How are ear tubes inserted in the ear?Įar tubes are inserted through an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy. Improve behavior and sleep problems caused by chronic ear infections. Improve speech problems and balance problems and Restore hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid The average age for ear tube insertion is one to three years old. Other less common conditions that may warrant the placement of ear tubes are malformation of the eardrum or eustachian tube, Down Syndrome, cleft palate, and barotrauma (injury to the middle ear caused by a reduction of air pressure, usually seen with altitude changes as in flying and scuba diving).Įach year, more than half a million ear tube surgeries are performed on children, making it the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia. These conditions most commonly occur in children, but can also be present in teens and adults and can lead to speech and balance problems, hearing loss, or changes in the structure of the eardrum. Who needs ear tubes and why?Įar tubes are often recommended when a person experiences repeated middle ear infection (acute otitis media) or has hearing loss caused by the persistent presence of middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion). Long-term tubes may fall out on their own, but removal by an otolaryngologist may be necessary. Long-term tubes are larger and have flanges that secure them in place for a longer period of time. Short- term tubes are smaller and typically stay in place for six months to a year before falling out on their own. There are two basic types of ear tubes: short-term and long-term. These tubes can be made out of various materials and may have a coating intended to reduce the possibility of infection. They also may be called tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or PE (pressure equalization) tubes. What are ear tubes?Įar tubes are tiny cylinders placed through the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to allow air into the middle ear. In these cases, insertion of an ear tube by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) may be considered. But sometimes ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues, such as hearing loss, or behavior and speech problems. Most ear infections either resolve on their own (viral) or are effectively treated by antibiotics (bacterial). Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for children-by the age of five, nearly every child has experienced at least one episode. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria and recommend pain medications or prescription ear drops.Insight into causes and treatment options When left untreated, an ear infection can lead to a more serious infection, permanent hearing loss, and problems with speech and language development - so speak to your doctor right away if you think you or child have an ear infection. Other types of ear infections include otitis externa (an outer ear infection, or swimmer’s ear) and otitis interna (an inner ear infection). If you do get infections, you may have a Eustachian tube that genetically doesn’t work correctly, Dr. Adults get fewer ear infections than kids because their Eustachian tubes are bigger and more angled. Otitis media, an ear infection of the middle ear, occurs when the mucosa (the lining of the upper respiratory tract that secretes mucus) swells because of a cold, respiratory infection, or allergy, and the Eustachian tube (3) gets blocked. Adults and children get ear infections for the same reasons.