What is a ventilation tube?
A ventilation tube is a tiny, millimetre-sized cylinder placed in the eardrum. Its job is to take over, temporarily, what the Eustachian tube cannot do: it ventilates the middle ear and allows accumulated fluid to clear.
Who needs one?
The most common reason is middle-ear fluid lasting longer than three months and affecting hearing (otitis media with effusion). Frequently recurring acute middle ear infections, retraction of the drum and some adult Eustachian tube disorders are other indications. The decision is based on examination findings, hearing tests and tympanometry together. If enlarged adenoids are present, adenoidectomy is performed in the same session as tube placement.
How is the procedure done?
In children it is performed under brief general anesthesia; in adults it can usually be done with local anesthesia. Under the microscope, a small incision is made in the eardrum, the fluid is suctioned out and the tube is placed in the incision. The procedure takes a few minutes per ear, involves no external cuts or stitches, and patients go home the same day. The improvement in hearing is often noticed immediately.
How long does the tube stay, and what happens afterwards?
Standard tubes are usually extruded on their own within 6-12 months as the drum renews itself, and the drum most often closes without a scar. Check-ups are scheduled at intervals until the tube is out. In the small number of cases where fluid re-accumulates, the tube may need to be placed again; long-acting tubes exist for situations where longer ventilation is desired.
What to pay attention to
The most frequent question during the tube period is water contact. Avoiding soapy or dirty water (bathtub, lakes) is important; earplugs can be used for swimming according to your physician's advice. Discharge coming from the tube usually signals an infection and is easily controlled with drops — in that situation, simply see your physician without poking the ear.
This article is for general information purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.