PRESSURE EQUALIZING TUBES

Because of either recurrent ear infections or fluid trapped behind the eardrum, your physician has recommended that we look at the ears and consider putting in “pressure equalizing tubes.”

Because of repeated ear infections and/or the accumulation of fluid in the MIDDLE EAR, hearing loss occurs.  This loss is not permanent.  The MIDDLE EAR is behind the “Ear Drum” and is a space usually filled with air.  This is replaced and kept at the same air pressure as the air we breathe by a tube connecting the MIDDLE EAR to the back of the nose called the EUSTACHIAN TUBE.  When we swallow or yawn, the tube which is usually closed opens allowing air to go up the tube.  This causes a “pop” or “click” in our ear.  Poor Eustachian tube function leads to changes in the skin lining in our ears with repeated infections and/or accumulation of fluid in the MIDDLE EAR.  This naturally causes a hearing loss similar to the effect of placing cotton in our ear canals.

To correct the problem, the fluid needs to be removed and air again is allowed to get to the MIDDLE EAR.  This means minor surgery to place a tube through the EAR DRUM.

The purpose of the surgery is:

(a) to remove the fluid;

(b) to place a tube across the EAR DRUM so that air can now reach the MIDDLE EAR;

(c) that ventilation will change the skin lining of the MIDDLE EAR back to normal.

Remember, the tube is not a drainage tube, so that persistent drainage is abnormal and you should call your doctor if it occurs.

Because the air tube, “eustachian tube,” opens up behind the nose where the adenoids are, enlarged adenoids may be the cause of a blocked “eustachian tube.”  Their size will be checked.  If they are large, they may be removed at the time of surgery.

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1. You may see some blood in the external canal in the first 24 hours.


2. Persistent drainage is ABNORMAL; CALL ME.


3. You must keep WATER out of the ears.  Take cotton and rub baseline into it.  Place it at the opening of the ear when showering or washing the ears.


4. Make an office appointment in 7-10 days.


5. When swimming, you need a custom fitted ear mold and a bathing cap.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions if you are not clear about any aspects of your care.