Tubes also called, "PE Tubes", or "pressure equalizing tubes", which allow air to get into the ear space behind the eardrum.  Normally there is air in the middle ear, which is needed to allow the eardrum to move. In children especially under the age of 3, the tube that ventilates the middle ear called the Eustachian tube is immature and malfunctions. When the Eustachian tube doesn’t drain properly fluid can build up behind the eardrums and get infected. The fluid also can cause hearing loss. Most of the time the hearing loss is temporary and corrected with the tubes. In some cases chronic ear infections and fluid can lead to permanent hearing loss. Since the adenoids sit in the back of the nose sometimes they can be enlarged enough to block off the Eustachian tube and it may be suggested to remove those at the same time as putting tubes in. We almost always remove the adenoids if a second set of tubes is needed.

How are PE tubes put in?

Since kids must be still, tubes are put in the eardrum in the operating room under anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. While under anesthesia, a small incision is made through the eardrum and the fluid is suctioned out. Afterwards, a small tube (about the size of a pen tip) is placed to keep the hole open. The procedure is scheduled for 30 minutes but probably only takes 15-20 minutes, which means that they aren’t asleep very long. Once the procedure is done the child is awakened form anesthesia and brought to recovery for about an hour. After about an hour the child can then go home.

How long do the tubes stay in?

Most PE tubes last 9-12 months on average and usually come out on their own. Sometimes the tubes have to be removed under anesthesia and the holes patched if they stay in longer than 2 years, but this is rare. Another type of tube is a T-tube. This particular tube lasts 3-5 years and is reserved for patients that have had a history of multiple PE tubes.

Can my child get water in his ears after tubes?

Many ENT doctors believe that bacteria in water can cause ear infections with tubes. There has been debate that if the water is chlorinated it is ok to swim without plugs, but we believe all water should be kept out of the ears after tubes are inserted. We dispense earplugs and can size your child at pre-op, or you can use cotton with Vaseline over the outside, which will make a seal.

Sometimes after surgery the ears can drain thick mucus-like secretions that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Also, there can be bleeding from the infection. Anytime there is bright red blood draining from the ears our office should be informed. It is normal to see dark red drainage for a couple days after surgery especially after using the antibiotic drops given from the hospital. Once the tubes are placed your child should not feel the tubes in his ears. If it looks like he is having discomfort or a fever over 101 please contact our office. It is important to come to the post op visit scheduled to make sure the hearing has come back to normal. If any time post op there is drainage please contact our office.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is VERY IMPORTANT on the day of surgery, that your child has an empty stomach.  If anything has been put into the mouth or stomach, because of SAFETY for your child, the surgery must be cancelled. Even chewing gum will cause the cancellation of surgery. DO NOT let your child eat or drink ANYTHING on the day of surgery.  PLEASE tell someone if you think your child has eaten or has drank anything on the day of surgery.  If there is food or liquid in the stomach at the time of surgery, there is a chance your child could choke while asleep. We recommend nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery or the day of.