It’s natural to want to help your child when they experience pain from ear infections, particularly if they are chronic. Our team at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy can provide treatment to reduce your child’s ear infections, including ear tubes. These tubes are placed in the eardrums during surgery to reduce blockages in this area.
At Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy, we’ll help you determine if ear tubes will be a good fit for your child’s needs and walk your family through the surgical and recovery process.
How Do Ear Tubes Work?
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the throat. They are prone to swelling in children, which can result in ear infections. Ear tubes make it easier for air to blow into the middle ear, which prevents fluid from building up in this area.
Ear tubes are typically made of metal or plastic and are also known as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes.
When Should My Child Get Ear Tubes?
Children as young as infants can receive ear tubes. Your doctor may suggest them if your child experiences frequent ear infections or the infections result in speech delay or hearing loss.
How Long Do Ear Tubes Last?
Ear tubes typically fall out on their own within four to 18 months. The holes usually heal on their own. In some cases, the tubes will need to be removed by an ENT, and the holes may need to be surgically closed.
What Should I Know About Surgery For Ear Tubes?
Surgery for ear tubes is known as a myringotomy and typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. While your child is under general anesthesia, our provider will create a small hole in each eardrum. Then, they will use suction to remove any fluid from the middle ear. The final step is inserting the tubes into the hole.
Prior to surgery, your doctor will walk your family through the process and answer any questions you may have. We’ll make sure your child feels confident about the procedure and comfortable during the process.
Once you’ve returned home, your child may experience the following symptoms:
- Minor earache
- Fluid draining from the ears
- Ears popping when they chew or burp
These symptoms will ease as the eardrum heals. You can give your child pain medication or ear drops as prescribed.
If your child experiences ear infections often, we’re here to help. Whether the best treatment for their needs is ear tubes or a different path, we’ll help them find comfort so they can fully appreciate the joys of childhood.
Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy for more information or to schedule an appointment.