Can Adults Get Tubes in Ears? Why and When
Ear tubes, formally known as tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes, are small, hollow cylinders placed into the eardrum. Their primary function involves creating a direct pathway for air to enter the middle ear, which helps to equalize pressure across the eardrum and drain accumulated fluid. While commonly associated with children, adults can receive ear tubes to address various persistent ear conditions. This intervention aims to restore hearing and alleviate discomfort caused by pressure imbalances or fluid buildup.
Conditions Warranting Ear Tubes in Adults
Several medical conditions can lead to ear tube insertion in adults. One common reason is chronic middle ear fluid, medically termed serous otitis media, which fails to resolve despite other treatments. This persistent fluid can cause muffled hearing, aural fullness, and increased susceptibility to infection. Another indication is recurrent acute otitis media, characterized by frequent and severe ear infections that do not respond well to antibiotics.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is another factor, where the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat does not open or close properly. This dysfunction leads to chronic pressure imbalances, pain, and hearing issues. Adults with severe or recurrent barotrauma, such as from frequent flying or diving, may also benefit from tubes. Physicians often use diagnostic methods like otoscopy, which involves looking into the ear, and tympanometry, which measures eardrum movement, to identify these conditions.
The Myringotomy and Tube Insertion Procedure
The surgical process for inserting ear tubes is called a myringotomy with tube insertion. This procedure is generally considered minor and is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day. For adults, local anesthesia with sedation is often used, though general anesthesia is also an option.
During the myringotomy, a surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to drain trapped fluid from the middle ear. A tiny tube is then inserted into this incision. Various types of tubes exist, including short-term tubes that stay in place for several months and longer-lasting T-tubes. The choice of tube type depends on the patient’s needs and the anticipated duration of ventilation.
Life with Ear Tubes and Post-Procedure Care
Following ear tube insertion, adults may experience mild discomfort, a temporary sensation of fullness, or slight dizziness, which usually subsides quickly. Hearing often improves almost immediately as the middle ear ventilates properly. Post-operative care commonly includes ear drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation in the ear canal.
Water precautions are often advised while tubes are in place, though recommendations vary. Some professionals suggest using earplugs during swimming or showering to prevent water from entering the middle ear. Patients should monitor for signs of a complication, such as persistent ear drainage, increased pain, or unexpected hearing changes. Any concerning symptoms warrant prompt communication with a healthcare provider.
When Ear Tubes Are No Longer Needed
Ear tubes are temporary, and their natural course involves spontaneous extrusion. As the eardrum heals and regenerates, it gradually pushes the tube out of the incision site. This natural extrusion typically occurs within several months to a few years, depending on the type of tube initially inserted. Once the tube falls out, the incision in the eardrum usually closes and heals on its own without intervention.
Sometimes, a tube may not extrude naturally, or it might cause ongoing issues, necessitating surgical removal by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. If the underlying condition, such as chronic middle ear fluid or Eustachian tube dysfunction, recurs after the tubes have come out, re-insertion of ear tubes may be considered. This decision is based on the persistence or recurrence of symptoms and their impact on the patient’s quality of life.