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.
Definition
Ear tube insertion involves placing tubes through the eardrums. The eardrum is the thin layer of tissue that separates the outer and middle ear.
Note: This article focuses on ear tube insertion in children. However, most of the information could also apply to adults with similiar symptoms or problems.
Alternative Names
Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tube surgery; Pressure equalization tubes; Ventilating tubes
Description
While the child is asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a small surgical cut is made in the eardrum. Any fluid that has collected behind the eardrum is removed with suction through this cut.
Then, a small tube is placed through the eardrum. The tube allows air to flow in so that pressure is the same on both sides of the eardrum. Also, trapped fluid can flow out of the middle ear. This prevents hearing loss and reduces the risk of ear infections.
Risks
Risks of ear tube insertion include:
- Drainage from the ear
- Hole in the eardrum that does not heal after the tube falls out
These problems do not usually last long. They also do not usually cause problems in children. Your doctor can explain these complications in more detail.
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Breathing problems
- Reactions to medicines
The risks for any surgery are: