Ear Ventilation Tubes

Overview

Ear ventilation tubes (tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, pressure equalization tubes) are tiny, hollow cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum. An ear tube creates an airway that ventilates the middle ear and prevents the accumulation of fluids behind the eardrum.

Ear tubes are often recommended for children who have persistent fluid buildup behind the eardrum, especially if the condition causes hearing loss and affects speech development. Your child's doctor may also recommend ear tubes if your child gets frequent ear infections.

Most ear tubes fall out within six to nine months, and the holes heal shut on their own. Some tubes need to be removed, and some holes may need to be closed surgically.

Risks

Ear tube placement is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of serious complications. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding and infection

  • Persistent drainage of fluid

  • Blocked tubes from blood, mucus or other secretions

  • Scarring or weakening of the eardrum

  • Tubes falling out too early or staying in too long

  • Failure of eardrum to close after the tube falls out or is removed

Why it's done

An ear tube is used most often to provide long-term drainage and ventilation to middle ears that have had persistent fluid buildup, chronic middle ear infections or frequent infections.

Normal ear ventilation

Ventilation of the middle ear is normally accomplished by the eustachian tubes, a pair of narrow tubes that run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat. The throat end of the tubes opens and closes to:

  • Regulate air pressure in the middle ear

  • Refresh air in the ear

  • Drain normal secretions from the middle ear

Swelling, inflammation and mucus in the eustachian tubes from an upper respiratory infection or allergy can block them, causing the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear. This problem is more common in children, in part, because their eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal — factors that make them more difficult to drain and more likely to get clogged.

Ventilation with ear tubes

Ear tubes provide an alternative airway to keep the air in the middle ear refreshed, allow for normal drainage and equalize the pressure inside the ear. The tubes are most often used in children with one of the following conditions:

  • Fluid trapped behind the eardrum results in inflammation and fluid buildup (effusion) in the middle ear without bacterial or viral infection. This may occur because the fluid buildup persists even after an ear infection has resolved. It may also occur because of some dysfunction or noninfectious blockage of the eustachian tubes.

  • Hearing loss often results from otitis media with effusion. Hearing loss can lead to delays in speech development, communication problems, behavior problems and poor school performance.

  • Middle ear infections are generally considered frequent if there are three or more distinct episodes in six months or four or more episodes in a year. Ear tubes may help prevent recurring infections.

  • Chronic middle ear infections are long-term infections of the middle ear that don't improve with antibiotic treatment.

  • Chronic suppurative otitis media is a persistent ear infection that often results in tearing or perforation of the eardrum.

What you can expect

Before the procedure

A surgeon specializing in ear, nose and throat disorders performs the surgery for placing ear tubes.

Anesthesia

The surgeon usually performs the procedure during general anesthesia, so your child isn't aware of anything during the procedure. The anesthetic medication may be inhaled through a mask, injected into a vein or both, and is administered by a doctor who practices anesthesia (anesthesiologist).

The surgical team places several monitors on your child's body to help make sure that his or her heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen remain at safe levels throughout the procedure. These monitors include a blood pressure cuff on the child's arm and heart-monitor leads attached to your child's chest.

During the procedure

The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. The surgeon:

  • Makes a tiny incision in the eardrum (myringotomy) with a small scalpel or laser

  • Suctions out fluids from the middle ear

  • Inserts the tube in the hole in the eardrum

After the procedure

After surgery, your child is moved to a recovery room where the health care team watches for complications from the surgery and anesthesia. If there aren't any complications, your child will be able to go home within a few hours.

Your child will likely be sleepy and irritable for the rest of the day and possibly nauseated from the anesthetic. In most cases, children resume regular activities within 24 hours of the surgery.

Hearing loss caused by fluid in the middle ear is immediately resolved by surgery.

Follow-up care

Your child's doctor will advise you about follow-up care after ear tube placement.

Standard follow-up care

If your child has no complications:

  • An initial follow-up appointment will be scheduled within the first two to four weeks after the procedure. At that time, your child's ear, nose and throat specialist will check for appropriate placement and function of the tubes. Other follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist or your child's primary care physician will be scheduled at four- to six-month intervals.

  • Your child's ear, nose and throat specialist may prescribe eardrops to help minimize fluid discharge from the ear. Use the full course as directed by your doctor even if no drainage problems appear.

  • If the child had hearing loss before the procedure, the doctor will also order a hearing test (audiogram) to assess hearing outcomes afterward.

  • Your child's doctor may suggest that your child wear earplugs during swimming or bathing.

When to contact your doctor

Reasons to see your child's ear, nose and throat specialist outside of regularly scheduled follow-up appointments include:

  • Yellow, brown or bloody discharge from the ear (otorrhea) that continues for more than a week.

  • Persistent pain, hearing problems or balance problems.

Results

Ear tubes help restore ventilation and drainage of the ear. Ear tube placement often results in:

  • Reduced risk of ear infections

  • Restored or improved hearing

  • Improved speech

  • Improved behavior and sleep problems related to frequent or persistent ear infections

Even with ear tubes, your child may still get an occasional ear infection.

Usually, ear tubes stay in the eardrum for six to nine months and then fall out on their own. Sometimes, a tube doesn't fall out and needs to be surgically removed. In some cases, the ear tube falls out too soon, and another needs to be put in.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. This content does not cover all possible scenarios and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise you to consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or treatment.