Tubes in Ears for Children

Ear tubes are tiny tubes placed through the eardrum that allow air to reach the middle ear and fluid to drain out. Ear tube surgery, also called myringotomy or tympanostomy, may be recommended to relieve chronic middle ear problems in children.

• Children with persistent fluid buildup may benefit from ear tubes.

Procedure

• The surgery is usually performed under light general anesthesia and completed within 15 minutes, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. After a small incision is made in the child's eardrum, the middle ear fluid is suctioned out, and a tube is placed in the hole to keep it open.

Uses

• Ear tube surgery is most commonly performed to treat chronic ear infections or to alleviate hearing loss caused by built-up fluid.

Benefits

• Most children can expect to have fewer, and less severe, ear infections after ear tubes are inserted, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Hearing often returns to normal after surgery.

Considerations

• Ear tubes fall out within 6 to 18 months. Up to 25 percent of children who receive ear tubes before age 2 will need to have another ear tube surgery, according to the Nemours Foundation.

Risks

• The eardrum may have to be patched if the hole left by surgery does not heal. Scarring of the eardrum is possible, but it usually does not cause problems. If tubes fall out too early or stay in too long, additional surgery may be necessary.