Ear tube insertion

Alternative Names: Myringotomy; Tympanostomy; Ear tube surgery; Pressure equalization tubes; Ventilating tubes

Ear tube insertion involves placing tubes through the eardrums. The eardrum is the thin layer of tissue that separates the outer and middle ear.

Note: This article focuses on ear tube insertion in children. However, most of the information could also apply to adults with similiar symptoms or problems.

Description of Procedure

While the child is asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), a small surgical cut is made in the eardrum. Any fluid that has collected behind the eardrum is removed with suction through this cut.

Then, a small tube is placed through the eardrum. The tube allows air to flow in so that pressure is the same on both sides of the eardrum. Also, trapped fluid can flow out of the middle ear. This prevents hearing loss and reduces the risk of ear infections.

Risks of Ear tube insertion

Risks of ear tube insertion include:

• Drainage from the ear
• Hole in the eardrum that does not heal after the tube falls out

These problems do not usually last long. They also do not usually cause problems in children. Your doctor can explain these complications in more detail.

The risks for any anesthesia are:

• Breathing problems
• Reactions to medicines

The risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Tympanic membrane	Ear tube insertion - series

Review Date: 4/15/2011
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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