Ask The SSM Health Expert: Ear Tubes

From the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

June 2, 2021

By SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

What are ear tubes and how do they work?
Ear tubes hold open a small hole in the eardrum and prevent fluid from accumulating behind the eardrum.

When does my child need tubes?
Tubes are an option in children with persistent fluid behind the eardrum or recurrent ear infections that don't clear with medical treatment.

How risky is the surgery?
The surgery is low risk. The operation requires general anesthesia and takes 5 or 10 minutes. Some children still get ear infections even after tubes. Rarely the tubes don't come out on their own or the eardrum hole doesn't close requiring another surgery.

What does recovery time look like for surgery?
Recovery is short and most children return to daycare or school the next day. Parents place eardrops for a few days after surgery. Children with tubes need regular check-ups with an ear, nose, and throat specialist until the tubes come out.

Dary Costa, MD
SLUCare Physician

To make an appointment with our ENT team, call 314-268-4010.

This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.