Ear Tube Problems

Before we deal with the problems, it is necessary to know why an ear tube fix is needed and what purpose it serves. Only then, we can go ahead to learn about the ear issues that may appear after such a fix. By the way, the surgical procedure to replace an ear tube is known as myringotomy. Let us see what prompts a doctor to go for this surgery.

Why Ear Tube Fix is Needed?

Due to many reasons fluids gets accumulated in the middle ear or the otitis media. If this condition, most often seen in young children, exists without infection it is called Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). However, this state does not last for long and is followed by an episode of acute otitis media (ear infection). The presence of middle ear fluid proves to be a breeding ground for the microorganisms and the ear infection sets in. The presence of fluid in the middle ear exerts pressure on the eardrum resulting in ear pain. It also causes tinnitus and hearing loss which escalates if it is present on both sides of the eardrum. Due to this fluid, a child having frequent ear infections, most often, fails to clear it completely which persists along with other fluid in ears symptoms.

To take care of this ear problem doctors suggest myringotomy, in which eardrum is incised, the fluid removed and a tube made of Teflon or plastic is installed. Not all cases of OME need fixing and are solved without medical intervention. However, if the problem of OME persists for long time (for more than 3 moths), myringotomy is suggested which in some cases leads to problems. The tube helps in aerating the middle ear which helps in taking care of the infection and hearing loss. The other reasons that may prompt a doctor to suggest a fix are dysfunction of Eustachian tube causing chronic ear infections or barotrauma due to the blocked tube, problems of the eardrum, and seepage of cerebrospinal fluid in the middle ear.

Common Problems With the Ear Tube

The solution may involve use of plastic or metal tubes. Irrespective of the type of tube and whether the tube is installed for long or short duration, a small percentage of the patients may experience the following problems:

• In as much as 5% of patients there are chances of ear infection with tubes, either due to spread of existing infection from the respiratory organs or due to the bacteria entering the middle ear from around the tube or through it.
• There are chances of perforation of the eardrum (because of installation of small or short duration tube). The risk of ear perforation increases with the size and duration of the tube.
• Problems may occur in the form of scarring of the eardrum.
• If the fluid keeps on accumulating in the middle ear, the ear tube may get plugged and is neutralized.
• In most of the patients the tube squeezes out on its own and falls in the ear canal. However, if it comes out before its purpose was fulfilled or if it doesn't come out at all, creates ear problems.

These ear infections that some of the patients face are treated by doctors with the use of ear infection antibiotics in the form of ear drops. In case of perforation of the eardrum, the doctor may advise to go for myringoplasty to restore it. Ear tube fix is a commonly done surgery and most of the patients reap its benefits without any trouble. I hope, this article answers questions such as, "Are ear tubes right for my child?", for the worried parents.