Tests and Procedures

Ear tubes

Results

Ear tubes help restore ventilation and drainage of the ear. Ear tube placement often results in:

  • Reduced risk of ear infections
  • Restored or improved hearing
  • Improved speech
  • Improvements in behavior and sleep problems related to frequent or persistent ear infections

Even with ear tubes, your child may still get an occasional ear infection.

Usually, an ear tube stays in the eardrum for four to 18 months and then falls out on its own. Sometimes, a tube doesn't fall out and needs to be surgically removed. In some cases, the ear tube falls out too soon, and another needs to be put in the eardrum.