Why it's done

An ear tube is used to treat and prevent the buildup of fluids in the middle ear.

The middle ear

The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum that contains three tiny vibrating bones. An opening in the middle ear leads to a tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat (eustachian tube). This tube performs three tasks:

• Equalizing air pressure in the middle ear
• Allowing fresh air into the middle ear
• Allowing fluids to drain from the middle ear and into the throat

In young children, the eustachian tube is short, floppy and mostly horizontal — factors that can lead to dysfunction or blockage of the tube.

Problems with the middle ear

Conditions that may be treated with ear tubes generally have two related features:

• Inflammation (otitis media)
• Buildup of fluids (effusion)

Ear tubes may be an appropriate treatment for the following conditions:

• Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is caused by a bacterium or virus. The infection results in inflammation and fluids in the middle ear. Ear tubes may be used to prevent new infections. Your doctor may recommend them if your child has three or more distinct episodes of infection in six months or four or more episodes in a year.
• Otitis media with effusion is the buildup of fluids without signs or symptoms of infection. This may be caused by persistent fluids after an infection, problems with the eustachian tubes or another condition that prevents drainage. The fluids can cause both hearing loss and balance problems. Ear tubes are especially important if hearing problems result in delayed language development, other delays in learning, poor performance in school or behavior problems.
• Chronic middle ear infection is a bacterial infection that doesn't respond to antibiotic treatment. An ear tube may be inserted to drain the ear and allow for antibiotic drops directly into the middle ear.
• Chronic suppurative otitis media is ongoing inflammation of the middle ear that results in a tear in the eardrum and persistent discharge from the ear. It can be caused by infection, blockage of the eustachian tube or injury to the ear. An ear tube can allow drainage after the eardrum is surgically repaired and allow for direct ear drop treatment.