Myringotomy and tubes

A myringotomy is a procedure to create a hole in the ear drum to allow fluid that is trapped in the middle ear to drain out. Often a small tube is then inserted into the hole in the ear drum to help maintain drainage.
Myringotomy and tubes may be done:1. To help restore hearing loss caused by chronic fluid build-up 2. Help restore any delayed speech development 3. To help prevent recurring ear infections
The surgery is done under general anesthesia (asleep). The surgery takes about 5-10 minutes. It is an outpatient surgery so you will go home the same day. If there is fluid behind the ear drum at the time of surgery, the hearing is improved immediately.
An ear tube is made of plastic. More than 25 of them could fit on the face of a dime. They are so small that you usually cannot see the tubes just by looking into the ear.

  • What to expect after surgery
  • It is not a painful surgery. Usually acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be used for any discomfort. Regular activity can be resumed the following day. There may be fluid draining from the ears, it may be any color and may be a little bloody. This can last several days. Ear drops should be used as prescribed.

  • In most cases, ear tubes do not need to be removed and usually are pushed out on their own after about 6-18 months as the eardrum heals. Your surgeon will see you back every 4-6 months often with a hearing test to check on the tubes. If the tubes do not fall out on their own after 3 years, they may need to be removed.

  • Myringotomy and Tubes Risks
  • - General Anesthesia
  • - Bleeding (a small amount within the first couple of days is normal)
  • - Infection
  • - Chronic scarring
  • - Failure of the tube to fall out on it’s own
  • - Failure of the ear drum to close after the tube is removed (perforation)
  • - Injury to ear structures other than the ear drum