Ear Tube Surgery What is it?
Ear tube surgery is a surgical procedure performed to prevent fluid accumulation and infections in the middle ear region. This surgery is usually performed by making a small hole in the eardrum and inserting a tube into the eardrum. The ear tube helps stabilise the air pressure inside the ear and prevents fluid build-up, reducing the risk of recurrent ear infections and hearing loss.
Ear Tube Surgery In Which Cases Is It Done?
Ear tube surgery is usually recommended in the following cases
- Recurrent Middle Ear Infections: Especially in children, tubes may be necessary in case of recurrent ear infections (otitis media).
- Fluid accumulation in the ear: Fluid build-up in the eardrum can lead to ear pain, hearing loss and balance problems. Ear tubes help to drain this fluid out.
- Hearing Loss: If fluid accumulation in the middle ear continues for a long time, it can lead to hearing loss. An ear tube can prevent this.
- Destructive and Chronic Conditions: Sometimes, long-term ear infections and fluid build-up can lead to permanent damage to the eardrum. An ear tube can help prevent such complications.
Ear Tube Surgery How is it done?
Ear tube surgery is usually a simple and short procedure. During the procedure
- Anaesthesia While general anaesthesia is applied in young children, the procedure can be performed with local anaesthesia in adults.
- Perforation of the eardrum: The surgeon makes a small hole in the eardrum and removes the fluid.
- Tube Placement: A small tube inserted into the eardrum ensures air flow inside the ear and prevents fluid accumulation.
- The Recovery Process: After surgery, the ear heals within a few weeks after the tube is inserted. Most patients can return to their normal life within a few days.
Ear Tube Surgery Prices
Ear tube surgery prices may vary depending on the country, hospital or clinic where the patient is located and the experience of the surgeon. You can contact your doctor for detailed information and to get a price quote.
Ear Tube Surgery Benefits
Ear tube surgery offers many benefits:
- Reducing Ear Infections: Recurrent ear infections are greatly reduced by tube insertion.
- Prevention of Hearing Loss: Fluid accumulation in the middle ear can lead to hearing loss. Ear tubes prevent this and protect hearing.
- Prevention of Ear Inflammation: Ear tubes prevent inflammation by preventing the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.
- Less Drug Use: By preventing ear infections, it helps to reduce the use of antibiotics.
Ear Tube Surgery Risks
As with any surgical procedure, tonsillectomy may carry some risks. These include
- Haemorrhage There is a possibility of bleeding after surgery, but this can usually be controlled.
- Infection: Rarely, an infection may develop at the site of the operation.
- Response to Anaesthesia: There is a risk of allergic reactions to general anaesthesia, but these risks are very low.
- Pain: There may be pain for a few days after the operation, but it can be controlled with painkillers.
Ear Tube Surgery Post Recovery Process
The recovery process after ear tube surgery is usually fast. However, there are some important steps:
- Early Days There may be ear pain for a few days after the operation. However, this pain is usually mild and can be managed with painkillers.
- Avoiding the Bath: After the ear tube has been inserted, the ears should not be exposed to water. It is especially important not to expose your ears to water for the first few weeks.
- Follow-up Checks: After ear tube surgery, your doctor may check several times to follow the healing process.
- Hearing and Infection Monitoring: Regular monitoring for hearing loss and signs of infection is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ear tube surgery performed?
Ear tube surgery is performed by making a small hole in the eardrum and inserting a tube into this hole. This tube prevents fluid accumulation.
Is ear tube surgery painful?
Since the operation is performed under general anaesthesia, there is no pain. There may be mild pain that may last for a few days after the operation, but this pain can be easily controlled with painkillers.
Does hearing loss occur after ear tube surgery?
Ear tube surgery usually prevents hearing loss. On the contrary, hearing loss caused by fluid accumulation improves with the insertion of a tube.
How long does the ear tube stay in the ear?
Ear tubes usually stay in the ear for 6 months to 1 year. However, this may change if the tubes fall out or slip out of place.
When can I return to my normal life after ear tube surgery?
After ear tube surgery, most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, the ears should avoid contact with water and the doctor's recommendations should be followed.
Can ear tube surgery be performed in children?
Yes, ear tube surgery is frequently performed, especially in young children. It is an effective method to treat recurrent ear infections that are common in children.
What are the risks of ear tube surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there may be risks such as infection, bleeding and eardrum damage. However, ear tube surgery is usually a safe procedure and the complication rate is low.
What kind of care is required after ear tube surgery?
After the operation, it is important to avoid contact with water in the ears, to use the medicines prescribed by the doctor regularly and to check the ears at regular intervals.
