Ear Tube Insertion (Ear Tube Surgery)

“Unfortunately, I often encounter recurrent otitis media, otitis media with effusion and eardrum collapse in pediatric patients. I can recommend insertion of ear tubes in the presence of diseases that have the potential to affect the development of children and may progress from speech disorders to permanent hearing loss if not treated.”

Otitis media with effusion that manifests itself with symptoms such as ear congestion, chronic ear pain, hearing loss and tinnitus does not always respond to traditional treatments. The most valid treatment method for otitis media with effusion in resistant cases is ear tube surgery, also known as “ventilation tube” or “tympanostomy tube”.

What is Ear Tube?

The ear tubes are produced from materials such as metal or plastic and have an average lentil size. There is a small hole in the middle of the ear tubes. The main function of the ear tubes is to balance the air pressure in the middle ear, to allow air passage to the middle ear, to drain the fluid accumulation in the middle ear and to eliminate health problems caused by otitis media with effusion. Ear tube can be selected according to the needs and ages of the patients. Ear tubes may remain in the ear for 6 months, 9 months or more than 1 year depending on their type.

In Which Conditions is Ear Tube Surgery Performed?

Although it is much more common in children, otitis media with effusion may also be seen in adults. When problems such as hearing loss, ear pain, infection, eardrum collapse, breathing problems, loss of balance and developmental delays occur, ear tube surgery becomes a necessity for the treatment of otitis media with effusion.

How is Ear Tube Surgery Performed?

General anesthesia is preferred if ear tube surgery will be performed on children. However, general anesthesia creates a mild sleep when applied to children. During ear tube surgery, a small incision is made in the eardrum and the fluid accumulation in the middle ear is cleaned, the pressure is balanced, the middle ear is ventilated, the fluid that accumulates in the middle ear is drained and the ear tube specially designed for the patients is attached to the part where the eardrum is scratched. When the ear tube is attached, a part of the ear tube opens to the middle ear and the other part to the outer ear. Thus, the pressure between the outer ear and the middle ear can be balanced.

What are the Advantages of Ear Tube Surgery?

Hearing loss due to otitis media with effusion is improved.
Sleep problems are eliminated.
Speech disorders and balance problems are improved.
The risk of recurrence of otitis media is decreased.
It provides the time required for the Eustachian tube to mature and work more effectively in children.