Ear tubes, also known as Myringotomy tubes, are small tubes that are surgically placed into a child's eardrum by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Treatment
Ear Tubes
The placement of ear tubes is a common surgical procedure that can help children who suffer with frequent ear infections.
What Are Ear Tubes?
What To Know About Ear Tubes
Ear tube surgery is one of the most common surgeries for children. Doctors may suggest ear tubes if a child gets a lot of ear infections. They may also help if a child has trouble hearing or speaking because of fluid or infections in the ears.
How do ear tubes help?
- Reduce the chance of your child getting ear infections
- Help drain fluid from behind the eardrum that might be present after ear infections
- Help restore normal hearing to your child
What To Expect With Ear Tubes
Doctors may recommend ear tube surgery if your child has three ear infections in six months, or four in one year (with at least one in the last six months). The child also needs to have fluid in the middle ear during the exam. Another reason for surgery is if there is fluid in both ears for more than three months and it is causing hearing loss.
With ear tubes, your child should get fewer ear infections. Your child won’t be able to feel the tube, and it won’t harm their hearing. Over time, the ear pushes the tube out by itself. This usually doesn’t hurt.
We will see your child two to three months after surgery to check the ear tubes. Your child may also get a hearing test during that visit. After that, we usually see your child one to two times a year. These visits help make sure the tubes are working and there are no new problems.
Other Information About Ear Tubes
Can your child swim with ear tubes?
Yes, your child can swim with ear tubes. Most of the time, ear plugs are only needed in “dirty” water like lakes, ponds and water parks. Your child does not need ear plugs for baths, showers, swimming pools or the ocean. You can buy ear putty at most drugstores. If needed, our ENT clinic staff can help fit your child for ear plugs.
How do ear tubes impact the long-term outlook for ear infections?
Most children do very well after getting ear tubes. Problems from ear infections are rare because we have good antibiotics to treat them. Most kids outgrow ear infections by the time they are about 4 years old. If a child needs ear tubes, there is only about a 20% chance they will need another set later.
Why Choose Children’s Wisconsin for Ear Tubes
Large, multidisciplinary team: We have more than a dozen board-certified specialists who provide comprehensive pediatric ENT care at multiple locations. Our physicians participate and lead in many specialized multidisciplinary programs at Children’s Wisconsin.
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At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
