The buildup of fluid behind your 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.
Ear tube insertion may be done when fluid builds up behind your 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
- Injury to the ear after sudden changes in pressure from flying or deep sea diving.
Risks of ear tube insertion include:
- Drainage from the ear.
- Hole in the eardrum that does not heal after the tube falls out.
Most of the time, these problems do not last long. They also do not often cause problems in children. Your health care provider can explain these complications in more detail.
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Breathing problems
- Reactions to medicines
The risks for any surgery are:
Your doctor may ask for a medical history and physical exam before the procedure is done. A hearing test is also recommended before the procedure is done.
Always tell your provider:
- What drugs your taking, including drugs, herbs, and vitamins you bought without a prescription.
- What allergies you may have to any medicines, latex, tape, or skin cleaner.
On the day of the surgery:
- Your may be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
- Take a small sip of water with any drugs you have been told take.
- Your provider will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.
- The provider will make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. This means no signs of illness or infection. If you are ill, the surgery may be delayed.
Children most often stay in the recovery room for a short time and leave the hospital the same day as the ear tubes are inserted. Your may be groggy for an hour or so while waking up from anesthesia. Your provider may prescribe ear drops or antibiotics for a few days after the surgery. Your doctor may also ask that you keep the ears dry for a specific period of time.
Template Otolaryngology