Here we will discuss the reasons and circumstances for undergoing an ear tube procedure, the risks, potential complications and the positive results. It should be noted that before electing to have any kind of operation you should always inform your self and talk to your surgeon.
What is an Ear Tube Surgery:
Typically you will find that 1 out of 10 children have had Ear tubes at some point. That is not say that the procedure is limited to children alone. Ear tubes may be considered for anyone that has an ear infection that is resistant to medications and either does not go away or comes often. Some times ear tubes are used because the ear has pressure that cannot escape which causes discomfort and leads to fluids accumulating making it hard to hear.
Myringotomy is the technical name for the procedure and involves a tiny incision made through the eardrum to put the tube in. The tubes facilitates the equalization of pressure in the inner ear, allows for the inner where the infection is ear to aerated, treated and the fluids may then be drained. Typically the tubes will be in place for several months to a few years depending on the severity of the problem. When you see your doctor, they should be able to give you a rough estimate.
As the ear heals the tubes will be naturally expelled from the eardrum and can be taken out of the middle ear without any problem. Many people dont even notice when the tubes come out as they simply fall straight out of the ear.
Other less frequent circumstance that may require ear tubes are: if the ear drum or Eustachian tubes did not properly form, some cases of cleft plate and if the ear has sustained injury from extreme changes in pressure.
Potential Complications to the Procedure:
This procedure is very common and has come along way however fifty percent of patients that undergo the surgery experience some small complications.
Some of the possible risks are: 1) The surgery may not be successful despite the excess fluid and pressure being removed. 2) Once the ear drum heals there may be scar tissue causing it to be thick, which can (though not often) lead to hearing loss. 3) Some times the eardrum doesnt recover and is ripped. 4) A chronic case of ear fluid drainage may occur. 5) There can be hearing loss.
Normally having this surgery only comes after a long process of other forms of treatment. It is not to be taken lightly.