Ventilation tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are tubes inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated and to prevent mucus accumulation. At Midwest ENT, we have performed thousands of these procedures successfully.
Tubes are available in over 50 different designs, all in different shapes, color, and composition. In general, smaller tubes stay in for a shorter duration, while large inner flanges hold the tube in place for a longer time. Some recent tubes have special surface coatings or treatments that may reduce the likelihood of infection.
Why are tubes inserted?
How are tubes inserted?
What happens after tubes are inserted?
What type of tubes are there?