Typically performed on children, ear tube surgery is performed to relieve ear problems such as fluid buildup and chronic ear infections. During the surgery, tubes are inserted through the eardrum, which enables the fluid to drain. After ear tube surgery, most children experience fewer ear infections and recover faster from infections.
Ear tubes can also help adults who:
- Suffer from pressure injuries (from flying or deep sea diving)
- Experience complications from severe ear infection, brain infection, meningitis or facial nerve paralysis
Virtua has board-certified otolaryngologists who specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures such as ear tube surgery. And because children are under anesthesia during the surgery, Virtua's pediatric anesthesiologists are on staff 24 hours a day.
In addition, Virtua provides child life specialists who help children and their families prepare for hospital procedures. The specialists uses techniques like therapeutic play activities to help make children feel more comfortable.