Ear tubes may be considered when middle-ear fluid affects hearing or in selected recurrent infections. A yearly infection count or tympanometry result alone does not determine surgery.
Recurrent acute otitis criteria include 3 episodes in 6 months or 4 in 12 months, with at least 1 in the last 6 months; fluid at assessment also matters for tube decisions. Persistent fluid requires assessment of hearing, development and daily impact. Observation, hearing support and tubes are options. Risks include discharge, blockage, a persistent perforation and needing further tubes.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment