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Ear tubes: An effective treatment for glue ear

Last update on Nov, 05, 2024

Ear ventilation tubes, or pressure equalization (PE) tubes, are commonly used to treat fluid buildup behind the eardrum. If you or your child has been experiencing fluid buildup in your ears, it may be helpful to learn more about what it is and how ear tubes can help.  

Dr. Tom Tedeschi

Dr. Thomas Tedeschi, Au.D.

Chief Audiology Officer, Miracle-Ear

What is serous otitis media?

Serous otitis media, also called otitis media with effusion (OME) or glue ear, is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear. It usually happens after an ear infection, but it can also be caused by allergies or Eustachian tube dysfunction. It is most common in children, due to their Eustachian tubes being shorter and positioned more horizontally than those in adults.1

According to the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, OME is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss in childhood.2  However, adults can also develop it and will experience the same symptoms as children.

What are symptoms of fluid buildup in the ear?

The most common symptom of fluid buildup in the ear is hearing loss in the affected ear. Sounds may be muffled or quieter than usual —which may manifest in the affected person seeming like they aren’t listening, asking others to repeat themselves or talking louder than usual. Children experiencing hearing loss may have noticeable speech impairment or delays. Other symptoms in children and adults may include:

  • Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear (tinnitus);
  • Ear pressure or a feeling of fullness;
  • Popping sounds in the ear while swallowing.

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How do you treat fluid buildup?

Fluid buildup will often go away on its own. However, if it doesn’t clear up by itself, there are a few treatment methods a doctor may recommend:

  • Antibiotics may be used if fluid buildup is the result of an ear infection, especially if ear infections have been recurring.
  • The surgical placement of ear tubes , also called PE tubes.

What are ear tubes or PE tubes?

Ear tubes are tiny tubes, or cylinder-shaped objects, that are inserted into the eardrums. They allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and for air to pass through, which helps when your eardrum is blocked. These can be placed in both children and adults, but they tend to be more common in children. Ear tubes are commonly used to treat fluid buildup, or serous otitis media (SOM), and can also be used to help prevent recurring middle ear infections.

What do ear tubes look like?

Medical illustration of ear tube placement for treating fluid buildup

PE tubes look like tiny tubes that are hollow in the center. They are usually made of plastic or metal. They are placed in the eardrum, so they are not visible after being inserted.

When are ear tubes recommended by doctors?

Ear tubes are typically recommended when SOM is not resolving by itself or when ear infections are recurring, especially in children. Most times, short-term ear tubes are recommended. Other times, people may get long-term ear tubes that can stay in place for years. 

How are ear tubes placed?

Ear tubes are placed via surgery. Usually, it is performed under general anesthesia, but it may also be performed under local anesthesia for adults having this procedure. During this surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the eardrum and drain any fluid that has built up. This is called a myringotomy. They will then place the ear tube in the hole. This is called a tympanostomy.

A baby boy touching his ear

Prevention is key

Never underestimate the importance of ear care. Your hearing might depend on it.

Are there risks to ear tube surgery?

Ear tube surgery is very common—in fact, it is the most common surgery among U.S. children.3 As with any type of surgery, though, there can be some risks when getting ear tubes placed. It’s possible that the ear feels blocked after this surgery. When this is the case, ear drops may be recommended to help eliminate the blockage.

Ear infection after surgery can also happen, which will usually require a visit to the doctor for proper treatment. It’s important to note that a small amount of discharge from the ear after placing ear tubes is common, especially in children, ranging from 25% to 75% of all children who get ear tubes placed.4 However, if the discharge continues or is accompanied by severe pain, be sure to see your doctor. This could be a sign of infection.

How long does ear tube surgery take?

An ear tube procedure is very quick. It typically only takes around 15 minutes. It is an outpatient surgery, so you will return home the same day. Usually, you will be monitored for an hour or so following the surgery to be sure you’re not experiencing any immediate issues. 

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What is the recovery time for ear tube surgery?

After surgery, recovery is fairly quick for ear tubes in adults. Recovery time is similar for children. There may be temporary side effects from the anesthesia or mild pain in the ears initially. Most children and adults can safely return to school or work the day after their surgery. 

How do I take care of my ear tubes?

It’s important to follow any instructions given by your doctor after having ear tubes placed. Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears or remove wax. Your doctor may recommend you wait a certain amount of time after surgery before getting your ears wet. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend that you take precautions when swimming by wearing earplugs and a swimming cap. 

Can ear tubes fall out?

Short-term ear tubes will naturally fall out by themselves anywhere between 6-18 months after being placed. Ear tubes falling out is normal, and the hole in the eardrum will heal after they have fallen out. However, if your ear tube falls out sooner than 6 months or is in for longer than 18 months, you should visit your doctor. Long-term ear tubes may also require another procedure to be removed. Your doctor will provide you with this information and will answer any questions you have prior to ear tube surgery. 

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Care for your ears

One of the best ways to care for your ears and prevent hearing loss is to get them properly examined by a hearing professional. Find your nearest Miracle-Ear store to get started on your journey to better hearing.

Sources
1 Searight, Frederick T.; Singh, Rahulkumar; and Peterson, Diana C. “Otitis Media With Effusion.” StatPearls [Internet]. May 20, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538293/

2 Coleman, Andrea and Cervin, Anders. “Probiotics in the treatment of otitis media. The past, the present and the future.” International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. October 19, 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30554684/

3 Randel, Amber. “AAO–HNSF Releases Guideline on Tympanostomy Tubes in Children.” American Family Physician. May 1, 2014. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0501/p754.html

Javed, Faisal; van Dongen, Thijs MA; Waddell, Angus; Venekamp, Roderick P.; and Schilder, Anne GM. “Pharmacological and conservative interventions for ear discharge associated with grommets (ventilation tubes) outside the postoperative period.” Cochrane Library. May 22, 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6465056/

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