Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes or pressure equalization (PE) tubes, are tiny hollow cylinders surgically placed into the eardrum. They are typically made of plastic or metal and are designed to allow air into the middle ear. By creating an airway, these tubes prevent fluid from accumulating behind the eardrums, which can lead to recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid buildup. This ventilation helps to equalize air pressure within the middle ear, similar to how the Eustachian tube functions naturally. Ear tubes are a common intervention, especially in children, to address issues like chronic ear infections and fluid that can impact hearing and speech development.
Typical Duration of Ear Tubes
The duration ear tubes remain in place can vary, but generally, short-term tubes are designed to extrude on their own within 6 to 18 months. This natural expulsion occurs as the eardrum heals and gradually pushes the tube out. For many children, this timeframe allows the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, to mature and function more effectively in draining fluid and equalizing pressure.
Several factors can influence how long an ear tube stays inserted. The type of tube used is a primary determinant; short-term tubes are smaller and designed for spontaneous extrusion, while long-term tubes are larger and intended to remain in place for extended periods, sometimes two years or more. The patient’s ear anatomy and the underlying condition being treated also play a role. For instance, factors such as the patient’s age (younger children may extrude tubes faster), the presence of middle ear fluid, and prior ear tube history can affect the tube’s duration.
While tubes are designed for a certain lifespan, they can sometimes fall out earlier than expected, especially if an ear infection occurs shortly after placement. Conversely, some tubes may remain in the eardrum longer than intended, potentially for two to three years, requiring medical intervention for removal. Routine follow-up appointments with an ENT specialist are important to monitor the tube’s position and function.
How Ear Tubes Leave the Ear
Most short-term ear tubes extrude naturally. As the eardrum heals, it gradually pushes the tube out of the small incision where it was placed. This process often goes unnoticed by parents, as the tiny tube may simply fall out of the ear canal and be lost.
If a tube does not extrude on its own within the expected timeframe, or if it causes problems, medical removal may be necessary. Reasons for surgical removal include the tube staying in too long (beyond two to three years), persistent drainage from the ear that does not resolve with treatment, or the formation of granulation tissue around the tube. An ENT specialist can remove the tube, sometimes under general anesthesia, particularly for children.
Life After Ear Tube Removal
Once ear tubes have naturally extruded or been medically removed, follow-up appointments with an ENT specialist are important to monitor the ear’s healing and the child’s auditory health. These visits typically involve checking for complete closure of the small hole in the eardrum where the tube was located. In most cases, this perforation heals on its own within weeks or a few months.
Occasionally, the eardrum may not heal completely, leaving a small, persistent hole. While these holes often do not cause significant hearing problems, an ENT specialist may discuss options for surgical repair if necessary, especially if it leads to recurrent issues. It is recommended to avoid getting water in the ear until the eardrum has fully healed, and your doctor may advise against vigorous activities for a few weeks if surgical removal was performed. Although ear tubes are effective, ear issues may recur, and a child might need another set of tubes if frequent infections or fluid buildup return.