When you notice a small tube within your child’s ear, it is natural to feel curious or concerned. These tiny devices, often called ear tubes, are quite common and serve an important role in managing certain ear conditions. This article aims to provide clear information about what you are seeing and how to care for your child. Understanding their function and care can help alleviate worries and guide you in supporting your child’s ear health.
The Purpose of Ear Tubes
Ear tubes, known medically as tympanostomy tubes or myringotomy tubes, are small, hollow cylinders placed in the eardrum. Their primary function is to help drain fluid from the middle ear and allow air to ventilate this space. This procedure is commonly recommended for children who experience recurrent middle ear infections (otitis media) or have persistent fluid buildup behind the eardrum, a condition called otitis media with effusion.
Fluid accumulation in the middle ear can lead to discomfort, pain, and temporary hearing difficulties, potentially affecting speech development in young children. By creating an airway, ear tubes help equalize pressure and prevent fluid from lingering, which can reduce the frequency of ear infections and improve hearing. The insertion of ear tubes is a common and generally safe outpatient procedure, often taking around 15 minutes to complete.
What is Normal to See and Expect
If you can see the ear tube in your child’s ear, this is typically a normal observation and not a reason for alarm. These tubes are tiny, often spool-shaped, and usually made of plastic or metal. They are generally less than 2 mm tall.
Immediately following the procedure, and sometimes for a few days afterward, you might notice some drainage from the ear. This drainage can be clear, yellowish, or even slightly tinged with blood or mucus. This discharge indicates that the tubes are effectively clearing fluid that was previously trapped. The presence of the tube itself, and this initial drainage, is part of the expected post-operative course.
Caring for Your Child’s Ear Tubes
Proper care for your child’s ear tubes involves several simple steps to help ensure their effectiveness and prevent complications. Water precautions are often discussed, and guidelines can vary. Casual swimming in clean, chlorinated pools is generally acceptable without earplugs. However, for lakes, oceans, or diving, using earplugs or a swim cap is often recommended due to higher microorganism presence. For bathing, prevent water from directly entering the ear canals, such as by avoiding head submersion or directing shower spray into the ears.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or any other objects into the ear canal, as this can push debris further in or damage the eardrum. Cleaning should be limited to gently wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth to remove any visible drainage or crusting. Regular follow-up appointments with the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist are important. These visits, typically scheduled every 4 to 6 months, allow the doctor to monitor the tubes and ensure they are functioning correctly.
Signs That Something is Wrong
While ear tubes are generally effective, it is important to recognize signs that might indicate a problem requiring medical attention. Persistent drainage from the ear, especially if it lasts more than a week after surgery or changes in appearance, should prompt a call to your doctor. Drainage that is thick, pus-like, green, yellow, or has a foul smell can signal an infection. Ear infections can still occur with tubes in place, but the tubes allow the infection to drain, often making them milder.
Other symptoms to watch for include redness or swelling around the ear, new or increased ear pain that does not resolve with medication, or a fever. If you suspect the tube has moved or is dislodged, such as appearing in the ear canal but no longer in the eardrum, or if it is lodged in an unusual position, contact your doctor.
When Ear Tubes Come Out
Ear tubes are designed to remain in place for a temporary period and then fall out naturally as the eardrum heals and pushes them out. This process typically occurs within 6 to 18 months, though some tubes may stay in longer. The exact timing depends on the type of tube used; some may require surgical removal if they remain beyond two to three years.
When a tube falls out, your child may not even notice due to its small size. After the tube extrudes, the small hole in the eardrum usually closes on its own. Continued monitoring by the doctor may be necessary to ensure the eardrum heals completely and that fluid does not accumulate again.