What are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are tiny, hollow tubes inserted into the eardrums. They are made of plastic or metal, known as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes, or pressure equalization tubes.
What Ear Tubes Do
Ear tubes can improve air flow to the middle ear and help prevent fluid build-up behind the eardrum.
Ear Conditions Treated with Ear Tubes
Ear tubes may be recommended for children with chronic ear infections, recurring inflammation of the ear, and fluid buildup.
What to Expect During Ear Tube Placement
Ear tubes are placed while your child is under general anesthesia. The ear tube placement procedure takes about 15 minutes. The surgeon will use a scalpel or laser to make a tiny hole in the eardrum. Fluid will be suctioned out of the middle ear, and the tube will be placed in the opening. Most children can go home in a few hours following the surgery.
Recovery After Ear Tube Placement
Your child might be sleepy for the first 24 hours after surgery, and nausea may also occur. Most children return to regular activities after 24 hours.
Follow Up Appointments With the ENT Specialist
Your ENT specialist at Eastern Shore ENT Clinic will want to see your child for a follow-up appointment 2 to 4 weeks after surgery to make sure the tubes are in place and working well. Your child should also see the ENT specialist at regular intervals every 4 to 6 months for monitoring.
In addition to regular follow-up appointments, you should bring your child to visit the ENT specialist if your child is experiencing a discharge from the ears that lasts longer than one week or if your child is experiencing chronic ear pain, hearing difficulties, or balance issues.
Want To Know More About Ear Tubes?
To learn more about ear tubes and how they can help with ear issues, call the Eastern Shore ENT Clinic providers in Fairhope, AL. You can reach them in the office by calling (251) 928-0300, so call today.
