What are Ear Tubes? Purpose, Procedure & Results

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders placed in your eardrum to help drain fluid and prevent ear infections. These small medical devices create a pathway for air to enter your middle ear, much like opening a window in a stuffy room.

If you or your child has been dealing with frequent ear infections or hearing problems, your doctor might suggest ear tubes as a solution. This common procedure has helped millions of people breathe easier and hear better.

What are ear tubes?

Ear tubes are small, hollow cylinders made from plastic or metal that doctors insert into your eardrum. They're also called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or pressure equalization tubes.

These tiny devices are about the size of a grain of rice and work by creating an opening in your eardrum. This opening allows air to flow into your middle ear space, which normally stays closed off from the outside world.

Think of your middle ear like a sealed room behind your eardrum. When that room can't get fresh air or drain properly, problems start to develop. Ear tubes essentially give that room a small doorway to stay healthy.

Why are ear tubes done?

Doctors recommend ear tubes when your middle ear repeatedly fills with fluid or gets infected. This happens most often in children, but adults can need them too.

Your middle ear naturally produces fluid, and usually that fluid drains away through a small tube called the eustachian tube. However, sometimes this drainage system gets blocked or doesn't work properly.

When fluid builds up behind your eardrum, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This leads to painful ear infections, hearing problems, and sometimes even damage to your eardrum or the tiny bones in your ear.

Here are the main reasons doctors might suggest ear tubes:

• Recurring ear infections (three or more in six months)
• Persistent fluid in the middle ear for more than three months
• Hearing loss due to fluid buildup
• Speech or developmental delays related to hearing problems
• Eardrum damage from repeated infections
• Balance problems caused by middle ear fluid

For some people, ear tubes become necessary when antibiotics and other treatments haven't solved the problem. The goal is to restore normal hearing and prevent future complications.

What is the procedure for ear tubes?

Ear tube surgery is a quick outpatient procedure called a myringotomy with tube insertion. The entire process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes per ear.

For children, the procedure is done under general anesthesia, which means they'll be completely asleep. Adults might receive local anesthesia or light sedation instead.

Here's what happens during the procedure:

1. You'll be positioned comfortably on the operating table
2. The surgeon uses a microscope to see your eardrum clearly
3. A tiny incision is made in the eardrum
4. Any fluid behind the eardrum is gently suctioned out
5. The small tube is placed in the opening
6. The procedure is repeated on the other ear if needed

The incision in your eardrum is so small that it heals around the tube, holding it in place. Most people can go home the same day, often within a few hours of the procedure.

How to prepare for your ear tube procedure?

Preparing for ear tube surgery is fairly straightforward, but following your doctor's instructions carefully will help ensure the best outcome.

If you're having general anesthesia, you'll need to stop eating and drinking for a certain period before surgery. This is usually about 6 to 8 hours beforehand, but your doctor will give you specific timing.

Your preparation might include these steps:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
• Follow fasting instructions exactly as given
• Take only approved medications on the day of surgery
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
• Remove jewelry, makeup, and nail polish
• Discuss any concerns with your medical team

For children, you might want to explain the procedure in simple terms and bring comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. Many surgical centers are experienced in helping children feel more at ease.

How to read your ear tube results?

After ear tube placement, you'll notice improvements in hearing and comfort fairly quickly. Most people experience relief from ear pressure and pain within days of the procedure.

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check how well the tubes are working. During these visits, they'll look for signs that the tubes are staying in place and doing their job.

Positive signs that your ear tubes are working include:

• Improved hearing ability
• Fewer or no ear infections
• No ear pain or pressure
• Clear drainage from the ear (this is normal initially)
• Better balance and coordination
• Improved speech development in children

Sometimes you might notice a small amount of drainage from your ears, especially in the first few days. This is usually normal and means the tubes are allowing fluid to escape properly.

How to care for your ears with tubes?

Taking care of your ears with tubes involves some simple daily habits and being mindful of water exposure. The good news is that most people can return to normal activities quite quickly.

The most important thing to remember is keeping water out of your ears. When water gets into ears with tubes, it can potentially cause infections or problems with the tubes themselves.

Here are key care guidelines to follow:

• Use earplugs or cotton balls with petroleum jelly when showering
• Avoid swimming underwater or jumping into pools
• Keep ears dry during baths
• Don't use cotton swabs to clean inside your ears
• Follow up with your doctor as scheduled
• Watch for signs of infection like increased pain or unusual discharge

Many people can swim with ear tubes, but you should check with your doctor first. Some doctors allow surface swimming with proper ear protection, while others prefer you avoid swimming entirely.

What are the risk factors for needing ear tubes?

Certain factors make some people more likely to develop the ear problems that lead to needing tubes. Understanding these risk factors can help you recognize when to seek medical attention.

Age is the biggest risk factor, with children between 6 months and 3 years being most susceptible. This is because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making drainage more difficult.

Common risk factors include:

• Young age (especially under 3 years old)
• Frequent upper respiratory infections
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• Attending daycare or preschool
• Allergies that cause nasal congestion
• Family history of ear problems
• Cleft palate or other facial abnormalities
• Premature birth or low birth weight

Environmental factors also play a role. Children who are around other sick children frequently, like in daycare settings, tend to get more respiratory infections that can lead to ear problems.

What are the possible complications of ear tubes?

While ear tube surgery is generally very safe, like any medical procedure, it does carry some potential risks. Most complications are minor and can be managed easily.

The most common issues are temporary and resolve on their own or with simple treatment. Serious complications are quite rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.

Possible complications include:

• Temporary drainage from the ears
• Tube blockage or early removal
• Scarring of the eardrum
• Persistent hole in the eardrum after tube removal
• Infection requiring antibiotic treatment
• Hearing changes (usually temporary)

Very rare complications might include damage to the eardrum, problems with anesthesia, or chronic drainage. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and help you understand what to watch for afterward.

When should I see a doctor about ear tubes?

You should contact your doctor if you notice any concerning symptoms after ear tube placement. While most people heal smoothly, it's important to recognize when medical attention is needed.

Call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of serious infection like fever and thick, colored discharge from your ears.

Here are situations that warrant medical attention:

• Severe ear pain that doesn't improve with pain medication
• Heavy bleeding from the ears
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Thick, yellow, or green discharge with a bad smell
• Sudden hearing loss or significant hearing changes
• Dizziness or balance problems that persist
• Signs that a tube has fallen out too early

For routine follow-up, your doctor will schedule regular check-ups to monitor how well your tubes are working. These appointments are important even if you're feeling fine.