Ear Tube surgery is also known as myringotomy tubes and involves placing a ventilation tube in the eardrum to relieve pressure and fluid which frequently gets infected. Ear Tube surgery is commonly done for children who have frequent ear infections. This procedure serves to allow the fluid to drain properly. Children are at risk for falling behind other children in speech and language if the fluid is allowed to remain in place.
Adults can also benefit from this procedure if they have Eustachian tube dysfunction and fluid that remains behind the eardrum. Adults can easily have this procedure done in the office but children require the assistance of an anesthesiologist.
Patients can go home the day of the procedure and will be given ear drops to use. On average, the ear tubes will remain in place for 12 months and maybe need to be replaced after this time period.