Ear tubes

These tubes are placed by ENT surgeons under general anesthesia. The surgery is quick and has minimal risk of complications, but there is always some risk, no matter how small when general anesthesia is performed. Thus tubes are placed only when indicated, such as in cases of infections which don't clear despite three courses of antibiotics. Less clearly indicated is tube placement for recurrent ear infections, and uninfected ear fluid which doesn't resolve after several months. The decision should be made between the parents, the ENT surgeon, and the primary care physician.

The tubes will result in a temporary mild hearing deficit over an intact eardrum, but in general hearing is improved over the hearing ability which existed while the middle ear disease (which required the tubes) was active.

The tubes usually last about one year before falling out, but there is much variability. While the tubes are in place, care must be taken not to introduce water into the ear while swimming or bathing. Also, certain medications should not be placed in the ear while tubes are in place. Some antibiotic ear drops are meant to be given to infected middle ears by allowing the fluid drops to seep through the tubes. Your child's doctor will instruct you on the specifics of any topical ear medication.

updated 11/15/2000

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