An ear tube procedure is a surgical procedure utilized to minimize the effect of otitis media, or middle ear infections, commonly found in young children. If your child has this procedure, you may wonder what to expect and what you can do to best support your child.
An ear tube procedure becomes necessary when the Eustachian tube, a tube running from the middle ear to the back of the nose, doesn’t work well. When the Eustachian tube doesn’t work well it can result in fluid buildup behind the eardrum. An ear tube procedure solves this issue with the placement of a tympanostomy tube behind the eardrum that allows it to drain. The procedure is common among children aged one to three and is usually recommended if a child has persistent ear infections.
How To Prepare
Before the procedure, the doctor will check your child’s ears and overall health. They will also discuss any medications or supplements your child is on and whether they have allergies.
Other preparations:
- Your child may need to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. The doctor will provide you with instructions prior to the procedure.
- You will receive a follow-up plan with information about what to expect after and how long the tubes will stay in place.
- You’ll likely need to arrive a few hours before the procedure to check in and prepare.
During The Procedure
During the procedure, your child will be under anesthesia and will not feel the doctor place the tubes. The insertion typically takes around 15 minutes.
The doctor will:
- Make a small incision in the eardrum with a scalpel.
- Remove fluid from the ear using suction.
- Place the ear tube through the incision.
The hole will typically heal on its own without stitches, and the tubes will usually fall out on their own in six months to a year.
After The Procedure
Following the procedure, your child will likely be able to go home the same day. They will be taken to a recovery room to wake up, and a doctor will go over what to expect when you return home.
What to expect:
- The child may find noises loud for a time following the surgery.
- Fluid may begin to come out of the ear.
- Your child can return to normal play and eating as soon as they feel like it after the surgery.
- You may need to keep water out of the ears by using earplugs or a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly. Your doctor will give you those instructions.
- Your doctor will provide you with instructions for any side effects, such as contacting the doctor if your child has ear pain, fever, badly smelling drainage or if the tube falls out.
Your doctor will guide you through what to expect from the process from start to finish and answer any questions you may have. Surgery for your child can feel worrisome, but choosing a doctor you trust will help ease any worry you have.
For questions about ear tube procedures, contact Red River ENT Associates.
