Ear tubes are small medical devices inserted into a child’s eardrum to address certain ear conditions. These tubes serve to improve middle ear function, primarily by allowing air to circulate and preventing fluid accumulation. The procedure to insert ear tubes is a common surgery performed on children.
The Appearance of Ear Tubes
A child’s ear tube is notably small, measuring less than 2 millimeters in height. These devices come in various designs, most commonly as hollow cylinders like spool-shaped grommets for short-term use, or T-shaped tubes with flanges for longer-term placement.
Ear tubes are typically manufactured from medical-grade materials such as plastic or silicone. They are often clear or white, though they can also be found in colors like blue, green, or metallic shades. Once inserted, a portion of the tube sits on the outside of the eardrum and another portion on the inside, keeping the eardrum open.
Why Ear Tubes Are Used
Ear tubes are primarily used for children who experience recurrent middle ear infections, known as acute otitis media (AOM). This condition involves fluid buildup behind the eardrum, leading to pain and potential hearing loss. Children who have three or more ear infections within six months, or four or more in a year, may be candidates for tube insertion.
Another common reason for ear tube placement is persistent fluid behind the eardrum without infection, a condition called otitis media with effusion (OME). This fluid can remain for months and interfere with hearing, speech development, and balance. Young children are particularly susceptible to these issues because their Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose, are narrower and more horizontal than an adult’s.
What Happens When Tubes Are In Place
Once ear tubes are inserted, they function by allowing air to flow into the middle ear, which helps to equalize pressure and drain any accumulated fluid. This ventilation prevents negative pressure behind the eardrum. The presence of the tube also provides a direct pathway for antibiotic ear drops to reach the middle ear if another infection occurs.
Most ear tubes are designed to remain in place for a temporary period, typically falling out on their own as the eardrum heals. This usually occurs within 6 to 18 months, though some can stay in for up to two years or longer, depending on the tube type. After insertion, hearing often improves immediately or within a few days as fluid drains and normal sound transmission is restored.
Regarding care, current guidelines often do not require water precautions for children with ear tubes in chlorinated pools unless problems arise. However, some medical professionals still recommend using earplugs for bathing, showering, or swimming, especially in non-chlorinated water or when submerging the head, to prevent water or soap from entering the middle ear. While some ear drainage might occur immediately after the procedure, persistent or discolored drainage warrants medical attention.