there had to be an alternative to putting Dominic through surgery again.
We went to the Children’s Ear Clinic when Dominic was 20 months. They listened to us and we started on a dairy free diet and drops with regular reviews planned. The aim was to reduce Dominic’s ear infections and illness to perhaps once every three months. Dominic is now 3 years and 8 months and has not had ANY ear infections since the day we went to the clinic. He still has one lot of drops weekly and is happily eating cheese and yoghurt. Milk is a challenge we have still avoided! His overall health has improved incredibly and his hearing is great.
Nyema commented that Dominic was a sensitive little boy when she first met him and it was so nice as a parent to hear something positive about our little boy who had been through so much. Thank you for helping Dominic and changing his life. It is a miracle to us and we are so grateful.
Ann-Maree Fisher
A Very Happy Mother!
13th August 2003
Our four-year-old son Will was on antibiotics on a fortnightly basis in an attempt to reduce the pain and swelling of repeated middle ear infections, before attending the Sydney Ear Clinic
He started getting the ear infections at eighteen months old. At first they occurred two months apart, but as time went on, the infections became closer. When he had the infections, his hearing suffered and his speech development was also affected.
After a string of appointments between audiologists, speech therapists and an ENT specialist, it seemed that the only solution was for Will to have grommets. My husband and I were not comfortable with Will undergoing an operation, so in desperation I enquired at Will's preschool if any of the other children had grommets. Through a recommendation from one of the preschool mothers, who was also trying to avoid the grommet situation, we found the Sydney Ear Clinic where we met homeopaths Nyema Hermiston and Patricia Janssen.
At our first consultation with them, I was a little sceptical of what we were getting ourselves into. I felt that they were almost expecting this reaction from me as they patiently answered my questions and reassured me that they could probably help Will, but still admitted to me that there may be the chance that he indeed may still need grommets if the treatment was unsuccessful. They offered a three-month time frame, after which if there was little improvement, we would then revisit the option of grommets. I found that such an approach displayed a high degree of professionalism and a caring attitude, putting Will's health and well being before their professional pride. I had not had such an experience with the ENT specialist or GP's that we had previously consulted.
Our first meeting went for over an hour. After asking me about every aspect of Will's historical and current situation of his ear infections, eating and sleeping habits, likes and dislikes, general behaviour, personality traits, phobias, family relationships - (the list goes on). They established a comprehensive portfolio of Will. In laymen's terms, this holistic approach both in our first consultation and consistent follow up visits allowed Patricia and Nyema to source that Will's ear infections were the result of frequent colds due to poor health and his immune system was below par due to regular antibiotic prescriptions. By building up his immune system and understanding the cause of his middle ear infections they systematically prescribed remedies, then assessed his reactions to them. This way, they worked out which remedies were best for Will. In the first couple of months, we visited the clinic on a weekly basis. This then went to fortnightly, then monthly visits. We now see them on an ‘as needs’ basis.
Our first visit was in August of 2002, just one year ago. Since our first visit Will has not had needed any antibiotics. This was the success we were aiming for - NO GROMMETS AND NO ANTIBIOTICS!!
The most pleasing success of all was that the speech therapist was satisfied that we no longer needed to visit her. Will’s speech is on par for his age, and this has really boosted his confidence. This is particularly evident in his improved socialisation at preschool, with friends, and a willingness to speak more openly with new people.
More often than not ear infections occur on a Saturday night at 8pm when most medical centres have closed their doors. Thankfully, the doors of The Sydney Ear Clinic do not close. I can always call Patricia and Nyema knowing that I will get a response quickly, no matter what day or time. They care what happens to their patients. We have access to their service and remedies 7 days a week.
Patricia and Nyema's success is evident in Will's great health and well-being. Will still gets colds and the odd bout of tonsillitis. However, the duration of the illness has reduced over time. He seems to get over colds so quickly now! He does not get them as often, they have usually come and gone within a week and in this time he still retains energy and is happy within himself. His immune system is stronger and he is able to fight off many of the bugs, which would have made him ill prior to being treated by The Sydney Ear Clinic.
I have no hesitation in recommending The Children’s Ear Clinic to parents of children with problem ears! They have worked miracles for Will.
Michelle Le Patourel
22 July 2003
Vanessa had ten ear infections last year. She would suffer lots of pain, fevers up to 41°C and did not cope at all well with an ear infection.
Vanessa had ten ear infections last year. She would suffer lots of pain, fevers up to 41°C and did not cope at all well with an ear infection.
My daughter first visited the Children’s Ear Clinic in December 2002.
During antibiotic treatment there would not be much difference in her state and only time healed her.
During homeopathic treatment I have found Vanessa to cope better with high fevers and ear infection episodes – meaning she could still do things instead of lying down looking lifeless. Her appetite, which was poor, began to improve and her temperament has changed for the better.
Since beginning homeopathic treatment, Vanessa has had only three or four ear infections, all of which have been managed with homeopathic medicines. During this winter she has coped very well. She has managed to keep swimming since the beginning of the year, which would not have been possible last year.
We now continue treatment, but have gradually reduced the amount of medicines and doses and she is a happier and much healthier growing girl for it!
Thank you to Nyema and Patricia.
Emmanuela Parisi
20th July 2002.