Ear Tubes

The insertion of ear tubes is a procedure designed to remove ear fluid from the middle ear space and allow air which is the normal content of the middle ear to occur. This occurs when the ear tube is placed and generally continues as long as the ear tube functions. The ear tube that Dr. Guilder uses is made to a custom design by him and is usually removed in an office setting about 18 to 24 months after placement. This will allow the ear drum to close in about 96 % of the cases. If the ear drum needs to be sealed thereafter a relatively simple procedure can usually accomplish this.

By placing the ear tube there is restoration of normal hearing in the vast majority of individuals. There are additional benefits to tube placement especially in children. These include reduction in ear infections in about 90 % of kids, improved hearing, less irritable behavior from ear pressure, better sleep, less ear drum negative pressure, less chance of ear drum adhesion, ear drum weakening, less chance of ear bone erosion, less use of antibiotics. Often children develop improved speech and comprehension. Of course your child or you may not experience all these benefits but it is often the case.

The risks of surgery are slight but you should be aware that the downside of no intervention in cases of persistent middle ear fluid are usually outweighed by the benefits of intervention. Periodic complications of ear tubes include but are not limited to persistent ear drum holes requiring repair, ear drum weakening, adhesions, scarring of the ear drum, cholesteatoma formation, hearing loss, formation of reactive tissue and light bleeding among many potential problems. Though there are potential problems with ear tubes you or your child will be closely followed to manage any potential problems and keep you informed.