Ear tube surgery works well to release blocked fluid and to prevent buildup of pressure and fluid in the middle ear. This can help a child hear better.
Tubes may prevent some ear infections. And if a child who has ear tubes gets an ear infection, they will usually have less pain.
Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.
Possible problems include:
Ear tubes are used to treat frequent ear infections, usually in young children. A tube can be placed in one or both ears. It is one of the most common childhood operations.
Ear tubes are made of hollow plastic and are shaped like a very small spool of thread. The doctor makes a small hole in the eardrum, and then puts an ear tube through the hole. Children who have ear infections usually have fluid buildup behind the eardrum. This causes pain and can also cause hearing loss. The ear tubes allow fluid to drain from the inside of the ear. This reduces pressure, relieves pain, and restores hearing. Allowing the fluid to drain also prevents the growth of bacteria that cause ear infections.
Doctors consider putting in ear tubes if a child has a lot of ear infections or when a child has fluid buildup in the ears for 3 to 4 months and has some hearing loss.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Most children go home within 1 to 2 hours after the surgery. They usually have little pain after the operation. Your child will probably be able to go back to school or day care the next day.
Your child won't have any visible scars from the surgery.
The tubes usually stay in for 6 to 12 months and fall out on their own as the child grows.
Most children have little pain after ear tube placement and usually recover quickly.
Your child will feel tired for a day. But your child should be able to go back to school or day care the day after surgery. Your child may want your attention more for the first few days after surgery.
Your child will need to see the doctor regularly to make sure the tubes are working. The doctor also will check your child's hearing.
The tubes usually stay in for 6 to 12 months and fall out on their own as the child grows.
Ear tube placement is done in a hospital or clinic.
Your child will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor will make a small cut in the eardrum. The doctor will use a small suction tool to gently remove any fluid that drains into the ear canal. Then the ear tube is placed through the hole made in the eardrum.
Placing tubes in the ears drains the fluid and ventilates the middle ear. Tubes may keep ear infections from recurring while the tubes are in place. They keep fluid from building up behind the eardrum. And they decrease the feeling of pressure in the ears, which reduces pain. Doctors consider surgery to insert tubes:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated