If your child experiences chronic or recurrent ear infections, their physician may recommend that ear tubes be placed. This is a common procedure; according to Children’s Health, around 500,000 children of all ages receive ear tubes each year. Below, we review everything you need to know about ear tubes.
What Are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are also called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes. They are made of plastic or metal, and they are surgically inserted into the eardrum by an ENT physician. Their job is to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and air pressure to equalize.
When Are Ear Tubes Recommended?
The general guidelines for when ear tubes are placed are as follows:
- Your child has hearing loss due to fluid buildup.
- Your child has had more than three ear infections in a six-month period.
- Your child has had more than four ear infections in a one-year period.
How Can I Prepare My Child for Ear Tube Surgery?
Fortunately, little preparation is needed leading up to ear tube surgery. Your child’s physician may require them to not eat for a certain period leading up to surgery, depending on what anesthesia they receive—be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
How Is Ear Tube Surgery Performed?
First, your child’s physician will administer either local or general anesthesia. The younger your child is, the more likely they will get general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes a small incision in each eardrum. Next, fluid is suctioned out from the middle ear. Finally, the ear tubes are inserted into the incisions.
What Is Recovery from Ear Tube Surgery Like?
In most cases, your child will be able to go home the same day after surgery and can resume most normal activities within 24 hours. Their doctor may recommend some over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. Try to keep water out of your child’s ears while they have ear tubes.
How Long Do Ear Tubes Stay In?
Ear tubes typically stay in for six to 18 months and usually fall out on their own. If they don’t, the doctor may remove them after a couple of years.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Georgia North today.
