We generally places tubes for one of three reasons, worrisome changes and retractions of the ear drum that if allowed to progress would necessitate more extensive surgery, recurrent infections, and prolonged hearing loss. Recurrent infections represent the most common indication. Ventilation tubes are certainly more desirable than chronic or recurrent use of antibiotics. If a child retains an effusion and conductive hearing loss for more than 2-3 months we may consider tympanostomy tubes as hearing well during these formative years is so important. Worrisome changes to the eardrum are fairly rare but certainly warrant immediate intervention.

The procedure really takes only minutes. In adults the tubes can be placed in the clinic. Children are generally sedated with gas anesthesia administered by a mask. No I.V. or intubation is required. No preoperative labs are required. The child simply breathes the anesthetic while the tubes are inserted and the ear is carefully examined. Following this the child just breaths room air or oxygen and awakens. He or she is then free to go home. The surgeon selects a ventilation tube for your child that will remain in place for as long as required for the middle ear infection to improve and for the eustachian tube to return to normal. This may require several weeks or months. Most people notice a remarkable improvement in hearing and balance as well as marked a decrease in the frequency of ear infections.
After your child gets tubes you will be given antibiotic eardrops to be used for a couple of days postoperatively to prevent any clogging of the tube. You will often be given a follow up appointment and at some time also have a hearing test. With the average set of tubes you can expect them to just grow out and the eardrum to heal itself in 6 to 12 months. During this time, you should be aware of getting water in the ears. It is generally a good idea to administer the eardrops we have given you after prolonged bathing or swimming. Ear plugs are never a bad idea but have never proven themselves effective in any controlled studies.

I advocate using them only if they are not a bother. We generally follow the patients every 3-4 months after this to ensure proper healing and development. Remember, 80% of patients who require tubes only need one set. However, otitis media may persist and recur as a result of chronically infected adenoids and tonsils. If this becomes a problem, your doctor may recommend removal of one or both. This is usually done at the same time as the second set of ventilation tubes are inserted. Allergies may also require investigation and treatment.

In Summary, Otitis media is generally not serious if it is promptly and properly treated. With the help of your physician, you and/or your child can feel and hear better very soon. Be sure to follow the treatment plan, and see your physician until he/she tells you that the condition is fully cured. Although we perform thousands of typmanostomy tubes, we realize that any procedure on your child is a big deal. Please do not hesitate to ask any