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Ear tube insertion

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

Ear tube insertion is a procedure to drain fluid that has built up behind a child’s eardrums. The purpose of the procedure is to restore the normal functioning of the ear.

Alternative Names:

Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tubes surgery

Description:

While the child is under general anesthesia , a small surgical cut is made in the eardrum. The fluid is suctioned out. A small tube is inserted through the eardrum. The tube allows air to flow in, and fluid to continuously flow out, of the middle ear.

The surgical cut heals on its own, without the need for stitches. The hole closes and the ear tubes usually fall out naturally, after an average of 14 months or so.

Indications:

The most common reason for performing this surgery is when fluid continues to build up behind a child's eardrum for 4 months or longer, and there is hearing loss or the risk for developmental problems.

If there is a compelling reason, some children may be candidates for ear tube surgery regardless of how long the fluid has been present or their hearing ability.

Ear tube insertion is sometimes used for:

• Acute ear infections
• Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Those who have had a complication resulting from a severe ear infection, such as mastoiditis, brain infection, meningitis, or facial nerve paralysis
• Barotrauma from flying or deep sea diving

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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