How do you know if your baby needs ear tubes?

Warning signs of an ear infection

• Tugging at the ear(s)
• Fever.
• Trouble hearing.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Fussiness.
• Problems with balance.
• Fluid draining from the ear.

Are ear tubes painful for babies?

Most children have little pain after ear tube placement and usually recover quickly. Your child will feel tired for a day. But your child should be able to go back to school or daycare the day after surgery. Your child may want your attention more for the first few days after surgery.

What is the average age for ear tubes?

The most common ages for ear tube placement are from ages 1 to 3. By age 5, most children have wider and longer eustachian tubes that allow for better drainage of fluids from the ear.

How long is recovery for tubes in ears?

What is the recovery time? Your child will recover within a few days. There will be some drainage and slight pain, but this will go away in three to four days. There are some bathing and swimming restrictions because water in the ear can result in infection.

Are ear tubes painful?

Once the tubes are inserted, the patient may feel some popping, pulsation, or clicking in the ear. There will also be some minor pain, especially when burping, chewing, or yawning. The fluid will slowly run out as the days progress, and some patients see a clear discharge on the ear.

Is ear tube surgery necessary?

In most cases, surgery to remove an ear tube isn’t necessary. The tube usually falls out on its own, pushed out as the eardrum heals. A tube generally stays in the ear anywhere from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the type of tube used.

Can a child swim with tubes in their ears?

If you have ear tubes, you cannot swim. Earplugs should be worn during swimming to protect your child against ear infections and to protect their ear tubes.

What are the risks of ear tube surgery?

Possible risks include:

• Bleeding and infection.
• Persistent fluid drainage.
• Blocked tubes from blood, mucus or other secretions.
• Scarring or weakening of the eardrum.
• Tubes falling out too early or staying in too long.
• Failure of the eardrum to close after the tube falls out or is removed.

Are ear tubes considered surgery?

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, pressure equalization tubes) are tiny cylinders, usually made of plastic or metal, that are surgically inserted into the eardrum.

How painful is ear tube surgery?

Your child may experience some pain after ear tube surgery in the form of an earache. This is caused by pressure changes in the ear and/or hearing louder sounds than he or she is used to. You can treat this short term discomfort with Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Children’s Motrin® (ibuprofen).

How do you bathe a baby with ear tubes?

Bath After Ear Tubes The ears should not be completely submerged in water. However, water splashing on the outer ear should not cause a problem. If your child likes to place his or her head completely under water in the bath, keep the water at a very low level.

What are the side effects of getting tubes in your ears?

Ear tubes side effects: What are risks and complications of ear tubes?

• Failure to resolve the ear infections.
• Thickening of the eardrum over time, which affects hearing in a small percentage of patients.
• Persistent perforation after the tube falls out of the eardrum.
• Chronic ear drainage.
• Infection.
• Hearing loss.