A Middle-Ear-Infection, or “Otitis Media,” is one of the most common bacterial infections
during childhood, and sometimes a simple surgical procedure, called “ear tubes,” can clear
it up.
The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the ear drum, and is connected to the
upper throat and the back of the nose via the Eustachian tubes.
The Eustachian tubes help equalize air pressure in the Middle Ear, which can sometimes be
lower than the air pressure outside the ear.
Whenever you pop your ears by yawning or swallowing, the tubes opens up and relieve the pressure.
In the same way, the Eustachian tubes also help keep fluid from building up behind the
ear drums.
But if your child gets an upper respiratory illness, such as a cold or sinus infection,
the Eustachian tubes can get swollen and have trouble working.
Fluid can start to build up and put pressure on the ear drum, causing pain, or even a decrease
in hearing.
This fluid can be infected by bacteria living in your child’s nasal drainage.
This is called an ear infection.
An ear infection can lead to a fever, decreased appetite, pain, or irritability.
Your child’s ear may clear up on its own, or could clear up with the help of antibiotics.
But if the infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics, or if your child has repeated
infections, we offer a simple procedure called “Ear Tubes” at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Ear tubes are tiny tubes that are put in the ear drum, which allow air pressure to equalize.
They are also known as tympanostomy tubes, ear-ventilating tubes, or pressure-equalizing,
or “PE” tubes.
The surgery happens in an operating room.
First, your child will be given “general anesthesia,” a medication that makes your
child sleep, keeping them from remembering or feeling any pain during the operation.
After your child has fallen asleep, the surgery begins, and the surgeon looks into your child’s
ear using a microscope.
Next, a tiny cut is made in the ear drum, allowing it to drain, and the extra fluid
is cleaned up.
Finally, an ear tube is placed in the opening.
The whole procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.
The ear tubes will stay in your child’s ear for 6-12 months, decreasing pain, pressure
and improving hearing.
Eventually, the tubes get pushed out.
They may be covered in ear wax, so you may not even notice them.
Most children are back to normal a few hours after surgery, and may not experience much
pain.
They may complain that sounds are louder, have a mild fever, or may not feel like eating
much, which is normal.
You may also notice some ear drainage, which can happen for 2 to 3 days after surgery.
Your surgeon may give you antibiotic ear drops until the drainage stops.
At Children's Hospital Colorado, we will see your child for a ”post-op” visit 2-4 weeks
after surgery, and will continue to monitor your child’s progress over several visits,
which may include a hearing test.
The ear tubes should decrease the frequency of your child’s ear infections.
However, it’s still possible to get a new ear infection while the tubes are in place.
If you see ear drainage, call the ENT nurse line at 720-777-5630, or if you have any questions
or concerns.
To learn more, visit our website below.