Ear Tubes

Ear Tubes services offered in Hollywood, FL

About one million children yearly receive ear tubes, which may be necessary to treat chronic ear infections, fluid buildup in the ears, or hearing loss. At the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida in Hollywood, Florida, board-certified doctor of osteopathy and otolaryngologist Craig Shapiro, DO, inserts ear tubes in patients who qualify for this procedure. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

Ear Tubes Q & A

What are ear tubes?

Ear tube surgery, also called a tympanostomy, is a procedure that places tubes (small, hollow cylinders) into the eardrums. Children with ongoing ear infections are common recipients of ear tubes, but teenagers and adults can also get them.

Ear tube procedures open the space between the middle and outer ear, equalizing pressure and allowing excess fluid to drain.

Which conditions may warrant ear tubes?

Ear tubes may be appropriate for patients with chronic ear problems. Examples include:

Ongoing ear infections
Ear pain
Hearing loss
Fluid buildup in the middle ear
Painful air pressure changes
Speech difficulties in children caused by hearing loss

A tympanostomy is one of the most common surgeries for kids. Dr. Shapiro meets with your family to determine if ear tubes are the best choice for your child. He discusses symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and any previous surgeries. He then tailors an individualized treatment.

What can I expect during ear tube placement?

It’s important to follow Dr. Shapiro’s pre-surgery instructions before receiving ear tubes. You or your child might need to stop taking certain medications and fast before the procedure.

Ear tube placement is often performed under general anesthesia. This means you or your child will be asleep during surgery to avoid any anxiety and discomfort.

Dr. Shapiro makes an incision in the eardrum, drains any fluid, and inserts an ear tube into each eardrum. If necessary, he can also remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy) during the same procedure to reduce the risk of needing future ear tube surgeries.

Ear tube placement often lasts 15 minutes or less, and you or your child can go home the same day.

What happens after receiving ear tubes?

Grogginess and nausea are common temporary side effects after receiving ear tubes under general anesthesia. Recovery time may be one to two days. You or your child might need ear drops, as well as ear plugs during showering or swimming. Ear tubes typically remain in place for about 9-18 months.

Follow up at the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida to ensure long-lasting results after ear tube surgery.

Schedule an evaluation for ear tubes at the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.