In-Clinic Ear Tube Placement

In-Clinic Ear Tube Placement

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What Is In-Clinic Ear Tube Placement?

ENT surgeons are able to place ear tubes right in the clinic, rather than in an operating room. It is done without general anesthesia. It uses a special tool to make ear tube placement fast and simple.  Because it’s done in the clinic, parents or caregivers can stay with their child the entire time. This helps to reduce anxiety for everyone.

Steps To Place Ear Tubes in the Clinic:

  1. Gentle swaddle for safety.
    Your child is wrapped snugly in a blanket, so they feel secure. This also allows the ENT surgeon to work safely without sudden movements.
  2. Look into the ear.
    A small instrument called an ear speculum is placed in the ear canal . This helps the surgeon clearly see the eardrum.
  3. Clean if needed.
    If there is earwax blocking the view, it is carefully removed.
  4. Numb the eardrum.
    A special medicine is placed right on the eardrum. This numbs the area to help keep your child comfortable.
  5. Position the special tool.
    The special tool  is gently placed into the ear canal.
  6. Create the hole and place the tube.
    In one smooth motion, the tool makes a tiny hole in the eardrum. This is called a myringotomy. The ear tube is then placed through the hole. The entire process takes only a few minutes.

Caring for Your Child After In-Clinic Ear Tube Placement

Activity
Your child can go back to their usual routine. School, daycare, gym class, sports, and active play are all fine.

Diet
Your child may eat and drink normally.

Medicines

  • Over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen are commonly used to ease mild ear pain.
  • Your child may also need antibiotic ear drops. Follow the instructions in your After Visit Summary (AVS).
  • To learn more about how to give your child ear drops. review this KidsHealth resource.

Ear Drainage
Some drainage from the ear is normal after the procedure. It may look slightly bloody. This can last for 2 to 3 days. Replace the cotton in the ear if it becomes wet.

Travel
Airplane travel is safe after ear tube placement. The tubes help equalize pressure inside and outside the ear.

When to Call the ENT Clinic
Use the phone number listed in your AVS if you notice any of the following:

  • Bright red blood coming from the ear
  • Thick, mucus like drainage
  • Bad smelling drainage
  • Drainage that lasts longer than 5 days

To learn more about in-clinic ear tube placement, review this resource.

ALERT

Call your child’s provider, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.