Ear tubes (also known as myringotomy or pressure equalization tubes) are a common procedure done in children by pediatric ENT surgeons. In fact, ear tubes are second only to circumcisions as the most common procedure in children in the United States.
Ear tubes may be recommended by your ENT for Children surgeon to improve the overall health and function of your child’s ears. Tubes may be an option for the following problems:
- Recurrent ear infections
- Persistent, retained fluid behind the ear drum
- Hearing loss from retained fluid
- Poor equalization of pressure in the ear
Fluid can accumulate inside a child’s ear after sinus or viral upper respiratory infections. This fluid may then become infected to create an ear infection and may need antibiotics. However a common misconception is that antibiotics should clear the fluid; this is not true. The fluid has to drain from the ear to the back of the nose through a channel called the eustachian tube or be resorbed. This fluid may persist up to 2-3 months after it appears. Additionally, this fluid build up can also affect a child’s hearing.
For children who experience frequent ear infections or prolonged fluid buildup, we at ENT for Children may recommend ear tubes. These tubes are small barrel shaped devices that are surgically placed inside the ear drum. The tubes benefit your child by equalizing pressure and keeping the space full of air rather than full of fluid. Without the fluid, your child should experience a reduction in ear infections and an improvement in hearing. Other benefits of tubes are that if an ear infection does occur, it will drain and not be as symptomatic and can be treated with topical antibiotic eardrops rather than oral antibiotics.
The surgery is done under a brief general anesthesia and involves making a small incision in each ear drum. The tubes are then placed in each opening. Any fluid or pus is suctioned out at the time of the procedure. Ear tube surgery is usually a short day surgery procedure, with recovery typically the same day. Most children can go back to school or daycare the next day. The tubes usually fall out of the ear drum as the eardrum grows. The length of time that tubes stay in place varies depending on many factors, however on average they last 6-12 months.