Ear Tubes

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders often made out of plastic or metal that are inserted into the eardrum. When an ear tube is inserted, it creates an airway to help prevent a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Ear tubes can be used to help treat middle ear infections, inflammation, or excess fluid.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

Ear tubes are also called “tympanostomy tubes”, “ventilation tubes”, “myringotomy tubes”, or “pressure equalization tubes”. They can help patients of all ages find relief from fluid build-up, and they naturally fall out after a few months. Our team at South Florida ENT Associates is pleased to offer ear tubes to patients across the area.

The Ear Tube Procedure

Ear tubes are inserted through a short surgical procedure that is typically performed with general anesthesia to ensure that patients are comfortable. It takes between 15-30 minutes to perform. During the surgery, your surgeon will create a small hole in the eardrum using a scalpel or laser.

Excess fluid found within the ear will be drained, and the surrounding area will be cleaned in preparation for the tube. The surgeon will then place the tube into the hole and the recovery process can begin.

After several months, the tubes will fall out on their own and the holes will naturally close up. Once the tubes have fallen out, your provider will evaluate your ears and symptoms to determine if follow-up treatment is needed.

Conditions Treated

Excess or a buildup of fluid in the middle ear
Middle ear infections
Chronic ear infections
Inflammation in the middle ear
Hearing issues in children

Benefits of Ear Tubes

Instant relief from fluid buildup
Can help end repeated ear infections or inflammation of the middle ear
Can help children who have hearing loss or developmental delays in language or learning as a result of fluid buildup
The procedure can often be performed in 30 minutes or less
The procedure does not require follow-up visits for removal
The tubes fall out on their own and heal naturally

About SFENTA

SFENTA has over 30 locations across South Florida to help patients find complete relief from their ENT symptoms. We’ve been serving patients for over 30 years, and we are proud to be members of the local community. Our goal is to provide each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

Our providers understand that care should always be customized to meet patients’ needs and lifestyles, which is why they never push unnecessary or cookie-cutter treatment plans.

Continuity of Care

Our physicians believe in finding long-term care solutions that address each of the symptoms impacting your life.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

We’ve built a provider network staffed with over 50 physicians from all specialties of ENT care. This ensures you’re always seeing a provider who specializes in your symptoms or condition.

The Security of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations, you can ensure that our staff will always be available to you in your time of need.

Who is a Candidate?

The ideal candidates for ear tubes are those with chronic ear conditions including fluid buildups, middle ear infections, or inflammation.

Other candidates for ear tubes may include children with these conditions whose hearing or development has become delayed.

About the Ear Tube Experience

Before ear tube surgery, general anesthesia will be administered to ensure patients are kept relaxed during the procedure.

The surgeon will then make a small hole inside the eardrum and insert the ear tube. If the surgeon notices any fluid buildup, it will be suctioned out before the tube is inserted. Once the tube is inside, you will begin to experience immediate relief. After surgery, patients will recover at home and should expect only a short amount of downtime. Once the tubes have been in place for several months, they will fall out on their own and the hole will close.

FAQ

Will I need to return to SFENTA to have ear tubes removed?

No. They will naturally fall out after several months, and the holes will heal on their own.

How can ear conditions impact a child’s development?

For some children, a buildup of fluid in the middle ear can cause hearing problems. This can lead to developmental delays in language and learning, which may be corrected by ear tubes.