Ear tubes

Overview

Ear tubes are small hollow tubes made up of either plastic or metal. These tubes are placed by the doctors in the eardrums through surgical intervention to allow airflow in the middle ear and prevent any fluid build-up behind the eardrums. The tubes are also known as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes, or pressure equalization tubes. 

The tubes mainly help children who have recurrent ear infections and experience fluid build-up in the ears after the infection has cleared up. 

The tubes are not permanent. Most fall off within four months to a year. However, there are some tubes that need to be removed through surgery and the holes to be sealed. The procedure is carried out by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. 

Why Do People Need Tubes In Their Ears

The main indication for ear tubes is chronic ear infections. However, the doctor may wait and watch if the infection clears on its own. If it doesn’t, they may prescribe antibiotics. If the infections are frequent and cause a lot of discomfort, the doctor may opt for ear tube surgery. 

The following are the indications when ear tubes are required: 

•  Children with long-lasting and repeated ear infections and fluid build-up 
• For treating a condition called barotrauma in adults, which is caused due to air pressure changes. The procedure also helps remove fluid from the ear and fill the air to prevent fluids from entering. 

The failure to treat the above conditions can cause more significant health problems like speech issues or loss of hearing. 

The Procedure

• The surgeon has a detailed discussion regarding their health conditions and medicines with the person undergoing the procedure. They also provide information on food and drink restrictions before the surgery. 
• Anesthesia is administered. 
• The surgeon makes a small cut in the eardrum. 
• The ear tube is inserted into the incision, and the fluid in the middle ear section is drained out. 
• For people who have had ear tube surgery before, the doctor may perform an adenoid (tissues at the roof of the mouth and behind the nose) removal surgery to prevent ear tube surgeries in the future. 
• The surgery takes place in an operating room at the hospital or clinic and takes around 15 minutes. 
• The person may be required to stay in the recovery room for some time to overcome the drowsiness from anesthesia and the side effects of the procedure. 
• After surgery, the doctor evaluates the person’s health and prescribes ear drops to prevent ear infections. They may also recommend using earplugs during swimming or while taking a shower.  
• The surgeon checks on the tubes for a few months and may advise a hearing test. 

The doctor must be contacted if there is fever, a yellowish or brownish discharge from the ear for more than a week, if the pain doesn’t subside, or if the person has issues with balance or hearing. 

How To Prepare A Child Before The Procedure

•  Parents need to start prepping the child and talking to them days before the surgery. 
• The child should be assured that the ear tubes and the surgery will help them hear and speak better, and there will be no pain. 
• The kid also needs to be informed and mentally prepared about anesthesia. It can be explained that the medicine will put them to sleep so that they will not experience any discomfort or pain. 
• It helps to let the child carry their favorite toy or book so that they feel safe and comfortable. 
• Assure the child that you will be around during the entire procedure. 

The Benefits Of Using Ear Tubes

The procedure has multiple benefits that include: 

• Lesser pain and discomfort or fever if there is an ear infection 
• Decreased requirement of antibiotics during ear infections. 
• Enhanced hearing ability. 
• Improved speech. 
• Lesser sleep-related issues due to chronic ear infections and behavioral problems. 

The Risks Involved In The Procedure

Certain complications caused due to the ear tube procedure include: 

•  There is a chance that the opening or the hole in the eardrum will not be sealed after the tubes are removed. The hole has to be closed off by performing another surgery. 
• The eardrums can get scarred due to multiple infections or ear tube surgery. 
• Ear infections can occur even after the ear tube procedure. 
• There are cases where the ear tubes fall off earlier, or they don’t come out at all. 
• There is a chance of continuous oozing of fluid from the ears. (otorrhea). 
• The eardrum may harden or even shrink due to multiple ear tube surgeries. 
• The tubes can get blocked due to ear wax. 

Children generally require anesthesia to put them to sleep during the procedure to avoid pain and extreme discomfort. However, the children may experience the following symptoms due to anesthesia.  

• Upset stomach or nausea after the surgery. 
• Difficulty in breathing. 
• Allergic reaction. 
• Irregular heartbeats. 

Conclusion

While non-surgical interventions are always more manageable, cheaper, and more accessible, it is essential to understand if they are effective in treating ear infections. If the child or the person is experiencing repeated discomfort, then opting for ear tube surgery may prove beneficial in the long run. However, it is vital to discuss the pros and cons and all the factors with the doctor to understand the nuances of the procedure and decide if the surgery is the right option for a particular individual. This helps restore the quality of life and enables people to enjoy better health by preventing multiple complications in the future.