Ear Tube (Myringotomy) Surgery

Ear Tube (Myringotomy) Surgery

Ear tube surgery—also called myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement—creates a tiny opening in the eardrum and places a small tube that ventilates the middle ear. This helps fluid drain, relieves pressure, and lowers the risk of ear infections. The procedure is very common in children with frequent ear infections or persistent middle-ear fluid, and it can also help adults with Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Who May Benefit

• Children with frequent ear infections or fluid that lasts for months and affects hearing

• Children at risk of speech or language delays due to ongoing fluid and temporary hearing loss

• Adults with Eustachian tube dysfunction causing ear pressure, fullness, or fluid behind the eardrum

• People who experience ear problems with flying or diving (barotrauma) due to poor ear ventilation

Why Ear Tubes Are Helpful

• Ventilate the middle ear so fluid can drain properly

• Reduce the number and severity of ear infections

• Improve hearing that is muffled by fluid buildup

• Ease pressure, pain, and a feeling of fullness

• Allow many infections to be treated with ear drops instead of oral antibiotics

What to Expect During the Procedure

For children, ear tubes are typically placed under brief general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. For cooperative adults, the procedure can often be done comfortably in the office with local anesthesia. A small opening is made in the eardrum, fluid is suctioned, and a soft tube is placed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes per ear, and patients go home the same day.

Recovery and Aftercare

• Ear drops: Typically used for a few days after surgery to keep the tube clear and reduce infection risk.

• Activity: Most children return to school and adults to work the next day.

• Water: Routine water restrictions are rarely necessary for bathing or shallow swimming; consider ear protection for lake/ocean swimming, diving, or if your child develops ear pain with water exposure.

• Follow-up: A checkup is usually scheduled a few weeks after placement, then periodically to ensure the tubes remain open and ears are healthy.

• Tube duration: Most short-term tubes fall out on their own within 6–18 months (often around 12 months). Some patients may need another set if problems return after the tubes come out.

Children, Hearing, and Speech

Persistent middle-ear fluid can cause temporary hearing loss, which may affect speech and language development in young children. By restoring ventilation and improving hearing, ear tubes can support clearer listening during critical language-learning years. Dr. Egan monitors hearing and development as part of your child's follow-up care.

Risks and Safety

• Ear drainage (otorrhea) after surgery or with a cold/ear infection

• Tube blockage or tubes falling out sooner than expected

• Temporary scarring on the eardrum (tympanosclerosis) that usually does not affect hearing

• A small risk of a persistent eardrum hole after the tube falls out, which may need repair

• Anesthesia risks (generally low with brief pediatric anesthesia)

Adults and In-Office Ear Tube Placement

Adults with Eustachian tube dysfunction or persistent fluid often do well with ear tubes placed in the office using numbing drops and local anesthesia. This quick approach avoids a trip to the operating room for many patients and offers rapid relief of pressure and muffled hearing.

Am I a Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you or your child has frequent ear infections, ongoing fluid with hearing changes, or pressure and fullness that do not improve with medical therapy. Dr. Kristin Egan will review your history, examine the ears, and—when helpful—check hearing to determine whether ear tubes are the right next step.

Care with Dr. Kristin Egan

Dr. Kristin Egan is dual board-certified in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She has cared for families in the South Bay since 2011. ENT and cosmetic services are available in Manhattan Beach and Torrance. We welcome patients from Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and the surrounding Beach Cities.

Quick Facts

Setting: Outpatient (children under brief general anesthesia; many adults in office). Recovery: Home the same day; most back to normal activities the next day. Aftercare: Short course of ear drops; periodic follow-up. Tube duration: Usually 6–18 months, often around 12 months. Goal: Fewer infections, better hearing, and relief of pressure.

Schedule a Consultation

If ear infections, fluid, or pressure are affecting you or your child, we're here to help. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Egan and discuss whether ear tube surgery is appropriate for your needs.