Tubes for Ear Infections

Ear tubes are plastic and shaped like a hollow spool. Doctors suggest tubes for children who have repeat ear infections or when fluid stays behind the eardrum. A specialist (Reference otolaryngologist Opens New Window) places the tubes through a small surgical opening made in the eardrum (myringotomy or tympanostomy). The child is unconscious under Reference general anesthesia Opens New Window for this surgery.

View a Reference slideshow on ear tube insertion Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window to see the steps that are performed.

Tubes can help with ear infections because they:

• Allow air to enter the Reference middle ear Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
• Allow fluid to flow out of the middle ear through the tube into the ear canal.
• Clear fluid from the middle ear and restore hearing.
• Prevent future buildup of fluid in the middle ear while they are in place.
• Decrease the feeling of pressure in the ears, which reduces pain.

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