Definition of Ear tube insertion:

Ear tube insertion involves placing tubes through the eardrums. The eardrum is the thin layer of tissue that separates the outer and middle ear.

Note: This article focuses on ear tube insertion in children. However, most of the information could also apply to adults with similiar symptoms or problems.

Description:

While the child is asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a small surgical cut is made in the eardrum. Any fluid that has collected behind the eardrum is removed with suction through this cut.

Then, a small tube is placed through the eardrum. The tube allows air to flow in so that pressure is the same on both sides of the eardrum. Also, trapped fluid can flow out of the middle ear. This prevents hearing loss and reduces the risk of ear infections.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

The buildup of fluid behind your child's eardrum may cause some hearing loss. But most children do not have long-term damage to their hearing or speech, even when the fluid is there for many months. See: Otitis media with effusion

Ear tube insertion may be done when fluid builds up behind your child's eardrum and:

• Does not go away after 3 months and both ears are affected
• Does not go away after 6 months and fluid is only in one ear

Ear infections that do not go away with treatment or that keep coming back are also reasons for placing an ear tube. If an infection does not go away with treatment, or if a child has many ear infections over a short period of time, the doctor may recommend ear tubes.

Ear tubes are also sometimes used for people of any age who have:

• A severe ear infection that spreads to nearby bones (mastoiditis) or the brain, or that damages nearby nerves
• Pressure injury to the ear from flying or deep sea diving (barotrauma)