Who Needs Ear Tubes?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 is often 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 plastic, metal, or Teflon 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.
In these cases, insertion of an ear tube by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat surgeon) may be considered.Įar tubes are tiny cylinders placed through the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to allow air into the middle ear. But sometimes, ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues such as hearing loss, behavior, and speech problems. Most ear infections either resolve on their own (viral) or are effectively treated by antibiotics (bacterial). In total, the process is typically performed in under 5 minutes, and your child may return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.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 Penta ENT Surgeon will carefully apply a topical anesthetic to numb the eardrum and use the proprietary Hummingbird device to safely place the ear tubes in a single pass. Parents may be present in the room, which often makes the process less stressful and brings comfort to the child. It eliminates the need for general anesthesia and moves this common procedure to the comfort of the office. This new approach uses the FDA-cleared Hummingbird® device. to offer parents an alternative to traditional ear tube surgery. In-Office: Penta is among the first in the U.S. While activity is not restricted after tympanostomy tube placement, earplugs or swimming plugs are recommended with exposure to untreated water (lake, river, ocean, etc). By the end of the day, most patients are fully recovered. Most children are ready to go home 15 minutes after the procedure is complete. Once the surgery date has been obtained, the patient receives anesthesia (usually by mask), and surgical tympanostomy is performed. Surgery: Securing a surgery schedule at the local hospital may involve a waiting period. Most Humingbird® procedures are not covered by insurance however, we are happy to provide a good-faith estimate of costs. Antibiotic ear drops are often all that is required to control ear drainage.Įar tube placement may occur in the operating room or in the office setting, depending on several factors (diagnosis, parental choice, and finances). For those with insurance, surgery may be covered. Pain, fever, and irritability are usually not seen with ear infections with tympanostomy tubes. Children typically do not feel the tubes while they are in place and cannot reach them.Įar drainage with tubes is uncommon, and its appearance usually means an ear infection is present. The chances of falling “in” under the eardrum are very low. Scarring of the eardrum is usually minimal and does not affect hearing. The chances of needing a second set of tympanostomy tubes are less than 20%. Tympanostomy tubes last 1-2 years, and then fall out on their own. Persistent fluid in the ear that muffles hearing or causes speech delay in children is also effectively treated with tympanostomy tubes. The risk of ear infections drops significantly after tympanostomy tubes are placed. Tubes are placed for frequent and persistent ear infections that do not respond to antibiotics. They prevent fluid from building up under the eardrum and provide better long-term control of ear infections than antibiotics alone. tympanostomy tubes or myringotomy tubes) are small pieces of plastic or metal that are placed through the eardrum to ventilate the space underneath.
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