Ear tube insertion

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Normal anatomy

Tympanic membrane

Ear tube insertion - series

Ear tube insertion

Definition:

Ear tube insertion is a surgical procedure to drain fluid and place tubes in the eardrums.

Alternative Names:

Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tubes surgery

Description:

While the patient is under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in the eardrum and the accumulated fluid is suctioned out. A small tube may be inserted through the eardrum incision to allow fluid to continuously flow out and air to enter and dry out the middle ear.

Because the incision heals without sutures, the hole closes and the ear tubes fall out naturally after a few months.

Indications:

Ear tube insertion may be recommended for the foillowing:

Long-term (chronic) or recurrent (more than 3 in one year) ear infections
Hearing loss in children
Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Symptoms indicasting the need for tubes may include the following:

Persistent ear pain
Ear drainage
Hearing loss (over a 3-month period)
Recurrent trauma (barotrauma) from flying or deep sea diving

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection

Additional risks include scarring of the eardrum (which can cause hearing loss).

Expectations after surgery:

Ear tube insertion relieves pain and restores hearing. The frequency and severity of middle ear infections is significantly reduced. If ear infections recur and the tubes are nonfunctional, the operation can be repeated and another set of ear tubes can be inserted.

Convalescence:

Patients usually leave the hospital the same day. Swimming is prohibited unless special earplugs are worn. Use of a cap while under a shower is recommended for several days or weeks.

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