Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes, are small, hollow cylinders typically made of plastic or metal that surgeons place into the eardrum. Their primary function is to create an airway that allows for ventilation of the middle ear and prevents fluid from accumulating behind the eardrum. While often associated with children, adults can also receive ear tubes to address various persistent ear conditions.
Reasons Adults Get Ear Tubes
Adults commonly receive ear tubes for conditions that affect the middle ear’s ability to equalize pressure and drain fluids. One frequent reason is Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes swollen, narrowed, or fails to open and close properly. This malfunction can lead to a sensation of fullness, pressure, pain, muffled hearing, and sometimes ringing in the ears or balance issues. Ear tubes bypass the Eustachian tube to alleviate these symptoms.
Recurrent middle ear infections, or otitis media, also prompt ear tube insertion in adults. When infections persist despite antibiotic treatment or occur frequently, tubes help by allowing air to circulate in the middle ear and facilitating fluid drainage. This ventilation reduces infection risk and the need for repeated antibiotics. Tubes are also indicated for persistent fluid behind the eardrum, a condition known as serous otitis media or otitis media with effusion, which can lead to hearing loss even without an active infection.
Barotrauma, or ear damage caused by rapid changes in air or water pressure, is another common indication for adult ear tubes. This condition can occur during activities such as flying, scuba diving, or driving in mountainous regions when the Eustachian tube cannot adequately equalize pressure. For severe cases or for individuals who frequently experience significant altitude changes, ear tubes can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term ear damage. Additionally, retracted eardrums, where negative pressure pulls the eardrum inward, can benefit from ear tube placement as it helps to restore normal pressure.
The Adult Ear Tube Procedure
The insertion of ear tubes in adults is typically a quick and straightforward procedure. This minor surgical operation is often performed in an outpatient clinic or an otolaryngologist’s office. In most adult cases, the procedure utilizes local anesthesia, which may involve numbing drops applied to the ear canal and eardrum. General anesthesia, common in pediatric procedures, is less frequently needed for adults.
The process involves two main steps: myringotomy and tympanostomy. During the myringotomy, the surgeon creates a small incision in the eardrum using a scalpel or laser. Any trapped fluid in the middle ear is then drained or suctioned out to clear the space. Following this, a small ear tube is carefully placed into the opening in the eardrum, a step known as tympanostomy. The procedure takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes per ear. Patients can typically return to normal activities the day after the procedure.
Life After Ear Tube Insertion
Following ear tube insertion, adults may experience some immediate sensations and require specific care. Mild discomfort or pain in the affected ear is common for one to two days after the procedure. Temporary muffled hearing can also occur, which typically resolves within a few days as the ear adjusts and any residual fluid drains. It is also normal to observe a small amount of clear, yellow, or pink drainage from the ear during the initial days.
Post-procedure care often includes the use of antibiotic ear drops, which are prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing. Water precautions are advised, such as avoiding submerging the head or using earplugs during swimming or showering.
Ear tubes are designed to be temporary, and they typically fall out on their own as the eardrum heals and pushes them out. This natural extrusion usually occurs within 9 to 18 months after placement. If a tube does not extrude naturally within approximately two years, a surgeon may need to remove it. Benefits include improved hearing, fewer ear infections, and relief from chronic pressure and balance issues.