When you notice a small, unfamiliar object visible inside your child’s ear canal, it is understandable to feel concern. That small cylinder is likely a tympanostomy tube, commonly known as an ear tube. These devices are tiny, hollow cylinders inserted into the eardrum during a common surgical procedure to help manage certain chronic ear conditions. The tube’s presence indicates your child is receiving treatment intended to improve their hearing and overall ear health.
Why Ear Tubes Are Placed
Ear tubes are typically recommended for children who experience recurrent acute ear infections, or for those who have persistent fluid buildup in the middle ear space, a condition called otitis media with effusion. When the Eustachian tube is not working properly, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear. This fluid buildup can cause temporary hearing loss, which may interfere with speech development in young children.
The physical function of the ear tube is to create a small, temporary opening in the eardrum (tympanic membrane). This opening serves two primary purposes: ventilation and drainage. By allowing air to flow directly into the middle ear, the tube equalizes the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
The second function is allowing trapped fluid or infection to drain out of the middle ear space, preventing accumulation and further infection. This direct access for drainage is helpful because it often allows ear infections to be treated with antibiotic eardrops alone, rather than systemic oral antibiotics.
Seeing the Tube: Is This Normal
Seeing the ear tube is a very common experience for parents and is a sign that the device is correctly positioned and functioning as intended. The tube is placed directly through the eardrum, and its opening is easily visible when a parent uses a light to peer inside. You should not worry that the tube is misplaced or falling out prematurely just because you can see it.
These tubes are quite small, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length, and are often made of plastic or metal. They are usually shaped like a tiny spool with a flared rim on each end to keep the device anchored in the eardrum. The color can vary, sometimes appearing white, clear, or a slightly metallic shade.
The tube’s visibility confirms it is properly embedded and providing the necessary pathway for air and fluid. Since the tube is firmly situated within the eardrum, your child cannot accidentally dislodge it. Avoid attempting to clean or touch the tube yourself.
Caring for Your Child While Tubes Are In
Once the ear tubes are in place, daily care involves monitoring and specific considerations around water exposure. If your child develops an ear infection, the main sign is often discharge or drainage coming from the ear canal. This drainage can be clear, cloudy, yellow, green, or occasionally tinged with blood.
The appearance of drainage is not a cause for panic; it indicates the tube is working by allowing the infection to exit the middle ear space. The standard treatment is usually antibiotic eardrops placed directly into the ear canal. When administering these drops, gently pressing the tragus (the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal) helps pump the medication through the tube into the middle ear.
Most children do not require earplugs for routine activities like bathing or showering with clean tap water. However, earplugs are recommended when swimming in non-chlorinated bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, or when diving deep underwater. Avoid submerging the head in a bathtub, as soapy bathwater can enter the tube more easily than plain water.
When Ear Tubes Fall Out
Ear tubes are intentionally temporary and are designed to be naturally extruded by the eardrum as it heals. Over time, the eardrum’s normal cell turnover gradually pushes the tube out of the small incision. This natural extrusion typically occurs between six and eighteen months after the initial placement surgery.
When the tube comes out, it usually falls into the ear canal and is carried out by earwax, often unnoticed by the parent or child. If you happen to find the tiny tube on your child’s pillow or clothing, it is generally not an emergency. The main action needed is to contact your child’s ear, nose, and throat specialist to schedule a follow-up appointment.
The doctor will confirm that the tube is completely out and will check the eardrum to ensure the small hole has closed properly. In a small percentage of cases, the hole may not close on its own, which is a complication that may require a minor surgical patch later. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the tube’s function and eventual exit until the eardrum is healed.