Myringotomy and Tube Placement
Christopher M. Hampson, MD
(630) 377-8708
Tube placement is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United
States. Indications for tubes include:
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Middle ear fluid that has not cleared. Middle ear fluid will usually cause a
hearing loss that improves once the fluid has cleared.
Recurrent ear infections.
Severe retractions of the ear drum.
Prior to surgery most patients will need a thorough history and physical examination
done by their primary care doctor.
The surgery is performed under a short general anesthetic and usually takes 15 minutes to
complete. Once patients are asleep, a microscope is used to visualize the ear drum. A
small incision is made, and any fluid that is behind the ear drum is suctioned out. The
tube is then placed across the ear drum to ventilate the middle ear. Patients return home
the same day.
Tylenol can be used for any discomfort after surgery. This is usually minimal.
Antibiotic ear drops are usually used for several days after surgery.
Most tubes stay in place for 8-10 months and then fall out on their own. There are certain
times when tubes are used that are designed to stay in place longer. On occasion, tubes
fall out earlier than expected, or do not fall out at all. If they do not fall out after several
years, a short anesthetic may be required to take them out. When tubes fall out, the hole
in the ear drum usually heals spontaneously. If there is a persistent hole (1-5%), a second
procedure may be needed to close this hole.
Tubes will usually decrease the frequency of ear infections, but infections can still occur.
Ear drainage is the most common sign of an infection and can usually be treated with
antibiotic ear drops in place of an oral antibiotic.
Tubes are designed to keep a small hole open across the eardrum. The ear must be kept
dry to prevent water from traveling across this hole and causing an infection. Options for
keeping the ears dry:
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For Showering and bathing, a small piece of cotton soaked in Vaseline works
well.
Silicone ear plugs are sold at most drug stores. Roll each piece of silicone to the
size of a long jelly bean, and place to cover the ear canal. This should cover the
ear canal without being pushed into the ear canal. These are useful for most water
activities. Our Audiologists can make custom-mold earplugs, as well as fitted
non-custom ear plugs. Both work very well.