Ear Tubes Overview: why do we place tubes, indications, procedure, risks

Ear Tubes Overview
Summary:
Used to clear middle ear of fluid or pressure and to decrease ear infections
Usually a procedure performed in children, but also in adults on rare occasion
Recurrent ear infections
Chronic ear infections
Severe ear infections with complications
Chronic fluid behind the eardrum with muffled hearing
Under 5 minute procedure that can be done in the office in adults but requires sedation with gas in the OR in kids.
Tubes usually come out on their own in about 1.5 years. Can require a separate procedure to remove them in 2-3 years if they have not come out on their own. Small risk of persistent hole in eardrum that can be patched.
Adenoids can sometimes be a factor in why someone needs tubes.
Medical Disclaimer: All comments are generalizations and intended to be for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[@kirbfx]

This is by far the best explanation as to what causes these issues and how surgery can correct it I’ve come across. Thank you! 🙏

[@jenniferhalliday9310]

Had multiple tubes as a kid and ended up getting a tempanoplasty mastoidectomy in 4th grade. Didn’t have issues after that until I hit puberty and then got about two or three infections a year. Went back to the pediatric ent that did my surgery and got tubes in my ears when I was 16. Haven’t had an ear infection since but did still have chronic nose bleeds so I got a septoplasty and adnoidectomy when I was 20 and haven’t had any nosebleeds in the 2 years since the surgery and no ear infections in almost 5 years! Thankful for modern medicine.

[@c.c7263]

Do you have hearing loss?

[@alesianelson7584]

I wish I found a dr like this sooner. I live in a small town with not many options and some of the options I had were not the right physicians for me. I had ear problems for past 3 yrs that caused sinus issues as well. I tried netti pot but left side of my face couldn't drain and it got much worse. I would get infections every 6 months, then every 3 months, and now monthly. I had to switch drs after mine let me enjoy an ear and sinus infection for 3 months to the point my face was badly swollen and I was horribly sick. I've been on antibiotics for 3 months now because it keeps coming back. Finally getting ear tubes tomorrow, and this video really explains what's going on and why. Thank you! Excited to get some relief with ear tubes and feeling better :)

[@mayas4986]

Thanks for this video. I have never had an infection but my ears do struggle to drain water. I am 12 and I can still remember when I was in 2nd grade I didn’t understand what was happening but that was the first time my hearing was muffled! It started happening again in the beginning of this year and stopped. Unfortunately my right ear is having trouble again. When my doctors mentioned tubes I was so freaked out and I do not want that at all. They put me on a nasal spray but it’s not working anymore. This video definitely informed me of what is really going on and makes me feel better if I do have to get tubes in the future.

[@c.c7263]

Try Otovent or blowing with your nose and mouth closed, it helps opening your eustachian tube and puts it at work to equalize pressure in middle ear and evacuate liquid from it...

[@dannysanchez3581]

I always got ear infections growing up. But as an adult in their 20s, I still get the occasional ear infection. I’m currently going through one, ear infection in both ears and experiencing constant popping, pain and muffled hearing. And I currently going through my third round of antibiotics and drops. Your video was really informing and answered some questions and concerns I had regarding tubes. As there is a possibility I’ll be getting them in both ears soon.

[@katjones4840]

My little guy has a bad speach delay. He’s gonna get tubes and adenoids removed. This is a great video!!

[@ebtisamlutfi2955]

How is your son doing now please?

[@Itsonlytien]

Great video! Can you make one on chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults?

[@airehannagriffin6992]

PLEASE READ IF AFRAID VERY DETAILED Hope this helps I am a 22-year-old female who just got tubes placed in both my ears yesterday. I was put under anesthesia and surgery was performed I took medication before I left the hospital and when I got home I was sleep until around 8pm once I woke up and the meds wore off the pain was MASSIVE PAIN I had a very bad headache and my ears also my lymph nodes (from bottom of my ear to the middle of my throat) were also in a lot of pain I kept getting hot out of the blue and felt like my head was being smashed between two trains and I’m not even exaggerating a little. Today is day two and I’m feeling a little bit better still very nauseous and can’t eat much but it’s not as bad as yesterday I started taking Tylenol rapid release I took five 500 mg and started doing my ear drops. It’s 4 drops in each ear twice a day. I’m feeling very big difference as far as the pressure in my ears and the terrible migraines. Also another thing every time I burp or hiccup it feels like I am about to bust my ear drums 😭😂. From time to time my ears pop open and its like I can hear a needle drop but it’s stops back up. before I couldn’t hear anything at so it’s already going very good in the right direction I know soon my hearing will completely return. I hope this really helps someone!!!!!! They surgery it’s self is not bad I don’t even remember being rolled back 😂 I just remember waking up and crying telling the pregnant nurse how good of a mother she is going to be then passing out once again before being released.

[@NikiH_Coach]

Do you have an update? How are your tubes doing?

[@vanessabe1115]

Any update?

[@cambi2797]

I had ear tubes three times as a child plus an adenoidectomy 😂 my brother had ear tubes 8 times though so I guess I can’t complain. He also had an ear reconstruction surgery and hasn’t had any problems since then. I still get infections and I’m 16!! Very annoying :( my hearing is worse and right now I have a bilateral middle ear infection and swimmers ear which is unfortunate. I’m on drops and amoxicillin but it doesn’t seem to be getting better and the drops hurt soooooo bad. I think I might have perforated my eardrums too.

[@lauraeager373]

Though I had ear infections as a little kid, I had more as an adult and have had three (soon to be four) sets of tubes placed. All places in the OR, my choice, and I would never do it without general anesthesia.

[@manishakarki2456]

Very good explanation thanks alot

[@skalim6081]

Hello Dr. Gene Liu, I just got surgery in Pakistan (4th Feb 2019) and got my sinus removed and nose bone was fixed because I had liquid in my middle ear and my hearing was compromised. I was told to avoid water entry after the surgery which I am taking care of. My Question is, is there any possibility that I could mistakenly touch the tube (by finger, Ear-buds, Ear Plug) in my ear and dislocate it which I need to get checked by my doctor. Appreciate your reply on this. Regards

[@GeneLiuMD]

It really depends on what type of tube that they used. The "standard" tubes would be small enough and deep enough that you would be highly unlikely to touch them with fingers, headphones, etc... The longer lasting tubes ("T-tubes" typically) might be reachable if they are the longer ones and if your ear canal is shorter. But even those, in most people, are not going to be reached. The only way to really know is to ask your surgeon.

[@nloukinova]

Thank you. Nice video.

[@CritterHunter]

I got this when I was young, and was told they would come out on their own. But after 10ish years they never did, and water always gets in my head. Eventually I got them removed.. But now I'm a professional scuba diver, and my head is always full of water and ears throbbing (maybe hearing my heart beat). I'm wondering if there is still a hole from the tubes that is letting water in.

[@ArmyStay0T70T8]

Yeah I'm adult getting tubes soon from inner ear infections that wouldnt heal even with meds. Lost my hearing in right ear completely and hoping tube will help. It's kinda overwhelming and hard to deal with and I'm kinda nervous about it.

[@JCcanU]

You feel a pin prick that is all , like sticking your thumb with a thumb tack . as far as overnight into the next day you feel like you have a bug crawling in your ear . just a funny itch .

[@GeneLiuMD]

The tube is simple and nothing to be too worried about. The question is investigate is why you are having this type of issue now. Good luck!

[@ArmyStay0T70T8]

@@GeneLiuMD inner ear infections caused scar tissue from what my ent said

[@Reneebenson]

I just got referred to the ent I went back for the 3rd time because I have right tube disfunction, also I have fluid build up behind my ear drums so the dr says its bulging I'm done with having all the ringing and buzzing in my ears

[@karupan3129]

​@Reneebenson how are u now

[@living4Jesusnow]

Thank you Doc!

[@usandourfamily8936]

Thank you Dr.!

[@zrosa6229]

Yes I'm a 57 years old lady who can not stop taking antibiotics because after I'm done with the antibiotics it comes back again. Now I have to go to a neurologist because they think I have an infection in my brain. Can it be my ears? The ENT told me there's nothing wrong with my sinuses. They did a scan and say I didn't need surgery.. Can you help me?

[@zrosa6229]

I haven’t heard anything from you.

[@kirbfx]

Zoraida Rosa Why don’t you contact his office and perhaps see about scheduling an appointment??

[@slenophile7107]

Sir I HOPE YOU NOTICE MY REQUEST .plz. There are very less videos on Patulous EUSTACHIAN tube cure..in which Eustachian tube Is widely opened...you re only Hope for us .plzz make a video on Cure for patulous eustachian tube

[@jakesinaz]

Thank you for this vid. Wish you were my dr

[@juanpena2444]

Hey Dr. Gene Liu , just wanted to see if I can get some sort of opinion or anyone that has gone through what I’m going through , I’ve had issues with my balance since July 19th and I’ve gone with several doctors and ent specialist , and still nothing , when it first happened I had no idea what i had cause I didn’t know fluid in the ear can throw you off , then a month into it I started getting bad vertigo and went to a doctor the next day and told me to take mucinex cause my ears were clogged , so I did and felt so much better like it all went away , but 3 days later the symptoms of unbalanced came back , so I went with another ent specialist and he ended up doing a procedure “ incision to eardrum and vacuuming out fluid build up “ and once again I felt like I have been totally relieved , until a week and a half later symptoms came back , I’m in no pain whatsoever, specialist are considering ear tubes , eng test , etc , I just don’t know what else to do , any recommendations from yall? Thanks

[@GeneLiuMD]

fluid in the ear can definitely affect balance. The more concerning thing for me is why someone would all of a sudden develop ear fluid. Usually for adults, it only happens with dramatic changes in pressure (flights, scuba diving, etc) when you are somewhat congested (cold, allergies, etc). I would make sure that someone is looking into why you would now have issues with getting ear fluid at all.

[@juanpena2444]

Juan Pena The only thing that was going on before I started getting symptoms was the African Sahara Dust that came this way , I’m from south Texas and I do work outdoors everyday and I could smell that I was inhaling dust , I’ve never had allegry issues nor sinus issues , but I’ve been considering getting the ear tubes but I’m thinking it would help but I’m also scared that once they come out my symptoms would return again , every time I go with a specialist here in town it’s like they’re rushed to handle all the people they have to attend to in the office , literally last time I went I spoke with the ent specialist for like 5 min , didn’t even let me explain detailed issues of what I’m feeling, it was also last week I heard my right ear cracking when I was going to bed , but went away when I woke up this morning , if I was anywhere near lost ángeles I would definitely have gone to your office to see if you could help

[@Theebestest86]

My little 3yr old has to get hers a 2nd time. Her drainage is bad and her cold made her ears so bad ears bleed. But 2 wks now and its reccomendd to put in another set in.

[@GeneLiuMD]

A small number of children that get one set of tubes do go on to benefitting from a 2nd set. A lot of times with the 2nd set, we frequently consider an adenoidectomy at the same time. Best of luck! The vast majority of kids who get a 2nd set, do not go on to getting a 3rd set.

[@tiredbee]

Dear Dr Gene Liu I am 67 and I had a Ct scan, my dr was not sure but big possibility I may have liquid in my middle air I was told so he has suggested to put a tube and keep it for a year to see how drainage will function again. My question is if I don’t have surgical this procedure how bad things may develop in terms of knowing perhaps there is liquid there. I am not comfortable with the idea of this operation really. Is it possible that fluid may cause other problems if it is left there?Thank you so much

[@kromekicks]

How long before the ear infection spreads or causes permanent damage? I'd like to know if my toddler can wait a month to have the surgery, so that the insurance will cover it. Currently he's uninsured. His last round of antibiotics was about 1.5 months ago. Thanks.

[@shaikbasha1730]

Hi i have otitis media... I habbe done myrogotomy and gromment insertion.. I feel that my hearing level is the same

[@plannermomtoboys]

I have tube surgery tomorrow. My ear never pop and my ear drum is clasped and has been that way for months. I have also had Sinoblasty surgery last month . I am 27 years old

[@plannermomtoboys]

Also they are pretty me asleep due to large amount of scar tissue from previous surgeries when i was a kid

[@GeneLiuMD]

It's rare in an adult to start having these issues. The real concern is to find out why this is happening. A tube can bypass the problem, but does not tell you what is going on and does not fix the underlying issue. I obviously don't know what kind of evaluation and work up you have had so far.

[@DIBGlayz]

I have a similar situation, I have retracted eardrums and alot of pressure from my ears that can never pop. It's been a year and they click and try to pop all day every second!! Did the tubes help after your surgery !!!?

[@plannermomtoboys]

@@DIBGlayz yes and no I feel like my ear drum is clasped again because they dont pop anymore. It's been a year after my surgery. All my doctor says that I might have to another set put in

[@IdolEyes84]

@@plannermomtoboys Yay there's hope. :) I have the same issues as well as sinus, dizziness and heyfever. Hope the tubes fix the symptoms of popping/fullness, dizziness and tiredness. It's just all about air equalisation. I think I might have allergies or issues with nerves? Might need to see an immunologist and get an MRI/CT scan.

[@andycarrillo48]

Can you lose low frequencies permanently from an ear tube???? I can’t hear any bass sounds anymore.

[@user-bh6fg2pv9k]

. Hi Dr, (my English isn't good enough) My 8. 5 years old daughter had adenoidectomy n ear tubes surgery on 23rd October 2023 but I was in conflict because her symptoms were not serious n she started sleeping with closed mouth n without snoring. Dr did her hearing test n it was almost OK. She had ear infection infection just two times in her life. That's why I cancelled the surgery. Please let me know what should I do. I want to have a 2nd opinion.

[@JCcanU]

February 2019 I got a sore throat and my ears plugged up medications did not help I could not hear at all . July 1 2019 my ear drum burst , on the 12th they did tubes I can hear fine . it is no fun losing your hearing , could not hear people on the phone , try to make transactions was imposable. lucky i have no hearing loss .

[@ArmyStay0T70T8]

How was the surgery ? Any pain after ?

[@JCcanU]

@@ArmyStay0T70T8 very little pain , Ibuprofen helps , from july 1st to the 12 it hurt worse all the fluid behind my ear drum made it burst, getting tube is worth it . my ear is still draining fluid and the tube is working . main thing i can hear people on the phone and in the same room , i was about deef .

[@ArmyStay0T70T8]

@@JCcanU ok thanks I hope it works for me too.

[@minalmanza1018]

I’ve had this done for constant ear infections and they prescribed ciprodex ear drops but all I see are bad reviews! Are these ear drops usually prescribed post op?

[@livestreaming7295]

Is it normal to encounter ear ringing after the procedure? I had this done today and the ear ringing is gone but after they put the tube. The ear ringing is comeback and it’s high but the good thing is i feel relief. I was wondering it’s because of the tube but the doctor said he will remove it after 7 days.

[@tonimarquez9395]

I had sinus surgery and a tube put in my ear 7 days ago. I have had problems with my right ear since I was 3 months old. I am concerned that I have had no drainage at all from that ear. When I get a cold or sinus or allergies I always get this swishing sound it does it to the tune of my heartbeats. And very itchy down in there. I have had no drainage since the the tube was put in but I have a lot of itching in the ear still and my hearing is effected a little has Been for awhile I am afraid my hearing will never come back. And I want to know what I can do for the itching down in the ear without damaging the tube. Why do I not get drainage from this ear it gives me pain when it bothers me as well.... plz help!

[@playinghooky2352]

Very informational doctor thank you very much I am a 35 year old man that always has air pressure in my ears and never can pop it I use swimmer's ear all the time don't work I have jaw pain and shoulder pain do you think tubes would benefit me I also have Crohn's disease and bone death and a weak autoimmune system if anybody has answers please help

[@pratikgehlot9516]

hey did u got those?

[@pratikgehlot9516]

please reply

[@bleacherz7503]

Is 2% acetic acid solution appropriate after tube placement for adults ?

[@RudeBoiRoogy]

Does everyone’s hearing come back once the tubes have been put in? Any help from anyone experiences would be great. I’m on day 13 after ear infection, had 2 courses of antibiotics and the pain has stopped but I still have echoing and plugged hearing on the right ear with tinnitus from the infection few weeks back. If I get the plug placed or Eustachian tube surgery will my hearing come back and tinnitus stop once the fluid has drained from the middle ear? Thanks everyone

[@alyssaambere5429]

Any update?

[@judywildman9526]

Hi my right ear causes me problems and I'm an adult now

[@BlackAM]

What does it mean if your ears keep popping?

[@IdolEyes84]

Thank you! Great work, I subscribed. I found that I have ETD from my own research. I have had a lot of doctors just say it's TMJ, TMJ is from the jaw, the popping only I hear so I know it's ETD. Could it be from sinus and allergies? I am getting grommets put in next week. I have also had tubes put, adenoid and tonsils removed when I was a little kid. No issue for years, except now as an adult for the past 3 years. I feel dizzy/unbalance. I ear popping and clicking when I try to unpop my ears, it's like bubbles or pop rocks popping, it happens when I move my jaw, mouth, ears, neck and soft palate. I am hoping the air pressure will be more equalised so they won't feel so full. should I get an MRI scan to see the nerves? I know the ET are inflamed and I also have a slightly deviated septum.I have fainted in the past so it could be from that. I might need skin prik and allergy tesssting to find the cause? Can I wear iphone ear buds after surgery?

[@kevingrenoble92]

Curious how you made out with the procedure you had done? I've had similar symptoms for about a year and the ENT keeps saying it's not related to my ears. I can't see how it isn't.

[@IdolEyes84]

@@kevingrenoble92 I've checked my nerves as well and they seem ok. Still trying to find answers and fix it.

[@IdolEyes84]

I haven't had a MRI scan yet. I am going to the physio for eye exercises so I don't get so dizzy.

[@kevingrenoble92]

So the tubes in your ears didn't work?

[@nikkichevere]

Hello doc I was wondering if you could possibly list or do a video as to why my inner ears itch so bad I'm currently battling am ear infection and have been placed on antibiotics to help solve the issue however a doctor I currently saw said I have ear fussion and I constantly deal with pressure issues put of nowhere my ears pop for no reason and my ears tend to itch quite often..not sure If I explained this very well . Thank you

[@IdolEyes84]

allergies?

[@donsan6404]

how long is the operation

[@GeneLiuMD]

It typically takes between 1-5 minutes.

[@JCcanU]

They did mine in 3 minutes .

[@shaikbasha1730]

I had done my ear tubes done yesterday .but i dont see any improvement?

[@GeneLiuMD]

What was it done for?

[@shaikbasha1730]

Done for otitis media.. Placed grommets in my ears.. But dont see any improvement. What might be the reason?

[@GeneLiuMD]

​@@shaikbasha1730 "otitis media" is very general term (if you can believe it) that can mean many things. Was it for pressure? Fluid? Infection? There are many types of OM...

[@shaikbasha1730]

@@GeneLiuMD fluid gene.. I was not able to hear below 42 db voices. Esp. At office,my hearing was very limited as we dont speak loudly at office. What should be done to improve hearing. Im going to office today, so will get to know whether m hearing properly

[@shaikbasha1730]

@@GeneLiuMD i think it was for fluid..the doctor didnt mentioned it exactly what OM category it is

[@Thanshi123]

Does OME recur after surgery and recovery process is over(4 year old)?If yes,should surgery be done again or just medication will do?

[@GeneLiuMD]

Most kids never need tubes. Most who get one set don't need a second. There are those that do. If OME recurs, some will clear with time and/or meds, some benefit from tubes again.

[@Thanshi123]

@@GeneLiuMD Thank u sir..In my kid's case, upon each episode of cold,fluid build up becomes an issue as hearing is affected..It's over one year now. Sir, having said this, what is Ur valuable advice in the case of my 4 year old boy?

[@grantbaxter4898]

I have just had t tubes for the second time can someone tell me is it normal to have one ear feeling alot of pressure and pulsating 3 days after procedure and when should this improve

[@Jess-tj7ve]

How much costb

[@shiannsunshine]

💖

[@HikerChick2]

My surgery for tubes didn’t work. I’m in more pain, my ears still pop, and I can’t hear very well. Has this happened to anyone?

[@hinatahouga]

Why did you get tubes?

[@marialourdesavellana966]

Hi doc im just asking ... my 2yrs old baby have ear infection then the doc give us antibiotic & drop ... know he have dry blood ..can u help me how to remove it

[@marialourdesavellana966]

Please i need a response ..thank tou

[@CD-ej5cb]

Have these tubes changed in the last 20 years? Because when I had them from 2000 to 2005 (they didn't fall out) I was told to wear ear plugs anytime I went under water. Whenever I did get water in my ears with these in it was incredibly painful, like a fire alarm going off in my head!😱

[@ChristopherArnold1991]

I just had this procedure done about a week and a half ago. And the almost immediately after they were put in my hearing was muffled and I practically felt deaf in my left ear. I then got an ear infection and I'm now just recovered from it but I'm back to that same feeling as the initial surgery. I had it done because I had light fluid in the ear that was causing a pressure issue, with a crinkly noise in the ear when I tried to pop them. Is this normal and should I wait longer, or should I request to have them taken out?

[@ianalvaroo]

How are you feeling right now? How about your hearing now? Is it still muffled?

[@ChristopherArnold1991]

@@ianalvaroo It's definetly not muffled but the pressure is way off to where simple things like crouching will make it feel sucked in.

[@AK-om3gn]

Hey I just had ear tube inserted in one ear yesterday for ETD. I have the same muffled hearing. Did it go away for you? And how long did it take to get better? I hope you're good now!

[@rudymezapinela4026]

Hi there , I just had this procedure done , had exactly the same muffled and deafness sensation as soon as they put the tubes in ( no infection) . Tell me please. How long did the deafness last for you?

[@ChristopherArnold1991]

It lingered for about a month, close to two but my hearing is close to normal now, still suffer tinnitus from it tho

[@johntorres8869]

i am getting ear tubes................ i am 55

[@pratikgehlot9516]

hey did u got those?