If your child has had several ear infections or seems to have trouble hearing due to fluid in the ears, your doctor may have mentioned ear tubes. These tiny, hollow tubes are placed in the eardrum to help drain fluid and prevent future infections. Ear tubes—also called tympanostomy tubes—are a common and effective treatment for children who experience frequent ear problems.
While the idea of surgery might sound serious, ear tube placement is actually one of the most common and straightforward procedures in pediatrics. For many families, it brings real and noticeable relief—helping children hear better, sleep more comfortably, and experience fewer infections.
Let’s take a closer look at what ear tubes are, why doctors recommend them, how the procedure works, and what parents can expect before and after surgery.
What Are Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes—also called myringotomy tubes, tympanostomy tubes or ventilation tubes—are tiny, hollow tubes made of plastic, silicone or titanium. They’re placed in the eardrum to let air flow into the middle ear and allow trapped fluid to drain out.
Normally, the middle ear drains fluid through a small passage called the Eustachian tube. In young children, however, this passage doesn’t always work as it should—especially after a cold or ear infection. When fluid becomes trapped, it can cause pressure, discomfort, and even temporary hearing problems.
Ear tubes create a small opening in the eardrum that lets air in and fluid out. This helps keep the middle ear dry and lowers the risk of future ear infections.
Why Are Ear Tubes Needed?
Frequent Ear Infections
Ear tubes are most often recommended for children with persistent middle ear fluid, frequent ear infections, or infections that do not improve with antibiotic therapy. All of these conditions fall under the term otitis media, which refers to inflammation of the middle ear..*
Tubes don’t prevent every infection, but they can make them less common and easier to treat.
*Pediatric guidelines from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
When Fluid Remains in the Ear
Sometimes, fluid remains in the ear even after an infection has cleared. If it persists for several months, it can affect a child’s hearing. This condition is called otitis media with effusion.
Tubes help drain this fluid, which improves hearing and prevents further buildup.
Hearing Loss
When fluid builds up in the middle ear, it can block sound and cause mild to moderate hearing loss. Over time, this may affect a child’s ability to develop speech and language skills.
By helping keep the middle ear clear, ear tubes can restore normal hearing and support healthy speech and language development.
Ear Tubes for Children
- Ear tubes are small tubes placed in a child’s eardrum to help air flow and drain fluid from the middle ear.
- Doctors may recommend them for frequent ear infections, ongoing fluid buildup, or hearing loss related to ear problems.
- The procedure is quick (about 10–15 minutes) and done under general anesthesia.
- Benefits include fewer infections, better hearing, and less need for antibiotics.
- Risks are low, but can include infection, tubes falling out too soon, or staying in too long.
The Ear Tube Procedure (Myringotomy with Tube Placement)
Here’s what happens during the procedure, step by step:
- Before Surgery
You’ll talk with the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor and the anesthesia team. Your child may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.
- Anesthesia
The child is given general anesthesia, so they’re fully asleep and don’t feel anything.
- Small Incision
The doctor makes a tiny cut in the eardrum (called a myringotomy).
- Draining the Fluid
Any fluid behind the eardrum is gently removed.
- Placing the Tube
The ear tube is placed in the opening. It stays there to keep the ear ventilated and prevent fluid buildup.
- Surgery Time
The entire procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Recovery
Most children wake up quickly and go home the same day. Some may be a little sleepy or cranky, but recovery is usually smooth. Your doctor may suggest keeping water out of the ears for a while.
Follow-up visits are important to check the tubes, watch for any problems, and monitor your child’s hearing.
Benefits of Ear Tubes
- Fewer Ear Infections
Many children get sick less often after tubes are placed.
- Better Hearing
Once fluid is cleared, most children hear more clearly right away.
- Improved Speech and Language
When hearing improves, children can learn to talk and understand speech more easily.
- Less Need for Antibiotics
Infections that do happen are often easier to treat with ear drops instead of oral antibiotics.
- Helps While the Child Grows
As children get older, their ears often drain better on their own. Tubes help manage the problem in the meantime.
- Better Sleep and Behavior
Less pain and pressure can mean better sleep, fewer tantrums, and more focus.
Risks and Complications
Ear tubes are generally safe, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Drainage or Infection
Some children have mild drainage from the ear after surgery. If it continues, it may need treatment.
- Tube Blockage
Rarely, the tube can get clogged and stop working.
- Falling Out Too Soon
Sometimes tubes come out earlier than expected, and another set may be needed.
- Staying in Too Long
If the tube doesn’t fall out on its own, it may need to be removed by a doctor.
- Eardrum Changes
A small scar or change in the eardrum can happen, but it rarely affects hearing.
- Hole in the Eardrum
In rare cases, the opening doesn’t heal after the tube comes out and may require a small repair.
- Anesthesia Risks
As with any surgery, there are small risks from anesthesia, but these are low in healthy children.
Most children do very well with ear tubes, and serious problems are rare.
Conclusion
Ear tubes are a simple, effective way to treat ongoing ear problems in children. They don’t stop every infection, but they can reduce how often your child gets sick, help clear fluid, and improve hearing and development.
The procedure is quick, and most kids recover fast. While there are some risks, they’re generally low, and for many families, the benefits are well worth it.
If you're unsure whether your child needs ear tubes, speak with your doctor or a pediatric ENT. They’ll guide you based on your child’s history, hearing, and overall health.
At the end of the day, ear tubes are just one tool, but for the right child, they can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are tubes in the ears for?
They help drain fluid and let air into the middle ear to prevent infections and improve hearing.
How long do ear tubes have to stay in?
Most tubes stay in for 6 to 12 months and fall out on their own.
Do ear tubes hurt?
The procedure doesn’t hurt since it’s done under anesthesia. Afterward, there may be some mild discomfort, but it goes away quickly.
Can adults get ear tubes?
Yes. Adults can get them for similar reasons, like chronic ear problems or pressure changes during flying.
What happens when tubes fall out?
They usually come out naturally as the eardrum heals. In most cases, no further treatment is needed unless problems return.
