February 22, 2022
When it’s cold and flu season, your child is likely to experience more frequent or severe ear infections. Treatment and time resolve most of these illnesses, but at some point your child may need ear tubes to help prevent infections. To help children get the care they need, we address questions about ear tubes.
What you need to know
What are ear tubes?
Ear tubes are plastic or silicone implants surgically placed in the eardrum to improve ventilation and drainage. They may be specially coated to help prevent the formation and buildup of microorganisms, reducing the risk of future infection and improving overall ear health.
When are ear tubes needed?
After an ear infection subsides, fluid that has built up should clear within 3 months of the infection’s onset. If fluid doesn’t drain, it can cause pain and possibly issues with hearing and balance. Ear tubes can help by allowing fluids to drain freely from the middle ear. Ear tubes may be recommended for children who experience recurrent infections (3 in 6 months or 4 in a year) or when a child has adverse reactions to antibiotics used to treat ear infections.
In addition to reducing ear infections, ear tubes can help resolve negative pressure in the middle ear. Negative pressure occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear changes (think flying or diving). It can become a chronic condition that occurs when the Eustachian tubes are blocked or don’t open properly. In this case, ear tubes allow pressure in the middle ear to equalize.
Why ear tubes?
Middle ear issues can affect a child’s hearing and speech development during key formative years. These issues can result in sleep disturbances and other health issues. Ear tubes are a quick, easy and relatively painless way to treat a common and stressful problem.
How long are ear tubes present?
Most ear tubes last 3-12 months before falling out on their own. Children who require multiple sets of ear tubes can have longer-term tubes placed, usually lasting 2-3 years. Children’s skulls and nasal anatomy change between ages 6-8. However, some people have inner ear issues and need ear tubes most of their lives.
How are ear tubes placed?
Ear tubes are placed by an ear, nose and throat surgeon in an outpatient procedure while your child is under general anesthesia.
Consult us
If you think your child may need ear tubes, talk to your pediatrician about referring you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Authored by Author Guerin Smith, MD