Question 1

will alcohol drops with ear tubes cause damage?

Accepted Answer

Maybe,maybe not: They generally cause significant pain and a burning sensation if they enter the middle ear.I can think of no benefit to ever use them in this scenario.

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

is my child a candidate for ear tubes? what are you basing your recommendations for ear tubes on?

Accepted Answer

5 / yr & 1 wont clr: There are multiple parameters for deciding on tubes. One basic mantra "5 in a yr or 1 that won't clear" (in 90  days). An evaluation by an ENT that would do the tubes would give you an idea if your situation would benefit. Some 5yo kids are at the point that their infection frequency is declining & the benefit would be minimal.

Question 5

what is the procedure like to insert ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

Simple: I do this in the clinic for adults with topical anesthesia (phenol). It takes no more than 5 minutes. In children, they need to go to sleep but is just as simple and very quick. It involves making an incision in the ear drum under a microscope and placing a small tube which comes out on it's own in 6-12 months.

Question 6

is it likely bad to have ear tubes in too long?

Accepted Answer

Ear Tubes: For most pediatric patients, we typically recommend tubes only stay in place for a couple of years.  Once they've been in for 2 years, i recommend consideration for removal.  For adults who have tubes, keeping the tubes in for a longer period of time is quite common and necessary.  It really depends on the underlying problem and the condition of the ear.  Best to discuss with an ENT doctor.

Question 7

is swim-ear alright to use on a child with ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

NO: Swim ear the over the counter medicine to prevent swimmers ear has alcohol and would sting alot  in child with tubes. Ear plugs should be worn when swimming. Otherwise don't put anything in the ear of a child with tubes other than what the doctor prescribes.

Question 8

what is the earliest age at which you could begin to insert ear tubes?

Accepted Answer

As soon as indicated: The usual indications for tubes are 5-6 episodes of ear infections/year in a single year. If a child develops repeated infections in the first year of life... They can have tubes. Newborns with persistent fluid may need tubes to drain the fluid. Bottom line, there is no wrong age... If there is a problem with retained fluid or recurrent infections.. Tubes can be placed.

Question 9

my sons ear tubes are falling out what should i do he has had the tubes for over a year

Accepted Answer

Hello. : Hello. Not to worry, short-term tubes are usually in place for 6 to 12 months before they fall out.  I would let your doctor know. He or she can insure that the holes close up correctly and that the condition they were initially put in for has resolved.

Question 10

im 35 and got ear tubes today. now im very muffled and hollow sounding. will this resolve?

Accepted Answer

: May take several days to weeks depending on the disorder.  Did the ENT give you era drops? Ask you treating surgeon. No smoking, alcohol, dust exposure

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Putting alcohol in ear with tubes

A member asked:

Will alcohol drops with ear tubes cause damage?

A member asked:

What to expect when getting ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is peroxide okay for cleaning if ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is my child a candidate for ear tubes? what are you basing your recommendations for ear tubes on?

A member asked:

What is the procedure like to insert ear tubes?

A member asked:

Is it likely bad to have ear tubes in too long?

A member asked:

Is swim-ear alright to use on a child with ear tubes?

A member asked:

What is the earliest age at which you could begin to insert ear tubes?

A member asked:

My sons ear tubes are falling out what should i do he has had the tubes for over a year

A member asked:

Im 35 and got ear tubes today. now im very muffled and hollow sounding. will this resolve?

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?