Guide To Ear Infection Diagnosis And Treatment

Ear Tubes

Ear tubes may be considered for patients who struggle with repeated ear infections that have not responded to other treatments. Ear tubes allow fluid to drain from the ear, and they can prevent future ear infections and improve the patient's hearing. Ear tubes are placed during a surgical procedure that takes ten to fifteen minutes. In children, this operation is done with general anesthesia, though adults may sometimes be able to have this surgery with local anesthesia. After making a small hole in the eardrum, the surgeon will suction away any fluid. Next, they will put a small metal or plastic tube into the hole in the eardrum. This procedure does not require any stitches or cuts. Patients can go home after the operation, and they will have follow-up appointments to monitor their progress. Generally, ear tubes fall out on their own after six to eighteen months. If necessary, patients can have this procedure more than once.

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