Ear Tubes

Ear tube placement on young children (the medical term is myringotomy) is one of Topeka ENT's most common procedures for very good reason--recurrent ear infections can lead to speech and balance problems, hearing loss, or changes in the structure of the ear drum.

What is the ear tube procedure?
This outpatient procedure may be performed in our office or, if seen at our Topeka office, it can be performed downstairs in our ExcellENT Surgery Center. The procedure involves inserting ear tubes through an incision (small hole) in the eardrum or tympanic membrane. This is most often done under a surgical microscope with a small scalpel, but it can also be accomplished with a laser.

A general anesthetic is administered for young children. Some older children and adults may be able to tolerate the procedure without anesthetic.

During the myringotomy, the fluid behind the ear drum (in the middle ear space) is suctioned out. The ear tube is then placed in the hole. Eardrops may be administered after the ear tube is placed and may be prescribed for a few days. The procedure usually lasts less than 15 minutes and patients awaken quickly.

Occasionally, we will recommend removal of the adenoid tissue (lymph tissue located in the upper airway behind the nose) when ear tubes are placed. This is often considered when a second or third tube insertion is necessary.

What happens after the procedure?

After surgery, we will monitor the patient in the recovery room; he or she will usually go home within an hour or two if no complications occur. Patients usually experience little or no postoperative pain, but grogginess, irritability, and/or nausea from the anesthesia can occur temporarily.

Your Topeka ENT doctor will provide specific postoperative instructions, including when to seek immediate attention and to set follow-up appointments. Antibiotic eardrops may be prescribed for a few days.

If hearing loss is present before the tubes are placed, we will also want to perform an audiogram in our Audiology Center to make sure that hearing has improved with the surgery.

The doctor or nurse will provide additional post-operative instructions. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.