Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents seek pediatric ENT care. When they occur frequently, ear infections can disrupt a child’s hearing, speech development, and overall well-being. One potential solution is the placement of ear tubes, but are they always necessary? In Nashville, TN, parents trust the specialists at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee to guide them through all of their treatment options, including the often debated topic of ear tubes. Trust our two decades of expertise once more as we educate you on the role of ear tubes, the benefits and risks, and what to expect from the procedure so that you can make the best decision for your child’s health.

Understanding Ear Tubes

Ear tubes - also known as typanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, or ventilation tubes - are tiny cylindrical tubes placed in the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and drain fluid. Children are more susceptible to ear infections due to their narrower and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which easily trap fluid and create an environment conducive to infections. Without ear tubes, this trapped fluid can cause pressure to build in the ear, causing pain and repeated infections. Surgically implanting ear tubes reduces the frequency and severity of ear infections, improving hearing and reducing or removing pain within the ear!

If your child experiences frequent ear infections, consult the pediatric ENT specialists at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee in Nashville to determine if ear tubes are appropriate.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Not every child with an ear infection needs ear tubes. Unless your child has frequent ear infections, alternative treatments should be considered before opting for ear tubes. These alternatives include:

Patiently Waiting: Often, the trapped fluid will disperse on its own, but it can take a while and may be painful as your child waits.
Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotic liquid drops inserted into the ear canal can help disrupt the trapped fluid and help it escape.
Addressing Underlying Issues: Other underlying causes, from allergies or sinuses, can lead to increased fluid in the ear, and addressing those issues first will lead to relief.

If you have attempted these alternatives with no positive changes, it may be time to consult a pediatric ENT specialist about opting for ear tubes. Pediatric ENT specialists typically recommend tube placement when a child experiences:

Recurrent Acute Otitis Media: This is when your child experiences three or more infections in six months, or four within the year.
Persistent Middle-Ear Effusion: When the child experiences persistent fluid behind the eardrum for over three months.
Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: Despite appropriate medical therapy, your child’s ear infections refuse to resolve or continue to worsen.
Hearing and Speech Issues: If your child’s hearing is worsening, or they mispronounce words, or begin to speak with slurred speech.

If your child meets these criteria, contact Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee today to book an evaluation with our pediatric ENT experts in Nashville, TN.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits

Improved Hearing: Many children notice clearer hearing within weeks of tube placement.
Rapid Relief: Within two weeks, pressure behind the ears begins to subside.
Fewer Infections: Studies show a significant drop in new ear infections after tube insertion.

Risks

Tube Blockage: Occasionally, tubes can increase clogging within the ear or leak fluid.
Persistent Perforation: In rare cases, the eardrum doesn’t fully close after tube extrusion, potentially requiring minor surgical repairs.
Repeat Procedures: Approximately 10-15% of children may need a second set of tubes if infections recur.

It’s essential for parents to weigh these risks against the benefits, especially in children with recurrent infections or hearing issues. Pediatric ENT specialists at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee provide thorough evaluations to help parents make informed decisions.

Discuss the potential risks and benefits of ear tubes with the specialists at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee to make the best choice for your child’s health.

The Procedure: What Parents Should Know

The insertion of ear tubes is a common and generally safe procedure. Performed under general anesthesia, the procedure typically takes about 15 minutes, and children often return home the same day. Post-operation care isn’t difficult, simply requiring that parents keep the ears dry and monitor for any signs of infection.

During Surgery

Key steps include:

Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the eardrum.
Fluid Removal: Any accumulated fluid is suctioned or flushed out.
Tube Insertion: The tiny tube is placed to keep the incision open for ongoing ventilation.

Long-Term Care

Ear tubes usually stay in place for 6-12 months before naturally extruding. During this time, parents should be aware of:

Routine Checks: Your pediatric ENT doctor will examine tube patency and eardrum healing.
Hearing Assessments: Routine hearing tests will be conducted to ensure your child’s auditory development stays on track.
Signs of Complications: Watch for persistent drainage, ear pain, or changes in hearing and report them promptly to your pediatric ENT doctor.

For more detailed information on the ear tube procedure and post-operative care, consult with the experienced team at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee in Nashville, TN.

OAT: Nashville’s Expert Pediatric ENT Doctors

At Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee, our board-certified pediatric ENT specialists combine decades of experience with compassionate care tailored to each child. Our pediatric ENT services encompass a range of treatments, including ear tube placement, hearing assessments, and management of chronic ear infections. From initial consultation through post-op follow-up, we prioritize comfort, clear communication, and evidence-based treatments. With a commitment to patient-centered care, Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee ensures that each child receives personalized attention and the highest quality of treatment.

Trust the experienced team at Otolaryngology Associates of Tennessee for your child’s ENT needs. Schedule an appointment today by visiting our website or calling us at (615) 340-4000.