How to Keep Ear Tubes Open in Ears

Ear tubes are used to treat chronic middle ear infections or chronic fluid build up in the middle ear. Although ear tubes can help teens and adults suffering from chronic middle ear issues, young children ages 1 to 3 years old have the highest rate of chronic ear infections requiring ear tubes. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, ear tube surgeries are the most common childhood surgery performed. Ear tube operations are simple and take an average of 15 minutes per ear. A small incision is made in the ear drum--called a Myringotomy--and any fluid behind the ear drum is suctioned out and a small cylinder is inserted into the ear drum. The tube forms an open airway between the ear canal and the middle ear; this allows fluid to drain through the ear canal and keeps the middle ear dry. As the ear matures, a natural process of fluid drainage develops in the middle ear and tubes are no longer needed. Ear tubes are designed to fall out 6 to 12 months after surgery. If multiple ear tube operations have been performed and the need for ear tubes still exists, you may require a more permanent ear tube that can only be removed by a physician. Special care is needed after surgery to ensure your ear tubes stay open, clean and clear.

Things You'll Need

• Ear plugs
• Cotton balls
• Petroleum jelly

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Instructions

Ear Care with Ear Tubes

• 1

  Keep water out of your ears. Water that gets into your ear tubes can cause infection. You will need to use ear plugs when bathing, showering or swimming. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, when bathing or showering, coat a cotton ball with petroleum jelly and place it into your ear.

• 2

  Keep objects out of your ears. Don’t use cotton tipped swabs to clean your ears--swabs tend to push earwax deeper into your ear canal. Cotton swabs can dislodge your ear tube and deposit cotton deep into your ear. Avoid ear coning or candling--debris from the cone can be deposited inside your ear canal and the suction created by coning can dislodge your ear tube. If you develop earwax build up, make an appointment for earwax removal with the physician who inserted your ear tube.

• 3

  Treat any sinus or allergy conditions immediately. Your middle ear is connected to your sinuses and sinus issues can affect your ears. Sinusitis and allergies can cause fluid in your ear, ear infections and blockages in your ear tubes. Discuss any allergies, chronic sinus conditions or nasal drainage with your operating physician. If you’re taking prescription sinus or allergy medication--that has been approved of by your operating physician--continue to use the medication regularly to avoid sinus flare-ups.

• 4

  Follow your physician's instructions regarding the use of ear drops, oral medications or any other prescribed form of treatment after your ear tube surgery. Keep your follow-up appointments. If you experience any severe pain or drainage from your ear, contact your physician immediately.