Maddern Post-Operative “Ear Tubes” Surgery Instructions

A myringotomy is an incision made in the eardrum in an effort to remove fluid or infection from the middle ear. Usually a small plastic tube is inserted through this opening in order to allow air to get to the middle ear for a prolonged period. It also allows for the continued drainage of middle ear fluid. This tube does not impair the hearing nor can it be felt by the patient. The tube usually remains in place for months and falls out on its own.

Day of The Procedure (after surgery)

1. Liquid or soft foods may be taken after your child has fully awakened from the anesthetic.
   
   
2. Pain in the ear may be present and is readily relieved by Tylenol.
   
   
3. Cotton may have been inserted in the ear canal at the time of surgery to absorb drainage. This drainage may be blood-tinged and may last for 2-3 days. The cotton should be changed as often as necessary while the drainage is present.
   
   
4. Eardrops of an antibiotic solution might have been used at the time of surgery. You should receive a prescription for antibiotic eardrops. Do not use the eardrops unless you are instructed to do so. Keep the prescription for possible future use.
   

Day After The Procedure

Activity should return to normal; your child may return to daycare or school.

General Instructions:

1. Water should not be allowed to enter the ear since this may cause an infection. Underwater swimming is not encouraged and jumping and diving into the water is prohibited. Limited swimming is allowed; older children (over 5 years) or children who are swimming routinely underwater (more than 3 feet) should wear ear protection. Several types of earplugs are available – none are waterproof.
   
   
2. Ear drainage may occur immediately after the procedure or at any time while the tubes are in place. If the ear drainage is runny, white, yellow green, bloody or foul smelling, please call the office for treatment instructions.
   
   
3. Ear popping, cracking, or pain on belching (burping), yawning and/or chewing are common following the insertion of the ear tubes. This will disappear as the ear returns to normal.
   
   
4. The tubes may be visible in the ear canal. They cannot be reached with a child’s probing finger, but can be reached with a Q-tip. DO NOT INSERT ANY OBJECTS INTO THE EAR CANAL except earplugs as required.
   
   
5. Hearing may be substantially improved after the procedure. Certain sounds and noises may by louder to your child. There may be a period of time when your child adjusts to the new hearing.
   

Post Operative Appointment

Please call the office to schedule your child’s post-operative appointment for 4-6 weeks after the surgery. At this visit, the position of the tubes will be determined and your child’s hearing may be evaluated.