Ear tube insertion Health Article

Definition

Ear tube insertion is the placement of tubes near a child’s eardrums. It is done to allow the fluid behind a child’s eardrums to drain so that the ears can function normally.

Alternative Names

Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tube surgery

Description

While the child is under general anesthesia (asleep and not able to feel pain), a small surgical cut is made in the eardrum. The built-up fluid is suctioned out through this cut. Then, a small tube is inserted through the eardrum. The tube allows air to flow in and fluid to constantly flow out of the middle ear.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Ear tube insertion may be recommended when fluid builds up behind your child's eardrum and does not go away after 4 months or longer. Fluid buildup may cause some hearing loss while it is present. But most children do not have long-term damage to their hearing or their ability to speak even when the fluid remains for many months.

An ear infection is another reason for inserting an ear tube. If an infection does not go away with the usual medical treatment, or if a child has many ear infections over a short period of time, the doctor may recommend ear tubes.

Ear tube insertion is also used sometimes for people of any age who have:

• Barotrauma (pressure injury) from flying or deep sea diving
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• A complication from a severe ear infection, such as mastoiditis, brain infection, meningitis, or facial nerve paralysis

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia are:

• Breathing problems
• Reactions to medicines

The risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Risks of this surgery are scarring of the eardrum and drainage from the ear. These complications do not usually last long. They also do not usually cause problems in children. Your doctor can explain these complications in more detail. There is also a very small risk of a hole remaining in the eardrum after the tube comes out.