Ear Tube
Say goodbye to the feeling of fullness in your ears
The Eustachian tubes, which open on both sides of the nasopharynx at the back of the nasal cavity, ensure that the pressure in the middle ear is equalized with the external air pressure and allow ventilation. When functional disorders of the Eustachian tube occur due to various reasons, the air in the middle ear may be absorbed by the mucosa covering the middle ear and mastoid air cells, leading to negative pressure in the middle ear.
Due to this negative pressure, fluid from the surrounding tissues may accumulate in the middle ear cavity. If the condition persists, the mucus produced by the glands in the middle ear becomes thicker over time. Additionally, the eardrum may retract inward due to negative pressure, and in long-term cases, it may adhere to the ossicles or the base of the middle ear.
This negative pressure can be prevented by creating a small opening in the eardrum, allowing air to enter from the external environment. This is where ear tubes (ventilation tubes) are used. These are small, cylindrical tubes with a central channel placed into the opening. They allow air to pass into the middle ear and are made from materials such as metal, Teflon, or plastic.
Who Needs Ear Tubes?
The indications for ear tube insertion include:
- Collapse (retraction) of the eardrum
- Recurrent acute middle ear infections
- Persistent middle ear fluid that does not resolve with medical treatment
- Barotrauma caused by diving or air travel
- Conditions such as cleft palate, Down syndrome, or improper development of the Eustachian tube
How is Ear Tube Insertion Performed?
The procedure is performed under a microscope through the ear canal. A small incision is made in the eardrum (this is called paracentesis). The fluid in the middle ear is then suctioned out, and the tube is placed so that one end remains in the outer ear and the other in the middle ear.
From the outside, there is no noticeable change in the appearance of the ear. In children, if enlarged adenoids are present, they may be removed during the same procedure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in children, while local anesthesia may be used in adults.
The duration the tube remains in the ear depends on its type. Short-term tubes are usually used for first-time insertions and remain in place for about 6–9 months before being naturally expelled. During follow-up, the tube is often found in the ear canal and removed by the doctor. If the tube does not fall out in children within about a year, it can be removed under light anesthesia.
For repeated procedures, long-term tubes known as “T-tubes” may be used. These do not fall out easily and typically remain in place for about one year before being removed by a specialist.
Things to Consider After Ear Tube Placement
After tube insertion, the ear should be protected from water. A simple method is to use petroleum jelly–coated cotton during bathing. If discharge or infection occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Most infections can be easily treated with antibiotics and ear drops.
In children, adenoid removal is often performed together with ear tube insertion to reduce fluid accumulation. By the age of 7, the Eustachian tube reaches a more adult-like angle. However, even after treatment, some children may still experience fluid buildup, so careful monitoring is necessary.
