Can recurring otitis media be cured by ear tubes?

Not cured.: Recurrent otitis media implies chronic issues with the eustachian tube. In these cases, particularly if there is hearing loss +/- chronic middle ear fluid, ventilating tubes (ear tubes) may be recommended. Tubes bypass a dysfunctional eustachian tube and allow better air exchange in and out of the middle ear, which is implicated in recurrent ear infections.

No but...: The number of episodes of acute infection (acute otitis media) can be greatly reduced. Moreover, hearing deficit often associated with recurrent ear infection and resultant middle ear effusion, can be reversed.