According to the Mayo Clinic, ear tubes are small cylinders that are surgically placed in the eardrum to reduce the risk of further ear infections.
There are several reasons why doctors may recommend ear tubes. One common reason is that a child may experience fluid buildup (effusion) behind the eardrum itself. This can happen when fluid stays in the ear after the infection has passed. However, it also can happen when general blockage is present in the Eustachian tubes. Ear tubes help to ventilate this area and keep fluid from building up in general.
Ear tubes can prevent hearing loss because ear infections with fluid buildup can affect a child’s ability to progress in the way of speech and communication. Not only can this make the child crabby, but it also can affect the way he or she interprets and forms words. Ear tubes can help with all of these factors.
Further, these issues can interfere with a child’s school or daycare experience. His or her learning may be delayed, And he or she might act out due to not feeling well in general. Ear tubes can help to restore a sense of normalcy in a child’s life when it comes to these problems.
Ear tubes may be recommended when ear infections do not respond to medications, and tubes may help to protect the eardrum itself to prevent tearing and reduce the risk of hearing loss from fluid buildup.
As a parent, you’re undoubtedly focused on one question: Is this procedure safe?
The answer is yes. Experts say that ear tubes are very safe -- and very common. More than half a million of these surgeries are performed annually, making it the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia.