HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Tubes for Ear Infections
Risks
Minor complications occur in up to half of the children who have tubes inserted. Usual complications include:
- A thickening of the eardrum over time. These changes in the eardrum may affect hearing in a very small number of children.
- Discharge of pus (otorrhea) from the ear. This is common and can become an ongoing problem in some children.
Other possible complications:
- The tube may become blocked, allowing ear fluid and infections to return.
- The tube may slip out of place, possibly falling into the middle ear (rare).
- Tissue may form behind the eardrum (cholesteatoma). This is also rare.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 10, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
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