MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ear tube insertion

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Ear tube insertion

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Description	Indications Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Illustrations

Ear tube insertion - series

Tympanic membrane

Alternative names Return to top

Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tubes surgery

Definition Return to top

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

Description Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Update Date: 2/5/2003

Updated by: Edward Chang, MD, DDS, Facial Reconstructive Surgical and Medical Center, Palo Alto California. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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