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Each year in the U.S., at least one million children, usually between the ages of 1 to 3, have tubes placed in their ears.
"Myringotomy with tube placement" is a surgical procedure where a tiny incision is made through the eardrum, and a plastic or metal tube is inserted. These tubes allow fluid to drain out of the middle ear space and ventilate the area with air.
When are Tubes Needed?
The eardrum normally vibrates with sound because the space behind it (the middle ear) is filled with air. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, as occurs during an ear infection, hearing is muffled.
Sometimes after an ear is no longer infected, fluid remains in the ear. This occurs if the eustachian tube, which runs from the back of the nose to the middle ear, becomes blocked and no longer allows air in and fluid out.
The main concern about having fluid in the middle ear for a long time is that the muffled hearing may affect a child's speech development.
What are Possible Risks?
A small percentage of children with tubes continue to have ear infections with drainage and pain. These bouts of infection that require antibiotics probably would also occur without the tubes.
Normally, the tubes come out and fall into the ear canal after about a year. Complications may occur when the tubes come out. Sometimes they come out too quickly and need to be replaced by another set. Rarely, they fall into the middle ear space and need to be removed by the surgeon. If the tubes remain in the eardrum for more than a few years, the surgeon may need to remove them. After the tubes come out, a small hole (perforation) may remain. This may cause a small hearing loss.
Doctors recommend tubes only for children who have been unsuccessful with other treatments.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Children who undergo the surgery will receive a general anesthetic and will breathe through a mask throughout the procedure. The ENT surgeon will use a microscope and light to see into the ear canal. Following a tiny incision, the tube will be placed into the hole in the eardrum to keep it open. This will be repeated on the other ear. Usually antibiotic drops and cotton will be placed into the ear. The entire surgery takes 10 to 15 minutes. The child will then go to the recovery room (PACU) for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. He or she may resume normal activity the same day.
If you have detailed questions about the procedure, consult with your doctor or surgeon. | 
