 [ Symptoms ] my 2 year old had his first ear infection less than a month ago our pediatrician says he needs tubes is not that early [ Disease ] you are correct it is early most ents wait three months of persistent middle ear fluid before even considering tubes as a therapeutic approach a week and a half is nothing many children with a middle ear infection will have some residual fluid for a while so we just watch and wait  unless your child has profound hearing loss or other health issues