Tympanostomy Tubes

What are ear tubes?

Surgery involves making a small incision (cut) in the ear drum and placing a small tube that allows for the fluid to exit into the ear canal. The ear tube usually falls out on its own in 12-24 months.

When is this procedure recommended?

Fluid can get trapped behind the eardrum and sometimes cause an infection or pressure in the ear. This is especially common in children but can occur in adults. This can be diagnosed by a doctor’s exam or through a hearing test. If the fluid doesn’t resolve, then we may recommend a tube. We can also place a tube if your ear drum doesn’t pressurize well, or you have negative pressure in your ear due to something called eustachian tube dysfunction.

What should I expect from the procedure?

This procedure can be done awake in adults with a numbing medicine in the clinic. Children usually require anesthesia to do the procedure while they are asleep in the operating room. The procedure is done through the ear canal using a microscope and usually takes 10-15 minutes to perform.

What are the risks?

The procedure is very safe. In some cases, the ear tube may not fall out on its own and an additional procedure may be needed to remove the tube. Sometimes a permanent hole can be left in the ear drum after the tube falls out which can be repaired in the operating room. There is also a slightly increased risk of developing a bone cyst called a cholesteatoma. You should let your doctor know if you develop ear drainage, pain, hearing changes or other ear symptoms in the future.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You may go home after the procedure. You can expect a little bit of blood-tinged drainage from your ear immediately after the procedure. Most patients can resume their routine activities within a few days. We will see you in the clinic to check on the ear tube and your symptoms within a few weeks. You can swim and bathe with ear tubes if you use earplugs.