Tympanostomy is a common pediatric procedure that involves inserting an ear tube to help drain fluid from the middle ear and prevent infections. Tiny tubes are placed through the eardrums, which separate the outer and middle ear. The tubes are made of plastic or metal and typically fall out in 4 to 18 months.
Children who experience frequent or persistent ear infections may require tympanostomy to prevent potential long-term complications, such as hearing loss. Tympanostomy can also help children who still have fluid buildup in the ear after an infection clears up.
At Kimball Health Services, our board-certified ENT surgeon, Dr. William O. Dickey, performs a safe and compassionate tympanostomy to address your child’s infection and promote overall ear health. Our team takes extra care to ensure your child is comfortable during the procedure.
Tympanostomy involves using an ear tube to manage and prevent the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear.
The middle ear, located behind the eardrum, houses three small bones that facilitate vibration. Connected to the back of the throat via the eustachian tube, the middle ear serves three primary functions:
In young children, the eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal compared to adults, making them prone to blockages and difficulty draining.
Ear tubes are effective in managing the following conditions:
With the help of ear tubes, tympanostomy helps in fluid drainage and prevents recurring infections.
Dr. Dickey provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for the tympanostomy procedure. He starts by thoroughly reviewing your child’s medical history and advises you on any medications that may need to be discontinued before the procedure.
Typically, fasting for several hours before the procedure may be necessary. We advise you to consult for any specific guidance on preparing your child for ear tube placement.
Inform our team about the following to better prepare for the tympanostomy:
Helpful tips for preparing your child include:
Dr. Dickey provides guidance at every step of the procedure, including post-procedure recovery tips.
Make sure to reach the hospital before the scheduled time to prepare your child for the procedure.
The procedure typically involves administering general anesthesia to children to induce sleep. Depending on their specific situation, adults may undergo local anesthesia.
The procedure usually lasts about 15 minutes. During it, Dr. Dickey creates a small hole in the eardrum to suction out accumulated fluids from the middle ear. He then inserts the ear tube into the eardrum opening.
Typically, ear tubes inserted into the ear fall out after a few weeks; however, in some cases, they are placed to stay in longer.
Throughout the procedure, our team monitors your child's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.
Following the procedure, your child is transferred to a recovery room, where they are closely monitored for any complications. If no issues arise, you can typically go home within a few hours.
After the procedure, your child may experience drowsiness, irritability, or nausea for the day. Most children can resume their normal activities within 24 hours.
The follow-up care plan typically includes:
Dr. Dickey conducts follow-up checkups to ensure recovery is progressing well. He may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection and recommend using earplugs during activities like swimming and showering.
Regular monitoring appointments every few months will ensure the ear tubes remain functional, and periodic hearing tests may be recommended to assess hearing health.
At Kimball Health Services, we understand that frequent ear infections and fluid buildup can significantly impact a child's hearing and overall quality of life. Our team prioritizes creating a comforting and reassuring environment for both the child and their parents to provide a quick and effective treatment.
As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.
