What to expect after surgery:

1) Improved hearing! Resolution of the hearing loss is immediate after drainage of middle ear fluid or infection. In fact, there may be increased sensitivity to loud noises initially.

2) Minimal, if any, discomfort. Most adults and older children report only relief of pain and pressure after tubes. Why the tears? Infants and toddlers are disoriented from the anesthesia, they are hungry from missed breakfast, and their ears may feel different and sensitive.

3) Drainage! Mucous, blood tinged, or purulent drainage from the ears is normal for several days or as long as a week after tube placement as the middle ear and mastoid inflammation resolves. Eardrops help to speed up this recovery.

Post-op care:

1) Resume normal diet and activity.

2) Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be adequate for any discomfort.

3) Eardrops- 3 drops to each ear twice daily for 3-5 days after surgery. This may be repeated if drainage recurs, as long as the tubes are in place.

4) Water precautions- earplugs (wax or fitted) are recommended if submersion is anticipated, such as swimming pools or rowdy bath time.

Follow up at the office: Post op evaluation 1-2 weeks after surgery. A post-treatment hearing test is normally scheduled the following month. Routine visits on a 6 month basis are advised until the tubes have extruded or have been removed (6months to 2 years).

Common questions:

1) Accidental water in the ear? There is a slight risk of infection, even with clean water. No big deal, just dab the ear dry and place 3 drops of the antibiotic eardrops as a preventative.

2) Drainage from the ear? Drainage = infection. Gently wipe away any excess crusting or mucous and start the antibiotic eardrops. This will usually clear the infection in 3 -7 days. Note that draining ears are often painless and are typically not associated with fever.

3) Can we use pain relief drops or swimmer's ear drops? These types of eardrops should not be used in ears with tubes (or perforated eardrums).

4) How long will the tubes stay in? The tubes we use normally come out in 6-18 months. The rate of extrusion depends on the growth of the eardrum and varies from person to person.

When to call:

1) Ear drainage that has not resolved in 5-7 days in spite of antibiotic drops. Microscope exam and culture is needed.

2) Ear drainage associated with cough, cloudy nasal discharge, sore throat and/or fever.

3) Tenderness, swelling, redness around the ear.