Does my kid need tubes?

 

Lets talk about ear tubes.  

What are they?

Ear tubes are very small tubes usually look like a tiny spool (although some have tiny flaps).  The shape allows them to be placed across the eardrum to hold it open.  

Why do we place ear tubes?

The most common cause is to reduce recurring ear infections in children.  When kids are getting infections over and over, ear tubes can make a big difference in reducing the number and severity of the infections. There are other reasons I might place tubes, but this is the most common indication. 

How do they work?

Childrens’ ears are prone to getting infections under the ear drums (called “otitis media”) because they have lousy Eustachian tube function.  Yes, my medical assessment is that the function is lousy.  I could explain more, but it would put you to sleep. The tubes help out by equalizing the pressure in the space under the eardrum and drying out that space.  Bacteria have a harder time causing infection when the middle ear (under the eardrum) is dried out.    

Are there any problems with tubes?

Any surgery can have risks, but ear tubes are extremely low risk.  The most common problem that can occur is a persistently draining ear (think snotty nose, but your child’s ear...gross) but this only occurs about 3-4 % of the time.  I have to remove tubes that have been placed for this reason about 1-2 % of the time.  There are other potential risks, but they are even more rare than that.  

How are tubes placed?

Very carefully. In kids, they are put to sleep by anesthesiologist but just with a “mask” anesthetic. No IV, no intubation (tube down the throat into the windpipe). I use a microscope to look in the ear, make a tiny incision (like about a millimeter or two) in the eardrum, suck out any fluid under the eardrum, and put in the tube.  Then I do it on the other side.  The entire procedure takes about 3-5 minutes.  

What about recovery?

One great thing about tubes is that no pain meds are needed after surgery, except maybe a dose or two of over-the-counter Tylenol.  In fact, other than a short course of ear drops, no meds are needed at all.  Kids who have tubes placed are usually back to normal within just a few hours.  

What about being around water?

Most of the most recent research has shown that kids with tubes don’t have to have any restrictions around water.  With that in mind, I still recommend that they wear ear plugs when around sea water or lake water. 

 

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Daily Life, EarErin Shellenbergertubes, kids