Ear Grommet Care

Ear grommet care (middle ear ventilation tubes)

Ear grommets are tiny tubes placed in the eardrum to allow ventilation of the middle ear
Ear grommets prevent the accumulation of fluid and infection in the middle ear
Hearing should be restored and earache relieved after grommet placement
While the ear grommets are in place it is hoped the natural passage -the Eustachian tube (passage between the middle ear and nasopharynx) will open and naturally ventilate the middle ear
Ear grommet care will ensure the grommets and ears work well

To keep water out of the ears whilst swimming a silicone swim cap is helpful – especially whilst swimming at public pools
Water that is not clean can cause ear infections in patients with grommets – so it is best to keep the ears dry
However, clean water from showers usually does not lead to any problems for patients with grommets

A silicone swim cap is usually adequate to keep water out of the ears while swimming at public pools
Earplugs can also be helpful including large blobs of Blu-Tack, custom made earplugs (ask your audiologist) or cotton balls smeared in Vaseline – a swim cap may be helpful to keep earplugs in place
Do not use plugs made of waxy materials which may crumble and roll into the ear canal

Discharge is common for the first few days after surgery
However, if this does not settle visit your doctor who will arrange to contact your ENT specialist
Eardrops may be required and will be prescribed as needed
Your child will not be aware of the grommet tubes in the ears
Occasionally fluid drains for the first few days but should settle with eardrops
If your child protests, ward the bottle of ear drops to body temperature by placing the bottle in your pocket before use
Giving your child candy whilst they receive the eardrops may help as they may be able to taste the drops as they travel through to the throat

On average standard ear grommets remain in the eardrum for around 8 months although this ranges from 3 to 24 months
Eventually the grommet will drop out of the eardrum in the wax
The hole in the eardrum heals spontaneously in almost all cases

Generally follow-up for ear grommets will consist of:

A visit at 2 to 3 weeks for an ear check and again every 3 months for a hearing test and ear check until the grommets fall out
After one set of grommets 80% of children have no further problem though the remaining 20% will need a second or more set because of the ongoing Eustachian tube problem
If you have any questions about ear grommet care contact your doctor or your ear doctor in Sydney