A middle ear infection is caused by swelling in the tube between the middle ear and the throat called the Eustachian tube. The swelling traps fluid in the middle ear, allowing bacteria to grow and cause infection. Ear tubes may be recommended for a child with many ear infections. The plastic tubes are tiny and soft. They let air into the middle ear while draining fluid out, which helps to reduce infections. A surgeon places the tubes using a microscope. A small cut is made in the eardrum and fluid drains out from the middle ear. The tube is put in the eardrum hole. About an hour after the surgery, your child can go home. The tubes stay in place without stitches and most are slowly pushed out of the eardrums naturally, falling out of the ears 6 to 12 months after surgery.
