Ear tube insertion is a simple outpatient surgery used to treat children (or occasionally adults) who have recurring ear infections, chronic persistent middle ear fluid (chronic otitis media) or severe Eustachian tube dysfunction.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the ear drum allowing insertion of a tube, typically made of fluoroplastic, into the incision to keep it open. This allows air to move between the ear canal and middle ear—equalizing pressure on both sides of the ear drum.
The tubes are temporary, generally lasting about a year before they fall out spontaneously.
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