Ear Tubes (Ventilation Tubes)

EAR TUBE PLACEMENT (VENTILATION TUBE INSERTION)

An ear tube (ventilation tube) is placed to ventilate the middle ear space and resembles a tiny cylinder or thread spool. Models made of different metal and plastic materials are available.

In addition, there are tubes of different designs that are placed when the tube is intended to stay in the ear for a longer time.

What does an ear tube do?

Under normal conditions, the middle ear space is ventilated from the back of the nose through the Eustachian tube. In this way, the air pressure coming from the outer ear canal and the air pressure coming from the back of the nose are balanced on both sides of the eardrum.

When this pressure equalization cannot occur due to various conditions, fluid builds up in the middle ear, the eardrum retracts, and as a result the middle ear structures and the eardrum become damaged. An ear tube provides this pressure balance artificially. For this reason, the terms ventilation tube and pressure equalization tube are also used.

When is an ear tube placed?

When fluid has built up in the middle ear for more than 3 months

In frequently recurring middle ear infections

In chronic eardrum retraction, especially if there are signs of deterioration or permanent changes in the structure of the eardrum

In a sudden middle ear infection that causes the eardrum to bulge outward and cannot be controlled with medication

In significant hearing loss caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear

When fluid buildup in the ear occurs together with tumors of the nasopharynx

To treat inner ear diseases with medication dropped through the outer ear canal

Ear tube placement:

It is performed under general anesthesia in children and under local or general anesthesia in adults. It takes about 8–10 minutes on average and is done through the natural opening of the ear. A hole a few millimeters in size is made in the eardrum, and the tube is placed in this hole. Over time, as the hole in the eardrum closes, the tube is pushed out into the outer ear canal. In children, if there are accompanying enlarged adenoids, they are removed at the same time.

How long does an ear tube stay in:

The tube stays in the eardrum for about 6–12 months on average and comes out on its own; it usually does not need to be removed. During this time, it is checked at regular intervals.

What to watch out for while an ear tube is in place:

Just as the tube allows air in the ear canal to pass into the middle ear, it can also allow fluids entering the ear canal to pass into the middle ear. While the ear canal normally contains many germs, the middle ear space is germ-free, that is, sterile. For this reason, care should be taken to keep water out of the ear as long as the tube is in place. Precautions should be taken when bathing and swimming in a pool or the sea. Cotton coated with petroleum jelly or ready-made earplugs can be used for this purpose.