Tympanostomy tube

Tympanostomy tube, also known as a grommet, myringotomy tube, ventilation tube, or pressure equalizing tube, is a small tube inserted into the eardrum via a surgical procedure called myringotomy to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time, typically to prevent accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.

The tube itself is made in a variety of designs, most often shaped like a grommet for short-term use, or with long flanges and sometimes resembling a T-shape for long-term use. Materials used to manufacture the tubes are often made from fluoroplastic or silicone, which have largely replaced the use of metal tubes made from stainless steel, titanium, or gold.

Medical uses

Inserting tympanostomy tubes is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures in the United States, with 9% of children having had tubes placed sometime in their lives. Tympanostomy tubes are typically placed in one or both eardrums to help children suffering from recurrent acute otitis media (ear infection) or persistent otitis media with effusion (sometimes called "glue ear").

Tympanostomy tubes work by improving drainage, allowing air to circulate in the middle ear, and offering a direct route for antibiotics to enter the middle ear. Tube placement has been shown to increase hearing in children with persistent otitis media with effusion and may lead to fewer ear infections for children with frequent ear infections. Once placed, short-term tubes are designed to stay in the eardrum for 6–15 months, whereas long-term tubes are designed to stay for 15–18 months. Tympanostomy tubes usually fall out on their own as the eardrum heals over time; however, they can sometimes get stuck in the eardrum and require surgical assistance for removal.

Guidelines state that tubes are an option in:

Recurrent acute otitis media: three ear infections in six months or four infections in a year.