Question 1

how to relieve pain with ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

Question: In general, a ventilation tube inserted into the ear drum for removal of fluid or to prevent recurrent ear infections should not hurt. Sometimes when water gets into the ear canal or antibiotic drops are inserted, they may possibly cause discomfort.  Rarely the tube is pressing on the ear canal skin.  Talk to your surgeon and ask him to reassure you.

Question 2

what to expect when getting ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

Less infections.: Ear tubes help about 80% of people who get them for recurring ear infections.  For most patients who have had tubes placed, no subsequent treatment is necessary unless there is an ear infection and/or drainage.  The ENT doctor can tell you what to expect, based on whether the tubes are to be temporary or permanent.

Question 3

is peroxide okay for cleaning if ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

No: Do not use peroxide in an ear with tubes or a perforation. If the peroxide goes through the tube it will cause significant discomfort.

Question 4

what happens if a child's ear tubes stop work?

Accepted Answer

Fluid builds up if: As middle ear fluid is produced, it builds up if the eustachian tubes are not open.

Question 5

getting ear tubes removed, will it be painful?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Generally no altho a minor very fast twinge happens sometimes.

Question 6

whats risk of complications from ear tubes in child?

Accepted Answer

Few: Small risk from the anesthesia. The tubes can fall out too soon (they usually stay in a year). The tubes can become a place where bacteria accumulate and grow (sometimes they have to be removed or replaced). After tubes come out there can be a residual hole in the eardrum (perforation). The hole will usually close spontaneously, but sometimes need surgery to help it.

Question 7

what symptoms should tell me to use ear tubes with my child?

Accepted Answer

Chronic or recurrent: If a kid has an ear infection that will not resolve over 90 days in spite of several rounds of medication, the muck behind the ear drum is unlikely to clear without surgical removal.Tubes after that removal makes sense. If a kid has 5-7 separate resolving episodes per year, is excessively "ill" with episodes or has begun to develop allergies to abx, tubes are worthwhile. Ent's must eval & agree.

Question 8

under what circumstances are ear tubes recommended for your child?

Accepted Answer

Controversial.: Most doctors agree that tubes may help prevent hearing loss from chronic or frequent ear infections.

Question 9

when is permanent ear tubes used? after how many attempts of regular ones?

Accepted Answer

Individualized decis: You may want to discuss this your pediatrician. This is probably an individualized decision... Read more here... Ear tubes may not be necessary. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15brody.html?pagewanted=all.

Question 10

what is the recommended maximum amount of time that ear tubes should remain in place?

Accepted Answer

Varies by age/reason: How long tubes "should" remain in does not have one answer. For instance, if they are put in because a child has a cleft palate, we would want them to remain in until the surgery to repair the cleft. For ventilation in babies with recurrent ear infections, usually around a year. For older kids and adults, it really makes a difference why they were placed to determine how long - ask your ENT doc!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Pros and cons of ear tubes

A member asked:

How to relieve pain with ear tubes?

A member asked:

What to expect when getting ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is peroxide okay for cleaning if ear tubes?

A member asked:

What happens if a child's ear tubes stop work?

A member asked:

Getting ear tubes removed, will it be painful?

A member asked:

Whats risk of complications from ear tubes in child?

A member asked:

What symptoms should tell me to use ear tubes with my child?

A member asked:

Under what circumstances are ear tubes recommended for your child?

A member asked:

When is permanent ear tubes used? after how many attempts of regular ones?

A member asked:

What is the recommended maximum amount of time that ear tubes should remain in place?

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?