What to Expect If Your Child Needs Ear Tubes

Seldom do you find a child that has never experienced inner ear infections. The painful infections generally clear up on their own, if they’re viral infections, or can be cured with antibiotics, if they’re bacterial infections. Sometimes, though, the problems continue, causing the child terrible pain and even learning disabilities. Because of this, your child’s doctor might recommend inner ear tubes to reduce the infections and help the child hear better.

There are several different names for the inner ear tubes, including tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or pressure equalization (PE) tubes. Generally made from plastic, the tubes have a special coating which reduces the risk of infection from the tubes themselves.

Some children, it’s decided by their doctor, need only short-term ear tubes. These are usually smaller than the long-term types. The short-term tubes stay in place about six months or so, then fall out on their own. The long-term tubes are slightly longer and are made to stay secure for a long period of time. Swimming or bathing without earplugs, though, can cause the tubes to come out, in which case, they’ll likely need to be reinserted.

Although generally used for children, the inner ear tubes are sometimes needed for adults as well. If you’re told that your child needs inner ear tubes, don’t feel alone. Many children have the surgery done each year. The benefits of the surgery include less ear infections, restoration of hearing, improved speech and balance, and sometimes, better sleeping patterns.

During surgery to insert the ear tubes, your child will be given an anesthetic. The fluid is then drained from the middle ear and the tubes inserted. Your doctor may recommend ear drops for a few days after the surgery. The surgery itself is quick, lasting under half an hour, and the child is soon ready to go home. In some cases, though, the doctor will also remove the tonsils and/or adenoids at the same time, depending upon the extent of the problems in your particular case.