ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Myringotomy (puncture of the eardrum) is done to equalize air pressure or to release fluid from the middle ear. The eardrum usually heals completely and quickly. Often, a tiny hollow tube is inserted through the myringotomy site and left in place in the eardrum. These tubes usually remain in place 6-18 months and may fall out by themselves. Over time, the tube spontaneously extrudes as the eardrum heals. Rarely, the tube may need to be taken out by the surgeon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A dull ache the day of surgery is common and can be treated effectively with oral pain medication. Drainage from the ear can also occur and usually resolves within a few days. Drainage that continues beyond a week after surgery may require additional treatment. Usually, patients can resume their normal activities immediately following surgery. There are no dietary restrictions. Patients can return to school or work the next day. Ear tubes do not prevent future ear infections but can facilitate drainage and resolution of ear infections. Drainage following upper respiratory infections is common and can be treated with antibiotic ear drops as needed.

CARING FOR THE EAR

No water should be allowed to enter the ear as long as the ear tubes are in place. Showering is fine as long as the ear canal is occluded with a cotton ball lightly coated with Vaseline, waterproof ear plugs (such as silicone putty-type ear plugs), Ear Band-It™, or custom-made ear plugs (available through the Audiology Department, 559-448-5640). Swimming after a myringotomy or tube placement is permissible if water can be kept out of the ears by the above means. Ear drops are sometimes provided by your physician for use following surgery. Oral antibiotics are not routinely prescribed post-operatively.

FOLLOW-UP

Patients are usually seen in the Head & Neck Surgery Clinic within 2-4 weeks after surgery. Patients are then followed periodically thereafter until the myringotomy has healed or the tube has extruded. Following surgery, you should arrange your first postoperative appointment by calling 559-448-4467.

CALL FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Severe earache. The majority of patients have some earache which is not serious and which is relieved by acetaminophen.

2. Drainage from the ear lasting more than one week.

3. Severe dizziness or hearing loss.

WHEN AND WHO TO CALL

Between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday: 559-448-4467 (Head & Neck Surgery Clinic) After 5:00 pm and on weekends: 559-448-4555 (Advice nurse)